Job Description

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

The Role

The GBS Finance Operations Lead will report directly to the Head of Global Finance Process, with a dotted-line relationship to the Global Business Services (GBS) Operations Head. The role is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across captive and outsourced finance operations, ensuring delivery aligns with the organisation's long-term objectives. As part of the Professional Services Transformation programme, the role will work closely with global finance leadership and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to establish and optimise service delivery, supplier performance, governance, and transformation initiatives within the GBS operating model.

The GBS function, led by the Director of Global Business Services and reporting to the COO, will serve as the central capability for managing strategic suppliers across Finance, HR, Digital & Technology, and Procurement. GBS will be accountable for operational performance, transition management, contract governance, service delivery oversight, performance reporting, escalation management, change implementation, and benefits realisation. It will work in partnership with Professional Services leads, who retain ownership of operating model design, process governance, and transformation priorities, while collaborating with Procurement to ensure supplier relationship management, commercial compliance, contract governance, and adherence to public procurement regulations.

Main responsibilities

The GBS Finance Operations Lead will be responsible for driving strategic finance transformation initiatives in partnership with Managed Service Providers (MSPs), ensuring delivery against contractual commitments and organisational objectives. The role will build and maintain strong relationships with regional and global finance leadership teams, support the evolution of operating models and process governance, and contribute to the design and implementation of change and transformation programmes. Working closely with stakeholders and service providers, the role will help improve process effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, and organisational readiness through effective communication, training, and change management practices.

The role will also oversee operational performance by monitoring service delivery against agreed standards, analysing performance data, and providing executive-level reporting and insights. It will ensure robust quality management, knowledge retention, process documentation, audit compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement across finance operations. In collaboration with internal stakeholders and service providers, the GBS Finance Operations Lead will drive operational excellence, mitigate delivery risks, and support initiatives that enhance service quality, efficiency, and long-term business value.

Role specific skills

• Expert in managing multiple blended finance processes with large headcount.
• Ability to advise and guide provider resources to bring delivery excellence, improve customer experience in the British Council environment.
• Good understanding of industry best practices in the finance domain
• Follow participative style of leadership, engage in cross-departmental networking and author forward-thinking service delivery plans with partners.
• Proven successes in building, growing, and improving profitability, performance & value to business.
• Highly effective influencing and enabling skills.
• The ability to problem-solve and anticipate issues.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills

Role specific knowledge and experience

Essential

• Prior experience preferably in a leading role in the relevant function of a large diverse global organisation
• Extensive experience in managing end to end finance operations.
• Analytical, evaluative, and finance management abilities with keen attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Worked in global diverse organisations.
• Demonstrated track record of deploying digital technology to drive transformation within Finance.

Language Requirements

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

Education

Higher

Professional Qualification and Certification

• Qualified accountant preferable with strong shared services experience – CIMA, ACCA, ACA, CFA, or international equivalent.

British Council | Pay Band 9

Location: Noida, India

Department: Finance and Corporate Services

Contract: Indefinite Contract

Apply by: Sunday, July 05th (23:59 local time)
Interview Window: TBD

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

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 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. 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