Financial Planning

British Council Pay Band 7

Department: Finance

Location: This job is open in Srilanka and Pakistan (all offices)

Contract: Indefinite Contract (Permanent role)

Apply by: Monday, 01st Sept :59 Local time

Interview window: 03rd week of September

The starting gross monthly salary is LKR 315,667 for candidates based in Sri Lanka and PKR 3,33,951 for those in Pakistan. These figures are indicative and may vary based on the candidate's skills and experience. Country-specific benefits will also apply.

This role is open to applicants who already have the legal right to work in Srilanka and Pakistan at the time of application. Relocation and visa sponsorship are not available. The British Council supports flexible working, including hybrid arrangements, subject to line manager approval and operational requirements.

Role Context

The role supports the Financial Planning & Analysis Lead in planning, forecasting, and performance monitoring across South Asia. It ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reports and provides direct support to Regional Exams Leads. The post-holder will lead a team of five analysts across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, offering financial insights, variance analysis, and performance assessments. Strong analytical skills, commercial thinking, and adaptability in a dynamic environment are essential.

Operating within a matrix structure, the role connects country teams with global finance initiatives and aligns with the 'three lines of defence' model—separating financial control and assurance functions. It plays a key part in enabling strategic decision-making through accurate reporting and supports collaboration with internal stakeholders like Regional Finance Directors, Country Directors, and Exams Leads, as well as external professional service providers.

Main responsibilities

The role is accountable for analysing and interpreting financial and operational plans for the Exams South Asia business, supporting planning, forecasting, budgeting, and management reporting. It involves financial modelling, variance analysis, and performance tracking to ensure alignment with strategic goals. The post-holder will provide strong financial partnering to country teams, support investment cases, and contribute to business decision-making through scenario planning and dashboard development.

As a regional FP&A lead, the role manages a dispersed team across South Asia, driving finance transformation and ensuring reporting standards meet internal and external requirements. It includes coaching, capacity building, and maintaining data integrity while fostering collaboration with senior stakeholders. The role also supports financial reviews, cost allocation accuracy, and continuous improvement in reporting and planning processes.

Role-Specific Skills

Business Performance Management & Investment Appraisal

• Interpret management data to align with strategy and operations.
• Participate in performance appraisals to drive improvements.

Financial Analysis

• Provide analysis to support decision-making and assess risks.
• Evaluate business performance and communicate insights.

Management Reporting

• Deliver accurate, timely reports with data integrity.
• Identify variances and assess risks and opportunities.

Planning, Forecasting & Budgeting

• Analyse consolidated plans for effective decision-making.
• Contribute to forecasting and advise on master data attributes.

Business Partnering

• Provide clear, relevant financial advice to support business outcomes.
• Communicate complex financial data in simple, non-technical language.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Minimum/essential

• Minimum three years of experience in operational financial management and / or management accounting.
• Delivery of results within a complex international structure and reporting to tight deadlines.
• Demonstrable understanding of financial planning, monitoring, and reporting process
• Interpersonal, communication and influencing skills. Working in virtual teams.

Desirable

• Good time management and data management.
• Finance/business analysis modelling experience.
• Experience working with SAP.
• Experience working with PowerBI.

Education and Professional Qualification

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/economics, Part qualified with a recognized accounting body.

Professional Qualification and Certification

Qualified accountant with recognised professional body, with proven experience of successfully managing and delivering similar roles

Language Requirements

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