**Refined Job Description:**
**About the Business:**
The British Council, a renowned organization promoting cultural relations and educational opportunities worldwide, is seeking a Regional Financial Controller to join its team in the United Arab Emirates. The Finance and Corporate Services department plays a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability and compliance across various regions. The British Council values diversity, flexibility, and professionalism in its work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
**Role Purpose:**
As the Regional Financial Controller, you will lead financial accounting activities for a key area of the British Council, collaborating closely with the Managed Service Provider (MSP) and FC COE to ensure accurate financial reporting and risk management. Managing a team of financial controllers across multiple locations, your responsibilities include overseeing in-country processes, statutory/tax reporting, banking responsibilities, regulatory compliance, and addressing escalated issues effectively.
**Role Context:**
Operating in the MENA region entails navigating evolving regulatory landscapes such as VAT & Corporate Income Tax implementations. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring timely responses to these changes while maintaining tax compliance through collaboration with tax accountants and global teams.
**Main Accountabilities Include but not Limited to:**
- Providing leadership and guidance to the team while upholding British Council values.
- Overseeing financial activities like statutory/tax reporting and liquidity management.
- Building strong stakeholder relationships for effective business partnering.
- Offering expertise on professional accounting standards and technical issues.
- Implementing new accounting requirements aligned with professional standards.
**Role Specific Skills:**
- Excellent communication skills to convey complex financial information clearly.
- Strong analytical abilities.
- Exceptional organizational skills with a focus on meeting deadlines.
- Ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.
- Flexibility and initiative to thrive in a dynamic environment.
**Role Specific Knowledge and Experience:**
*Minimum/Essential*
- Extensive experience in financial controllership roles with diverse teams.
- Proficiency in Professional Accounting Standards and SAP/ERP systems.
*Desirable*
- Familiarity with Shared Services Operations.
- Experience leading change initiatives.
**Education/Qualifications:**
Qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience.
Fluency in English is essential for this role due to operational requirements within the British Council. If you are an experienced financial leader looking to make an impact within a globally recognized organization committed to excellence and innovation, we invite you to apply for this position. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned professionals seeking leadership roles within finance departments operating across international borders. Join us in shaping the future of financial management at the British Council. Apply now!
Seniority Level: Executive Level
Job Functions: Finance
Industries : Education
