2 Graduate Vacancies At British Council, Lagos

The British Council is the world’s leading cultural relations organization and creates opportunities for people in the UK and worldwide to understand each other, to work together and learn from one another. We see this as crucial to building secure, more prosperous and sustainable futures for us all. We build trust and understanding between different countries and cultures and develop strong international links that are of benefit to people in Britain and the rest of the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

1. Job Title: Risk and Compliance Analyst – West Africa
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Role Type Advisory, Policy and Expertise
Pay Band: 7/F
Duration: Indefinite
Reports to: Regional Head Risk and Compliance
Role Purpose

• This role exists to monitor the effectiveness of financial controls, using corporate frameworks as specified; to monitor risk levels and take corrective action where this is required. It also acts as the first point of contact within the region for counter-fraud activity, and will participate in and lead regional investigations as needed drawing on the expertise of the Central Fraud team and acting on their advice. The role holder is accountable for recommending appropriate action to the Regional Finance Director.
• The post-holder is accountable for Financial Risk Responses, supporting the implementation of and monitoring the adherence to, Finance policy and process in the cluster, providing a critical part of the feedback loop to Regional Head Risk and Compliance.
• They will proactively analyse the control environment, identify hot spots and ‘trouble shoot’ as needed.
• They will make recommendations to Regional Head Risk and Compliance for remediation and drive through change to meet required standards.
• They will also lead on counter-fraud planning and initiatives within their cluster, working closely with the central counter fraud team.

Context and Environment:

• The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.
• We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body.

Internal Operating Context-Regional:

• The SSA Business Plan sets out ambitious growth targets for both the number of people we will work with and the income that we will generate. Turnover by 2020 is expected to be over to £90 million in SSA, driven predominately by growth in Contract income as well as Exams and Teaching centres, despite a declining grant funding from centre. We also expect to be more profitable, reinforcing financial sustainability. At the same time we aim to achieve a step-change in the quality and performance of the
• British Council’s Finance function by April 2018. This will be achieved through more consistent standard of financial reporting enabling more informed decision making and satisfy the standards demanded by external stakeholders.
• The organisation will achieve this by becoming increasingly efficient and commercial in its approach whilst maintaining its public service ethos and charitable purpose. This will be done through the implementation of a number of change programmes, which will result in more efficient and simpler processes.
• This inevitably will expose the region to increased risks, which must be carefully mitigating in a manner that allows business to continue seamlessly.
• The successful candidate must be collaborative and proactive in approach to successfully manage this large portfolio.

Main Accountabilities
The role will:

• Monitor adherence with the global minimum controls standards (MCS) as defined by Financial Governance and monitor performance on a quarterly / annual basis as requested by Regional Head Risk and Compliance.
• Spot checking of evidence for key control and assurance tasks and escalate key issues to Regional Head Risk and Compliance.
• Agreement and follow up of remediation actions where countries are not achieving the required standards and escalate key issues to Regional Head Risk and Compliance.
• Implement processes and policies to assess and/or monitor the effectiveness of risk governance frameworks / adherence to standards as appropriate.
• Assess risk/fraud profiles within Region/Country in relation to political/economic changes and understand how this impacts on the Global Risk Framework.
• Foster a culture of Risk Management supported by policies and guidance.
• Proactively investigate potential problem areas and provide coaching and training to relevant individuals/teams across the region to raise awareness and build capability in risk management
• Work with Global teams in the identification of compliance program initiatives.
• Develop the organizations capability around risk governance, counter fraud management and decision processes aligned with British Council’s operating model and risk strategy.
• Ensure the highest level of compliance and accuracy of all balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations and income reconciliations.
• Define the reporting requirements to meet the needs of key stakeholders and address key areas of risk.
• Implement a culture and process of pro-active debt collection. Identify and manage recurrent debtors including partners and suppliers.
• Ensure all vendors are appropriately screened/credit checked as per British Council policies.
• Implement business partner credit risk assessment tools.
• Maintain strong and effective working relationships with all areas of Risk Management.
• Schedule regular meetings with leadership team in order to ensure a planned and systematic approach to identify, prioritize and assess appropriate compliance related activities.
• Implement, and ensure compliance with, Counter Fraud management strategy:
• Advice, support and conduct investigations and management of fraud cases.
• Identify enablers for fraud, to inform and improve prevention efforts.
• Use data analysis to support and inform proactive counter fraud

