View Vacancy - QAT - Finance Officer (AO)

The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents the UK’s political, economic, security, and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Finance Officer under Corporate Services Team, job grade Administrative Officer (AO).

British Embassy Doha

72 of us, of many different nationalities and backgrounds, work together at the British Embassy in Doha to make the United Kingdom more prosperous and more secure, and to give consular assistance to British citizens who need their Government’s help. The Corporate Services section is at the heart of the Embassy, responsible for many operations from recruitment, IT, finance, estates management and so on.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.

FCDO brings together the best of Britain’s international effort and demonstrates the UK acting as a force for good in the world. We employ around 17,300 staff in our diplomatic and development offices worldwide In 280 overseas embassies and high commissions.        

Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing and delivering the mission’s finance portfolio. The jobholder will deal with of finance duties, including payroll, processing and payment of invoices, and maintain relationship with suppliers.  They will work with the Finance Manager, the Corporate Services Manager, and the Finance and Procurement Hub (in Manila), in creating and maintaining high-level financial performance in Doha.

Finance services are also provided to PAGs working on the One HMG platform. This position contributes to the development and implementation of finance objectives and processes aimed at providing a high quality finance service.

The role will report to the Finance Manager and Deputy Corporate Services Manager.

Duties and responsibilities:

You will take the lead on all accounts related activity, including production of the monthly payroll and become the expert on FCDO Procurement processes providing upskilling and advise to others both within the CS Team and wider Embassy.  You will develop close relationships with the regional finance and procurement hub in Manila to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.   You will support the Finance Manager in preparing for the Monthly finance meeting with the Ambassador. 

Accounts

• Ensure compliance with financial procedures including correctly accounting for spend and reducing the risk for fraud
• Timely handling of Embassy invoices and payments through the FCDO’s payment system;
• Managing cash and bank account payments;
• Responsible for cash box

Procurement

• Obtaining quotes in line with procurement guidance
• Checking invoices for accuracy before payment
• Acts as requisitoner and receiver for purchasing and supplier maintenance processes
• Keep Agreed Supplier List up-to-date
• Assist with compliance e.g. setting up new suppliers and reviewing existing supplier lists
• Receiving of goods and services
• Point of contact for all other Embassy staff on procurement processes

Payroll

• Calculate overtime payable to staff
• Calculate and process monthly salaries of Country Based Staff (CBS) for sign off by DHM

Cover for Finance Manager

• Forecasting and budget management during Finance Managers absence.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following Behaviours and Diversity & Inclusion during the interview:

Key behaviours:

• Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
• Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Changing and Improving - Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The British Embassy Doha has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and is fully committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all.

We are committed to valuing diversity and to equality of opportunity. Our aim is to create and promote an environment in which all staff are treated fairly and with respect, and feel able to contribute to the best of their abilities.

• A minimum of 3 years experience in Finance.
• Experience of handling cash payments/cash management.
• Excellent communication skills in English. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with internal and external contacts.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly and flexibly to meet multiple and changing priorities.
• Excellent IT skills and office administration skills, with good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Excel, which will be used for recording data and producing reports.