The British High Commission in Nicosia is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a Senior Finance Officer to provide support and advice on finance processes at Post.
The British High Commission is a medium sized post, supporting colleagues across One HMG
The Senior Finance Officer is responsible for leading and overseeing all financial operations at the British High Commission Nicosia, ensuring compliance with FCDO financial policies, controls and best practice. The role provides expert financial advice to budget holders and senior leadership, supports effective resource management across One HMG and delivers robust financial planning, forecasting and reporting. The Senior Finance Officer will also oversee payroll operations and line manage the Payroll Administrator, contributing to the effective delivery of Corporate Services objectives across Post.
Finance Processes – 50%
- Manage day-to-day cash and banking activities, including monthly cash reconciliations, payment processing, cash requests, electronic banking and liaison with the bank.
- Prepare and submit requests for operational cash funding, ensuring appropriate records and supporting documentation are maintained.
- Process financial transactions, including payments for goods and services, purchase orders, invoices, card payments, receipts and other transactions.
- Coordinate the creation of purchase requisitions and purchase orders and support the maintenance of supplier records.
- Maintain accurate financial records and complete required reconciliations, forms and supporting spreadsheets.
- Provide finance inductions and practical guidance to new colleagues and budget holders, helping them understand their financial responsibilities and relevant FCDO procedures.
Financial Management – 30%
- Lead local finance operations, ensuring that FCDO financial policies, procedures and guidance are implemented effectively.
- Coordinate the Post’s annual financial planning, budgeting and forecasting processes, including developing timetables, coordinating data requirements and preparing financial analysis and modelling.
- Provide financial information, analysis and recommendations to the Head of Platform Support and other senior colleagues to support effective decision-making.
- Monitor budgets across the Post, identify and investigate variances, challenge expenditure where appropriate, and work with relevant regional or central finance teams to address issues.
- Monitor financial performance, compliance and relevant key performance indicators, identifying risks and areas requiring management attention.
- Contribute to corporate financial reporting and assurance exercises, including Overseas Accounting Returns and the Management Assurance Process.
- Build strong and collaborative working relationships with Finance and HR Business Partners, the Post Leadership Team, regional finance teams and global transaction-processing teams.
Payroll and Pensions – 10%
- Oversee the preparation of payroll, ensuring it is accurate, timely and compliant with relevant local regulations before submission for payment.
- Oversee the administration of local pension and social security contributions, including required payments and submissions.
- Act as the Post lead for matters relating to BMERS, the pension payment arrangements for eligible former UK-based employees, currently supporting approximately 87 pensioners.
Team and Corporate Support – 5-10%
- Line manage the Payroll Officer, providing appropriate supervision, support and development.
- Act as the primary point of contact for finance-related queries from UK government partners working at Post.
- Support Corporate Services colleagues as required, contributing to effective delivery across the wider team.
- Participate in the Post’s crisis preparedness and response activities when required.
