GBLCAREERS

Role Purpose:
This is the main second line of defence role within a regional structure, linking the ‘first line’ activity (financial control) with third line (Internal Audit).

It exists to monitor the effectiveness of financial controls, using corporate frameworks as specified; to monitor risk levels and take corrective action where this is required. It also acts as the first point of contact within the region for counter-fraud activity, and will participate in and lead regional investigations as needed drawing on the expertise of the Central Fraud team and acting on their advice. The role holder is accountable for recommending appropriate action to the Regional Finance Director.

The Finance function is structured along functional lines with the aim of embedding the ‘three lines of defence’ model at its heart, clearly separating the financial control (first line) and risk and assurance (second line) functions, ensuring the integrity of our results and the strength of our controls.

The post-holder is accountable for Financial Risk Responses, supporting the implementation of and monitoring the adherence to, Finance policy and process in the cluster, providing a critical part of the feedback loop to Regional Head Risk and Compliance. They will proactively analyse the control environment, identify hot spots and ‘trouble shoot’ as needed. They will make recommendations to Regional Head Risk and Compliance for remediation and drive through change to meet required standards. They will also lead on counter-fraud planning and initiatives within their cluster, working closely with the central counter fraud team.

Main Accountabilities
The role will:

• Monitor adherence with the global minimum control standards (MCS) as defined by Financial Governance and escalate key issues to Regional Risk and Compliance team.
• Support with implementation of remediation actions where countries are not achieving the required standards.
• Support the implementation of processes and policies to assess and/or monitor the effectiveness of risk governance frameworks.
• Foster a culture of Risk Management supported by policies and guidance.
• Work with Global teams in the identification of compliance program initiatives.
• Ensure the highest level of compliance and accuracy of all balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations and income reconciliations.
• Identify and manage recurrent debtors including partners and suppliers.
• Apply appropriate financial controls in line with guidance.
• Prepare assurance reporting.
• Perform appropriate screen/credit checked for vendors as per British Council policies.
• Perform business partner credit risk assessment.
• Investigate internal control issues.
• Maintain strong and effective working relationships with all areas of Risk Management.
• Apply effective risk mitigation and control measures to specific risks, seeking guidance and/or referring as appropriate. • Highlight issues that affect or may affect process compliance.
• Contribute to and make suggestions for process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with, Counter Fraud management strategy:
– Demonstrate awareness of British Council fraud risk.
– Understand and apply policy and processes for reporting cases of fraud.
– Support investigations of fraud cases.
– Identify enablers for fraud, to inform and improve prevention efforts.

Regional and Functional Team Working:
• Actively support equality and diversity and work to the British Council’s EDI policy at all times.
• Contribute to ensuring the policies, procedures and systems are delivered with integrity.
• Work closely and effectively as part of the regional and global finance teams.Finance

Starting salary: R25 389.00 Gross

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