The British Council invites applications from experienced finance professionals with a passion for driving business performance to take up the role of Regional Financial Planning and Analysis Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa. This exciting opportunity is open to qualified individuals with a legal right to work in Kenya or Nigeria. The selected candidate will play a vital role in supporting the British Council’s mission of building trust and connections between the UK and countries across the globe.
With more than 90 years of global impact, the British Council works in over 200 countries and territories, delivering programmes in education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. The organization continues to support peace and prosperity by enabling learning, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and inspiring people to shape a better future.
This is a full-time, indefinite position and will be based in either Kenya or Nigeria, depending on the applicant’s current right to work status. The application portal closes at 23:59 on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
About the Role
Position Title: Regional Financial Planning and Analysis Lead – Sub-Saharan Africa
Job ID: 46388
Contract Type: Indefinite
Location: Kenya or Nigeria
Application Deadline: August 10, 2025, 23:59
Application Method: Email applications to [email protected]
Role Purpose
The Regional Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Lead will oversee the provision of comprehensive financial planning, forecasting, analysis, and business decision support across the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) English and Exams Strategic Business Unit (SBU). As a senior finance business partner, the postholder will deliver timely, accurate, and insightful financial reports and forecasts, aligning resources with strategic goals to maximize organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
The role is instrumental in supporting the British Council through a transformative phase, involving the implementation of a new business operating model that prioritizes customer needs and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will also lead the introduction and integration of a new FP&A tool, aimed at enhancing forecasting accuracy and financial visibility.
This leadership position requires strong stakeholder engagement, sound business judgment, and an ability to lead regional financial operations across multiple countries in a dynamic and diverse cultural environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Financial Planning and Forecasting
- Lead and coordinate the regional planning and rolling re-forecasting cycles, ensuring consistency and reliability of submitted data.
- Develop reporting structures and templates to be adopted across country offices within the region.
- Analyze financial and operational trends and forecast implications on business performance.
- Support long-term financial planning and scenario modelling aligned with overall regional and corporate strategy.
2. Business Partnering and Financial Advisory
- Build strong working relationships with Country Directors, Regional Finance Director, and business leads to ensure deep understanding of local market dynamics.
- Provide regular business reviews and interpret financial performance to drive sound decision-making.
- Offer proactive financial advisory and commercial insight to senior management, facilitating investment decisions and resource allocation.
- Conduct analysis of growth trends, performance indicators, and product opportunities or risks.
- Deliver commentary on financial results and propose corrective actions as necessary.
3. Reporting and Compliance
- Consolidate management reporting for Sub-Saharan Africa, preparing reports for SBU leads and Executive Board.
- Monitor cost allocation processes across the region, ensuring compliance with internal policies and fairness in resource attribution.
- Collaborate with treasury and financial control teams to enforce cash management policies and ensure accuracy in cash flow forecasting.
4. Operational Efficiency and Financial Controls
- Drive efficiency in support functions through financial deep dives and recommendations for optimization.
- Oversee shared cost allocations and ensure consistent adherence to corporate guidance.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness in cost centre (CC), project (WBS), and profit centre (PC) master data management.
5. Leadership and People Development
- Lead a dispersed team of FP&A professionals across the region and provide direct line management in accordance with British Council standards.
- Cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
- Coach and develop staff members, ensuring capacity building and succession planning.
- Promote knowledge sharing and alignment to global FP&A standards and tools.
6. Change Management and Systems Implementation
- Support the roll-out and embedding of a new global FP&A tool designed to streamline and enhance planning and reporting processes.
- Champion global finance transformation initiatives aimed at delivering leaner, more value-adding FP&A operations.
- Ensure integration of global and regional strategic financial practices to optimize planning accuracy and speed.
Requirements of the Role
The ideal candidate will possess the following core qualifications and experience:
- Qualified Accountant – ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent, with demonstrable post-qualification experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading regional or multi-country FP&A teams.
- At least 5 years of experience delivering tangible financial results within complex, matrixed international organizations.
- Proven ability to meet critical deadlines while managing multiple planning and reporting cycles.
- Experience working in multicultural, remote, and geographically dispersed environments.
- Strong track record of working with senior executives and managing key stakeholder relationships.
- In-depth understanding of financial planning and analysis functions – including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and business case preparation.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.
Additional Attributes
- A commitment to ethical practices and financial integrity.
- Strategic mindset and hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative approach to leadership.
- High attention to detail with the ability to synthesize complex financial data into actionable insight.
- Competence in managing change and implementing systems in large organizations.
Working Arrangements
This position requires regular office attendance in accordance with the British Council’s guidance. While the role allows for collaboration across virtual platforms due to the regional scope, office presence will be necessary for strategic meetings, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Why Work with the British Council?
As part of the British Council team, you will join a global organization committed to creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and building trust through shared understanding. The British Council offers a collaborative and dynamic environment that values talent, innovation, and professional development.
Other benefits include:
- Working in a mission-driven international organization
- Opportunities for continuous learning and global exposure
- An inclusive culture that respects diversity and promotes equal opportunity
- Participation in regional and global initiatives shaping future business directions
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The British Council strongly believes in the value of a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. It welcomes applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that every individual can thrive and succeed without discrimination. As a Disability Confident Employer, the British Council guarantees interviews for qualified candidates with disabilities and is open to making reasonable adjustments to ensure full participation in the recruitment and onboarding processes.
Safeguarding Commitment
The safety and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults are fundamental principles of the British Council’s operations. The organization maintains zero tolerance toward all forms of abuse and exploitation. Recruitment to positions involving direct contact with vulnerable groups will be subject to comprehensive background checks and adherence to safeguarding policies.
Application Process
Interested candidates with the right to work in Kenya or Nigeria are encouraged to submit their applications by Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 23:59. If you encounter any technical difficulties or require support during the application process, please reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
Take this opportunity to advance your career in financial leadership while making a meaningful contribution to global education, culture, and development. Join the British Council and be part of a team that connects people and inspires change.
