Senior Financial Controller - Procure to Pay

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Senior Financial Controller- Procure to Pay

 
 
The Role:

We are looking for a seasoned Financial Controller Procure to Pay to lead financial accounting operations at the British Council. This role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting in collaboration with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), while overseeing retained financial processes related to Procure to Pay, statutory and tax reporting, banking and compliance with corporate policies. The role also supports management information, cashflow reporting, and audit processes. The position manages a geographically dispersed team of financial controllers and handles escalations, supports sanctioned countries, and liaises with local authorities while driving continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.

Accountabilities:  

• Leadership & Team Management
  Lead and inspire a geographically dispersed financial team, promoting British Council values, professionalism, and a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Financial Oversight
  Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in collaboration with the Managed Service Provider (MSP), maintaining high standards of financial discipline and insight.
• Compliance & Controls
  Oversee statutory and tax reporting, audit processes, and financial compliance. Implement KPIs for controls and ensure adherence to corporate policies and accounting standards.
•  Stakeholder Engagement
  Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and the MSP, ensuring alignment with professional accounting standards and external reporting requirements.
•  Technical Expertise
  Provide expert guidance on complex accounting issues, liaise with specialist finance functions, and ensure appropriate treatment of unusual transactions.
• Service & Process Improvement
  Drive transformation initiatives, centralize activities with the MSP, and implement updated financial procedures, systems, and reporting standards.
• Audit & Risk Management
  Manage internal and external audit processes, address escalations, and ensure timely resolution of financial accounting issues while embedding a culture of shared accountability.

Requirements of the role:

• Strong Procure to Pay, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Closing and Compliance skills.
• Excellent IT skills and proficient in Excel & SAP
• Effective communication and influencing skills, able to relay complex financial information in an easy-to-understand way.
• Extensive experience of working as Controller in an MNC environment
• Highly organized and deadline-driven professional with strong relationship-building skills across all levels. Adaptable, self-motivated, and proactive in navigating dynamic, fast-paced environments with independence and initiative.
• Track record of managing key finance function and leading an efficient, innovative and result oriented team.
• Ability to review processes, identify gaps and make improvements

Closing Date:   Applications will close on Tuesday 10 Jun 2025 at 23:59 IST

Important Information: 

Department: Financial Control Centre of Excellence 

Contract type: Indefinite Contract
Pay band: 8

Location: Noida, India

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in India. 

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