Key Relationships:

• Cluster Leads
• Risk & Compliance Managers
• Policy and Process Analysts
• Shared Services Centre
• Counter Fraud Team
• Financial Governance Team

Other important features or requirements of the job:

• Requirement to travel across the region and to the UK but should be no more than 25%.

Role Requirements
Threshold requirements:

Passport requirements/Right to work in country:

• Country appointed

Assessment stage:

• Shortlisting

Person Specification
Qualifications:

Minimum / essential:

• University Degree in a relevant area, preferably Accounting, Auditing or Finance.

Desirable:

• Formal Training in Counter Fraud Management.
• Risk Management qualification / diploma.

Assessment Stage:

• Shortlisting

Role Specific Knowledge & Experience
Minimum / essential:

• Minimum of 1 year of qualified experience in a relevant managerial post.
• Strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to work in what is often a confidential, responsive, deadlineoriented and dynamic environment.

Desirable:

• Counter Fraud Management experience, including counter fraud planning and counter fraud investigations.

Assessment Stage:

• Shortlisting:
  • Fluency in written and spoken English Shortlisted candidates will either demonstrate they have met the required standard through presentation of an agreed English language certificate, or will be required to take the APTIS test and demonstrate a B2 level of English proficiency.

British Council Core Skills Assessment Stage:

• Analysing Data and Problems Level 2: Analyses patterns – Seeks out and examines a range of information to identify patterns, trends and options, to solve multifaceted and complex problems.
• Communicating and Influencing Level 2: IsIs creative and adaptable in communications – Able to use a range of non-standard and creative approaches to inform, and persuade others, extending beyond logical argument to influence decisions and actions in a way which is inclusive and engaging.

Managing risks:

• Level 2: Supports a risk management culture – Has track record of identifying and highlighting risks and suggesting mitigating actions.

Managing People:

• Level 1: Supervises a small team – Supervises a small team of people doing similar jobs to deliver short term tasks to agreed quality and time standards.

Counter Fraud Management:

• Level 1: Deliver training and build networks to raise awareness of fraud and its prevention.

Financial Policy:

• Level 1: Identify and address the need for local variations to global policies, in consultation with stakeholders.

Finance Processes and Systems:

• Level 1: Inform and advise on the implementation of process performance measures and controls.

Financial Risk Mitigation:

• Level 1: Operate the process effectively to ensure significant financial risks are identified, mitigated and reported.

Internal Control Implementation and Assurance:

• Level 1: Contribute to the development and implementation of governance frameworks and financial controls.
• Proven risk management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills; comfortable tackling complex problems and breaking these down into manageable pieces.

British Council Behaviours Assessment Stage
Working Together (More Demanding):

• Creating the environment in which others who have different aims can work together

Shaping the Future (More Demanding):

• Changing the nature of what we do and the benefits we gain by thinking and planning with creativity

Creating Shared Purpose (More Demanding):

• Creating energy and clarity so that people want to work purposefully together.

Connecting with Others (More Demanding):

• Actively appreciating the needs and concerns of myself and others.

Starting Salary
NGN 6,271,654.00 gross. 

Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

2. Job Title: Financial Planning & Analysis Lead, West Africa Cluster
Locations: Lagos or Abuja
Department: Finance
Pay Band: Pay Band 7

Duration: Indefinite
Reports to: Regional Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
Role Purpose

• To support the Regional Head Financial Planning and Analysis in providing professional guidance in Financial Planning and Analysis, supporting regional Business Development Managers and providing assurance on the underlying business financial performance.
• The post holder will be in charge of analysing and interpreting long – and short – term financial and operational plans through management reporting, analysis and interpretation of financial trends, impact assessment in conjunction with the Regional Head in order to enable informed decisions.
• This post will be part of the SSA regional FP&A team that is dispersed across the region.
• The role will support all countries and SBUs within the cluster.

Geopolitical/SBU/Function Overview

• The SSA Business Plan sets out ambitious growth targets for both the number of people we will work with and the income that we will generate. Turnover by 2020 is expected to be over to £90 million in SSA, driven predominately by growth in Contract income as well as Exams and Teaching centres, despite a declining grant funding from centre.
• We also expect to be more profitable, reinforcing financial sustainability. At the same time we aim to achieve a step-change in the quality and performance of the British Council’s Finance function by April 2018.
• This will be achieved through more consistent standard of financial reporting enabling more informed decision making and satisfy the standards demanded by external stakeholders.
• The organisation will achieve this by becoming increasingly efficient and commercial in its approach whilst maintaining its public service ethos and charitable purpose.
• This will be done through the implementation of a number of change programmes, which will result in more efficient and simpler processes.
• The post holder will play a key leadership role in supporting the delivery of the business plan through accurate annual planning, monitoring, analysis and management reporting to the Regional Head of Financial Planning and Analysis.

Main Opportunities/Challenges for this Role

• The Finance function is structured along functional lines with the aim of embedding the ‘three lines of defense’ model at its heart, clearly separating the financial control (first line) and risk and assurance (second line) functions, ensuring the integrity of our results and the strength of our controls.
• This will allow the organization to focus more easily on business decision making, strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting on the basis of accurate monthly results.
• This is a critical advisory role where effectiveness is dependent on ability to influence.
• Personal confidence and credibility is required to ensure advice is seriously considered by senior members of the Regional team.

Main Accountabilities
Accountable for the analysis and interpretation of long-term financial and operational plans for Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Senegal, being countries within the West Africa cluster, including all SBUs through management reporting, analysis and interpretation of financial trends:

Planning, Forecasting and Budgeting:

• Lead the planning process for Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Senegal, being countries within the West Africa cluster, including all SBUs, challenging submissions and identifying synergies and ensuring delivery to deadlines.
• Provide clear summaries of Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Senegal, being countries within the West Africa cluster, including all SBUs planning / forecasting.
• Support planning and rolling re-forecasting processes as requested by Regional Head FP&A to ensure that information obtained from these processes is reliable.
• Support the Regional Head FP&A in developing reporting procedures and templates for regional and local use.
• Reconciliation and review of SAP plans before system closure.

Financial Analysis:

• Analyses growth trends, product trends and KPIs and support the Regional Head FP&A in making recommendations to maximise opportunities and manage risks to ensure targets are met.

Management Reporting:

• Manage Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Senegal, being countries within the West Africa cluster, including all SBUs management reporting for consolidation at Regional level for SBU leads and Executive Board.
• Liaise with business leads and Regional Head FP&A for any variances between business planning and operational planning figures and provide explanations / commentary.

Business Performance Management:

• Review financial performance with the business leads and make recommendations for action to address issues identified at Country or Regional levels.
• Monitor cost allocation accuracy.
• Deliver outputs within corporate and regional timelines as requested by Regional Head FP&A.
• Support the business in relation to Master Data set up (WBS, PC, CC).

Team Leadership:

• Coach and support individuals and teams within the cluster countries and SBUs.
• Actively support equality and diversity and work to the British Council’s EDI policy at all times.

