Job Description

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people.

We connect. We inspire.

Further Information

• Number of positions: 1
• British Council Pay Band: 7
• Employment Type: Indefinite Contract Local
• Location: Noida, India
• Deadline to receive applications: 21st October 2026.

Role Purpose:

The main purpose of this role is to lead the tax, audit, financial reporting and compliance functions of BC Education India Private Limited, a business of strategic importance to the British Council. The role provides a single point of senior accountability for taxation, statutory and regulatory compliance, Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR), financial governance and audit management. The role holder is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting, maintaining a strong internal control environment and delivering compliance with British Council policies and Indian statutory requirements. The role will oversee the preparation and review of financial statements, tax filings and regulatory submissions, while driving the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of the ICFR framework. The role will work closely with the Managed Service Provider (MSP) to ensure the financial accounts are completed correctly and in a timely manner, and numbers are reported accurately to the UK Group and its auditors.

Main Accountabilities:

Financial Reporting, Governance & Compliance

• Lead statutory financial reporting, management reporting, tax returns, and regulatory filings.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, British Council policies, and statutory regulations.
• Review complex financial transactions and tax implications.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks through strong controls.

1. Tax Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee corporate tax, GST, withholding tax, transfer pricing, and statutory reporting.
• Act as the primary contact with tax consultants and regulatory authorities.
• Manage tax audits, assessments, notices, and litigation.
• Provide tax advisory support for commercial and business decisions.

1. Audit & Internal Controls

• Lead statutory audits, tax audits, transfer pricing audits, and ICFR activities.
• Manage auditor relationships and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
• Maintain and strengthen the Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework.
• Ensure compliance with FCCF, PEC, and other governance requirements.
• Drive continuous control improvements and remediation actions.

1. Accounts Receivable & Balance Sheet Governance

• Oversee receivables, collections, revenue recognition, and ageing reviews.
• Ensure timely resolution of outstanding balances.
• Monitor deferred revenue accounting and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Address aged or unusual balance sheet items.

1. Fixed Assets Governance

• Oversee the fixed asset lifecycle, including capitalization, depreciation, impairment reviews, disposals, and asset reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with British Council policies and applicable accounting standards for fixed assets.
• Review the accuracy and completeness of the Fixed Asset Register and associated accounting records.
• Ensure physical verification, insurance coverage, and proper documentation.

1. Stakeholder Management & Business Partnering

• Build relationships with auditors, tax advisors, shared services, Group Finance, and business leaders.
• Provide governance and compliance guidance on business initiatives.
• Support finance transformation, process simplification, and standardization.
• Drive operational excellence and service delivery.

1. People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the Finance Control team.
• Manage performance and capability development.
• Support succession planning and workload prioritization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Minimum/essential

• Good Financial Reporting, Accounting, Closing and Compliance skills. Excellent IT skills and proficient in Excel.
• Effective communication and influencing skills, able to relay complex financial information in an easy-to-understand way.
• Highly organised and deadline oriented. Building relationships at all levels of the organisation.
• Flexibility, independence, and initiative to perform successfully in a rapidly changing environment.
• Minimum 3+ years of post-qualification experience in the finance function of any entity.
• Experience and knowledge of financial control processes and Professional Accounting Standards (including relevant local requirements where applicable) for Commercial and/or Charitable organisations.
• Good influencing and negotiating experience
• Technically skilled under the Indian accounting standards, Indian Taxation (GST and Income tax) and IFRS ERP experience

Desirable

• Demonstrable and up-to-date knowledge of Indian Company Law, taxes (both direct and indirect) and accounting standard.

Language

The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required”

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in India.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

Please note that all applications should be submitted in English only.

It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent and we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

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 in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org