Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant

Date: 25 Apr 2024

Location: Amsterdam, European Union, NL

Company: British Council

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021-22 we reached 650 million people.
Payband: J - Starting salary 2.250 gross euros (12 months)
Country: Netherlands
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Duration: 6 months
Role Purpose: To support the end-to-end accounting process in the Country and support delivery of the consistent and accurate financial accounting processes in line with the accounting practices and corporate policies. To provide accurate and timely administrative support services for the British Council, in accordance with the corporate policies and local legislation, and to support the day-to-day running of the British Council finance function as per British Council standards and equal opportunities and diversity.
Finance function overview: 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. This will allow the organisation to focus more easily on business decision making, strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting based on accurate monthly results. The Finance function works in a matrix environment with SBU leads and Country Directors being key stakeholders, whilst reporting lines are within the finance function.
Main accountabilities All the duties of this post are to be performed in accordance with British Council Values, Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policies.

• Support activities related to the financial month and year end processes to ensure that British Council polices, and standards are met.
• Assist in delivering finance services to the operational and support teams in the office as per agreed standards (journal preparations, vendor creation, business partner creation or Purchase Order amendments, off system transactions).
• Provide support in maintaining office financial records as per corporate policy and country regulations.
• Provide support to Exams Business Processing HUB and Exams operational colleagues in preparation of the exam’s income reconciliation through checking available local data sources and calculation prepared by Noida.
• Assist with the processing office invoices, exams refunds, VAT returns and monthly travel claims checks as per country local regulations and corporate standards in a promptly manner.
• When and where appropriate participate in the implementation of the global policies and procedure changes applicable for the British Council office.
• To provide back office and admin support as per specification outlined in local regulations.
• To attend relevant training sessions and presentations to keep up to date with developments in the organisation and in the area of finance services, to read web site regularly, communicate to colleagues to ensure an excellent knowledge of all British Council products and their updates.

Requirements

• Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Dutch is desirable.
• Any finance related certifications and qualifications are welcome.
• Understand core elements of financial statements and reports.
• Experience applying accounting principles to accurately record financial transactions and maintain appropriate supporting documentation.
• Internal customer focuses in daily finance service delivery

Benefits

• Fixed gross allowance of 8% of annual gross pay (holiday allowance)
• 28 leave days
• Working from home allowance in case of structural hybrid work patterns
• Commuting costs
• Internal Life insurance policy
• EAP (Employee Assistant Program) - employee support service provided by qualified clinicians and professionals who are experts in fields such as well-being, family matters, relationships, debt management, employment issues, consumer rights and counselling.

Closing Date: Applications will close on 05/05/2024 at 23:59 (Central European Time(CET).
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Statement
The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.
We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.
Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you have any problems with your application please email askhr@britishcouncil.org
Please note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our ‘ASK HR’ email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted.