View Vacancy - Finance Manager

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Finance

The British Embassy in Baghdad is seeking an individual for the position of Finance Manager, Grade – EO.


Main purpose of job:

The jobholder will be responsible for delivering effective financial management for the Iraq Network. The jobholder will work closely with the Deputy Head of Corporate Services and the finance team to provide financial management and strategic advice to the Embassies Senior Management Team on one of the biggest Embassy budgets globally.


Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead, manage and develop the Finance team to deliver finance, control and assurance responsibilities and support strengthened financial management locally. The team will be expected to (i) provide regular, robust financial information, detailed analysis to the Corporate Services Management to support effective planning, decision-making and service delivery; (ii) evaluate, constructively challenge and provide realistic advice on complex financial management and systems issues, particularly while working with non-finance staff.
  • Leading on the maintenance and strengthening of the internal control environment to mitigate risks, by ensuring compliance with key finance processes, highlighting control weaknesses and making associated recommendations for improvement. Support internal and external audits and the delivery of recommendations relating to finance and control.
  • Day-to-day responsibility for overseeing an approximate annual high-value budget including budgeting and forecasting, liaison with budget holders, reporting variances, and taking corrective actions.
  • Strategic support - Ensure the Embassy’s overall Financial Performance Compliance Indicator (FPCI) score is over 95% (green) every month. Review weekly financial reports and action any issues that may impact on the score. Work closely with budget holders within the Embassy to ensure they are 100% financially compliant.
  • Ensure the forecast against the budget is as accurate as possible, making budget amendments and adjustments to the forecast every month.
  • Report periodic accruals to the Finance Hub in accordance with the Foreign & Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) Accruals Policy. Develop excellent day-to-day working relationship with FCO central Finance and Procurement hubs in Manila.
  • Manage the operational delivery of the processing of all financial transaction and banking services for Baghdad in line with FCDO’s financial policy, procedures, and audit controls, as well as the Corporate Services Charter.
  • Ensure expenditure is charged to the correct department budgets, checking monthly dashboard transactions for accuracy and journaling errors.
  • Ensure that the funding requirements for Iraq Posts (Erbil and Baghdad) are accurate, putting in place a funding profile for the financial year. Monitor and review bank account balances on a regular basis and advise of any ad-hoc funding. Anticipate and report high value payments to HM Treasury.
  • Identify, develop, and deliver solutions to continuously improve transaction (invoices and claims) processing, payroll, and banking service efficiencies in Post.
  • Production and analysis of quarterly metrics such as Overseas Accounting Returns (OAR).
  • Calculating and processing terminal gratuity payments.
  • On a quarterly basis, calculate, secure approval for then issue debit memos for visitors and other residents in the Embassy for processing in London.
  • Track receipts and recoveries against the Iraq budget, flagging any anomalies or late receipts.
  • Line management and development of 1 x Finance Assistant. Ensure all staff management deadlines are met in line with the Embassy’s best practice on staff management. Ensure the team have the right skills to complete their roles and develop their wider corporate services skills to achieve a high-performing Finance Team.
  • Review supplier maintenance forms before processing.

Resources Managed:

  • One Finance Assistant
  • Management of a high-value budget.


Key behaviours:

  • Managing a quality service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
  • Delivering at pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
  • Making effective decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
  • Communicating and influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
  • Fluent communication skills in English and Arabic language (both spoken and written).
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience working as a Finance Manager.
  • Holds a formal accounting qualification or is currently pursuing one.
  • Able to work independently, apply initiative, problem solve, and work under pressure to meet multiple deadlines and objectives.
  • A confident communicator able to deal with all staff and teams within the Embassy.
  • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
  • Excellent numeric skills.
  • Experience of accounting or managing budgets.
  • Excellent MS Excel skills.
  • Flexible, resilient, decisive and calm under pressure. Ability to understand competing prioritises. and make judgement calls on when to use own initiative and when to consult with seniors.
  • Strong problem solving skills. Ability to anticipate and take initiative.
  • Excellent customer service skills. Courteous and considerate when dealing with internal and external stakeholders. Able to show discretion in handling sensitive matters.
  • Demonstrates a collaborative approach to colleagues and stakeholders. Proven ability to engage at all levels internally and externally.
  • High level of IT skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Teams.
  • Familiarity with UK government accounting processes, systems and policies.
  • Familiarity with Oracle based applications.
  • Previous accounting work experience in either the public or private sector.
Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing
15 August 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Middle East & North Africa
Iraq
Baghdad
British Embassy
1
USD
2,139
1 October 2022

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:

  • We can obtain the appropriate level of local and UK security clearance for you.
  • You have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate's residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility – the Embassy does not provide residence or work permits. If you have any questions about residency and/or visa requirements, you should contact the relevant Iraqi Government Ministry.

Working Hours and Remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including up to 20 days of annual leave.

The role grade is EO grade, with a base salary of US$ 2,139 per month. This base salary is paid 13 times a year. In addition, there is a security allowance of US$300 per month payable as part of this package. The allowance is subject to review and may be altered or withdrawn at any time. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

This position is offered on a Full Time, Permanent contract basis.

Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Normal working hours are Sunday - Wednesday 0800–1600 and Thursday 0800-1400. There is flexibility for starting and leaving times as long as conditioned hours are completed.

The successful candidate will be subject to a 90 days probationary period.

The Embassy encourages a culture of continuous learning. Training will be given in the role. All employees have access to the Civil Service Learning platform, which gives access to training to improve job specific skills. Employees are entitled to a minimum number of annual training days.

Application Process:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents along with the completed online application form:

  • An updated Curriculum Vita (CV)
  • A covering letter

Applications that do not include the above stated information will be rejected.


All applications must be received before 23:55 (Baghdad Time) on 15 August 2022.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Interviews will be held at the British Embassy Baghdad Office or remotely via MS Teams. Due to the large amount of applications, we receive only those shortlisted for assessment/interview will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.


The British Embassy Baghdad is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local employment law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.