MSP Finance Relationship Lead

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

The Role 

The MSP Finance Relationship Lead will report solid-line to the Head of Global Finance Process and dotted-line to the Global Business Services (GBS) Operations Head. The role is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for both captive and outsourced finance operations, ensuring that the right operational capabilities are engaged efficiently and effectively to support the organisation’s long-term objectives. Working closely with Finance Transformation, Operations Leadership, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs), the role will oversee supplier performance, stakeholder engagement, service delivery governance, and operational excellence across finance services. As part of British Council’s Professional Services Transformation, the role will support the development of a mature GBS model that aligns internal stakeholder requirements with effective supplier management practices and industry standards.

Within the centrally governed GBS framework, the MSP Finance Relationship Lead will be accountable for managing operational performance, contract governance, service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), transition activities, transformation initiatives, benefit tracking, change implementation, escalation management, and performance reporting. The role will work in partnership with Professional Services stakeholders who retain accountability for service delivery, operating model design, process ownership, and transformation prioritisation, while collaborating with Procurement, Legal, and other corporate functions on supplier relationship management, commercial and contractual matters, compliance obligations, and public procurement regulatory reporting. Together, these partnerships will ensure robust governance, continuous improvement, and the successful delivery of finance services through the managed services operating model.

Main responsibilities

The MSP Finance Relationship Lead will be responsible for delivering strategic initiatives for the Global Finance Process function in partnership with the Managed Service Provider (MSP), ensuring alignment with British Council’s contractual commitments and transformation objectives. The role will maintain strong strategic and operational relationships with regional and global finance leadership teams, building confidence in service delivery while ensuring stakeholder requirements are understood and met within agreed contractual, financial, and performance targets. Working closely with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) and leadership teams, the role will support the evolution of the finance operating model, process design, governance frameworks, and change approval mechanisms, while contributing to the development and implementation of strategies that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of finance operations.

The role will also be accountable for overseeing service provider performance and driving continuous improvement across outsourced finance operations. This includes monitoring adherence to contractual service standards, reviewing quality management and knowledge retention practices, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards, and supporting regular audits of operational processes. The MSP Finance Relationship Lead will analyse operational data to provide strategic insights and executive-level reporting, identify risks and implement mitigation plans, and support the design and delivery of change management activities, including communication and training strategies. In partnership with the provider, the role will champion transformation and continual improvement initiatives, ensuring that finance processes remain well documented, consistently controlled, and focused on delivering sustainable business value.

Role specific skills

• Expert in managing multiple blended finance processes with large headcount.
• Ability to advise and guide provider resources to bring delivery excellence, improve customer experience in the British Council environment.
• Good understanding of industry best practices in the finance domain
• Follow participative style of leadership, engage in cross-departmental networking and author forward-thinking service delivery plans with partners.
• Proven successes in building, growing, and improving profitability, performance & value to business.
• Highly effective influencing and enabling skills.
• The ability to problem-solve and anticipate issues.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills

Role specific knowledge and experience

Essential

• Prior experience preferably in a leading role in the relevant function of a large global diverse organisation
• Extensive experience in managing end to end finance operations.
• Analytical, evaluative, and finance management abilities with keen attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Worked in global diverse organisations, especially alongside Global Process Owners, and other senior Finance professionals
• Demonstrated track record of deploying digital technology to drive transformation within Finance.

Language Requirements

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

Education

• Degree level or equivalent experience

Professional Qualification and Certification

• Qualified accountant is preferable [CIMA, ACCA, ACA, CFA, or international equivalent]
• Must-have strong and broad shared services experience

British Council | Pay Band 9

Location: Noida, India

Department: Finance

Contract: Indefinite Contract

Apply by: Sunday, July 12th (23:59 local time)
Interview Window: TBD

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in India at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.  British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service.  This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org