Head of Finance

Job Description

Title: Head of Finance

Company Name: The British Council

Vacancy: 1

Age: Na

Job Location: Dhaka

Salary: Negotiable

Experience:

• At least 8 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): Development Agency

Professional qualification in finance and/or accounting (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, etc.) or equivalent.

• At least 8 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): Development Agency

• At least eight years of work experience in financial management on bilateral donor-funded projects.

• Track record of leading finance function in international/multinational organisation in similar context/project.

• Must know government financial requirements, particularly TAPP requirements, and knowledge about Public Procurement Policy (PPP).

• Fluent in written and spoken Bangla and English.

About the Project

The anticipated multi-year project aims to support the Government of Bangladesh in addressing challenges related to promoting and ensuring e-governance. Building on the Government`s proactive stance towards digital transformation, as evidenced by initiatives such as "Digital Bangladesh 2021" and "Smart Bangladesh 2041," the project seeks to further enhance and amplify these efforts. Despite the progress made, significant impediments remain to fully realising the potential of e-governance and digital public services. These challenges include gaps in connectivity, high prices of computer equipment and internet services, low levels of digital literacy, and fragmented inter-institutional structures. As the government continues its commitment to digitalisation, there is an opportunity to overcome these hurdles and unlock the full benefits of digitalisation, such as enhanced public service delivery, increased transparency, and reduced corruption. Additionally, while Bangladesh`s performance in governance indicators may currently trail behind, the government`s dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development provides a strong foundation for collaborative efforts with international partners. Through strategic partnerships and strengthened policy and operational cooperation, the project aims to accelerate digital transformation for the benefit of all citizens, building on the positive momentum generated by the Government`s initiatives.

The overall objective of the anticipated project is to improve the transparency, responsiveness, integrity and accountability in public service delivery through enhanced use of e-government tools and processes based on a human-centric approach, further supported by the following three specific outcomes.

Purpose of the job:

The Head of Finance will have oversight of all financial activities pertaining to Outcome 3 as outlined above. In this capacity, the post-holder will provide strategic financial leadership, ensuring adherence to British Council financial regulations and compliance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the agreement with the donor. The role demands a high level of autonomy and flexibility, necessitating the ability to draw upon past practices and policies while fostering innovation to drive new business development opportunities.

Position Overview:

British Council is seeking to engage a highly qualified and experienced Head of Finance to fill a long-term consultancy position. The consultant will be engaged on a daily rate basis for a maximum of 220 days per year, with the contract duration not exceeding three years. However, the contract duration may be extended based on project extension.

Accountabilities, Responsibilities, and Main Duties

The Head of Finance will have full accountability and responsibility for supervising all financial operations, including risk management, financial planning and delivery, financial control and management, and monitoring and review procedures. This comprises.

• Efficiently manage all financial project requirements in accordance with British Council financial rules, regulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and compliance standards.

• Oversee and manage all facets of accounting, financial operations, and risk management.

• Ensure strict adherence to the financial guidelines outlined in the donor contract.

• Provide support to the Team Leader and Senior Programme Manager in making informed financial and workplan management decisions. Assist in the preparation of workplans and annual budgets as directed by the Team Leader and Senior Programme Manager.

• Provide support to the British Council management on project finance issues.

• Take a leadership role in external audit processes and ensure collaboration from relevant staff and the British Council finance/procurement team. Ensure that all financial operations adhere to accounting and audit principles.

• Act as a liaison with the regional Finance Manager to ensure adherence to compliance requirements and facilitate the sharing of information.

• Cash flow management, FX reporting, and liaison with the central treasury team.

• Management of relationship with the Shared Service Centre, making sure country needs and expectations are met.

• Collaborate with relevant government ministries/divisions and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with government regulations.

• Ensure compliance with any additional project-related financial reporting requirements mandated by the ministries/divisions.

• Coordinate advice on financial and legal aspects of commercial negotiations.

• Delivery of on-going efficiency savings.

• Produce a variety of reports and contribute to the annual progress report in accordance with both British Council (BC) and donor specifications.

Position Type: Long Term Consultant (daily rate basis)

Duration: Three years (anticipated)

Reports to: Team Leader

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