Key Relationships:

• Internal & External
• Regional Director
• Country Directors
• Cluster Leads
• SBU Leads
• Regional Finance
• Corporate Planning Team
• Corporate Finance

Role Requirements
Threshold requirements:

• Passport requirements/ Right to work in country: Country appointed

Assessment stage:

• Shortlisting

Threshold requirements:

• Direct contact or managing staff working with children? : No IF YES. Appropriate police check
• Notes: Regular travel may be required based on business needs but should be no more than 25% within the region and occasionally overseas, especially to the UK.

Assessment stage:

• N/a
• Interview

Person Specification 
Language requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English – Minimum / essential
• Shortlisted candidates will either demonstrate they have met the required standard through presentation of an agreed English language certificate, or will be required to take the APTIS test and demonstrate a B2 level of English proficiency. – Desirable

Assessment Stage :

• Shortlisting

Qualifications

• Degree level education. – Minimum / essential
• Part qualified with a recognized accounting body. – Minimum / essential
• Fully qualified with a recognized accounting body ACCA, CPA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent professional accountancy qualification. – Desirable

Assessment Stage:

• Shortlisting

Role Specific Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Operational financial management and or management accounting. – Minimum / essential
• Delivery of results within a complex international structure and reporting to tight deadlines. – Minimum / essential
• Working in virtual teams. – Minimum / essential
• Working in Sub-Saharan Africa. – Desirable
• Experience in finance planning and management reporting. – Desirable
• Experience working with SAP. – Desirable

Assessment Stage :

• Shortlisting

Role Specific Skills (if any) Assessment Stage

• Reporting, planning & forecasting within a complex multi-site environment.
• Ability to explain complex financial data to non-finance people, using non-technical language.
• Advanced excel skills including pivot tables.
• ERP systems experience (transaction level and reporting).

Assessment Stage :

• Shortlisting AND Interview

British Council Core Skills 
Analysing Data and Problems

• Level 3: Analyses patterns – Seeks out and examines a range of information to identify patterns, trends and options, to solve multifaceted and complex problems.

Communicating and Influencing

• Level 3: Is creative and adaptable in communications – Able to use a range of non-standard and creative approaches to inform, and persuade others, extending beyond logical argument to influence decisions and actions in a way which is inclusive and engaging.

Managing risks

• Level 3: Develops the culture – Has track record of analysing potential risks, promoting risk awareness, and holding others to account for their practices.

Planning and Organising

• Level 3: Develops annual plans – Develops and reviews the implementation of annual plans for a work group or function, taking account of business and customer requirements and reconciling competing demands.

Business Performance Management (including investment appraisal)

• Level 2: Interpret management information and link to business unit strategy and operational performance. Participate in appraisals that effectively monitor and improve business performance.

Financial Analysis

• Level 2: Provide analysis to support decision-making, identifying key value drivers, benefits, sensitivities, and risks and implications for accounting.

Management Reporting

• Level 2: Interpret management information reports, identify key causes of variances and evaluate risks and opportunities.

Planning, Forecasting and Budgeting

• Level 2: Analyse consolidated plans to facilitate effective management reviews and decision making. Advice on master data attributes that deliver meaningful information.

Business Partnering

• Level 2: Partner with the business to provide sound advice based on transparent, meaningful and comprehensive management information to inform, influence and achieve positive business outcomes.

Assessment Stage:

• Shortlisting AND Interview

British Council Behaviours Assessment Stage

• Being Accountable (MORE DEMANDING): Putting the needs of the team or British Council ahead of my own.
• Making it Happen (MORE DEMANDING): Challenging myself and others to deliver and measure better results.
• Shaping The Future (MORE DEMANDING): Exploring ways in which we can add more value.
• Working Together (MORE DEMANDING): Ensuring that others benefit as well as me.
• Connecting with Others (MORE DEMANDING): Actively appreciating the needs and concerns of myself and other.
• Creating Shared Purpose (MORE): Creating energy and clarity so that people want to work purposefully together.

Assessment Stage:

• Interview
• Required for the role but not assessed during the application stage.

Starting Salary
NGN 9,178,045 gross

Interested and qualified candates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline  12th September, 2017.