The British Embassy in Muscat is part of a worldwide network that represents the UK’s political, economic, security, and consular interests overseas. We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive individual for the position of Finance and Procurement Manager under the Corporate Services Team, at the grade of Executive Officer (EO) on a fixed-term contract of one (1) year.

Reporting to the Head of Corporate Services, the successful candidate will lead an efficient, cost effective and professional Finance function for BE Muscat. Ensure correct implementation of FCDO financial policies while best meeting the needs of internal customers in a fair and effective manner.  Ensure successful and effective day-to-day operations of the Finance team. Gather and provide information for budgeting, forecasting, planning, and ensuring the senior budget holder (HM Ambassador) is provided with accurate and detailed monthly updates. Expert on FCDO procurement policy providing advice and support across the mission to drive up knowledge and to ensure all procurement is compliant with policy. 

Roles and responsibilities:

Finance, Management Information & Corporate Governance 80%

• Maintain a professional relationship and work in partnership with the Global Transaction Processing Centre (GTPC). Duties include: regular meetings, communication, resolving challenges and ensuring queries are resolved within the service level agreement timeframe.
• Preparation of CBS monthly pay roll and submitting it to DHM / HCS for sign off and subission to the Hub for processing as per deadlines set by them.
• Budgeting and forecasting – duties to include leading on the monthly budget amendments, forecasting, and preparation for the monthly Budget Holder meeting.
• Preparing financial/data returns for the centre to aid with annual budget allocations.  Lead on provision of data for the centre for annual cash funding profile.
• Monitor spend and trends to provide detailed analysis of the budget to Seniors Leaders and the Finance Hub, and to identify any pressures/underspend early and flag to CSM ,  DHM, Finance Hub and London (as necessary).
• Lead the monthly Senior Budget Holder meeting with HCS and HMA/DHM, providing supporting papers to attendees at least 48 hours in advance.
• Lead on monthly forecasting meetings with all delegated budget holders to ensure high quality forecasting is produced by all.  Support the upskilling of delegated budget holders to drive up improvements in the accuracy of financial forecasting across the Mission.
• Ensure timely and compliant monthly, annual and end-of-service payroll process; adjusting for any changes as necessary.
• Completion of the Overseas Accounting Returns within deadlines set by the Finance Hub.
• Maintain high standards on the Financial Performance and Compliance Indicators (FPCIs). Duties will include monitoring reports and addressing invoices on hold, open purchase orders, retrospective purchasing and accruals.
• Provide a quality customer service. Provide pro-active guidance on accounts processes to the team and wider mission. Familiarising, understanding and cascading best practice and / or training of all FCDO accounting standards, processes and internal audit requirements.
• Update and maintain all corporate governance documentation as set out in FCDO guidance. This includes updating the budget holder letters, stamp letters, the list of GPC and CCC card holders etc.
• Prepare and Repond to any Audit  assessment requests and ensure compliant  record keeping is  completed ie (Annual Managment Assurance Process).

Procurement 5%

• Expert on FCDO Procurement Policy providing advice and guidance to staff across the mission, and ensuring full compliance by all.  Support for procurement exercises including annual supplier reviews.

Resources Managed & Other 15%

• Line management of the Finance & Procurement Officer on day-to-day operations, including Performance Management and Appraisal.
• Ad hoc cover for Head of Corporate Services if needed.
• Role in Embassy emergency planning and any response to a crisis affecting UK citizens. Your specific role will be identified based on your skills and experience.

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the job holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Job responsibilities evolve with change in business needs and the Embassy reserves the right to update to job description to ensure it meets the business objectives.

Key Behaviours:

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following behaviours and the Embassy values during the interview:

• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Working Together – Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.

Our Values:

The British Embassy Values (Trust, Respect, Integrity and One Team) are important in helping us to deliver for the UK internationally. Wherever we work in the world, we share a set of values that guides our decision-making, sets standards for our behaviour and helps us deliver the UK’s national interest internationally.

• Trust: Be reliable, open, and dependable in our actions and communications.
• Respect: Acknowledging each other’s skills, opinions, and experiences and honouring each other’s ideas, beliefs, and culture.
• Integrity: Taking responsibility for our decisions and actions and standing up for what is right, not what is easy.
• One Team: Being kind, helpful, supportive, open to challenge so that we can all work at our best towards achieving the same goal.

These values are underpinned by the UK Civil Service values (Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, Impartiality) and complemented by values all One HMG colleagues bring from their own department, service or administration.

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

• Have the right to live and work in Oman.
• The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy’s sponsorship.

• High standard of written and verbal English (equivalent or exceeds IELTS score 7.0). Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar position.Proficiency of key Microsoft office elements (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint etc)
• Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance / Accounting or any relevant qualification.
• Self-starter and proactive.
• High attention to detail with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Strong ability to multitask, take self-responsibility.
• Proven customer service skills coupled with an ability to handle difficult customers.
• High measures of resilience and adaptability.
• Flexible and positive approach to working in a forward thinking, modern and motivated organisation.
• Numerate reliable and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to work both in a team and autonomously.
• Diplomacy and sensitivity when dealing with clients.
• High level of confidentiality.
• Excellent planning, organising and administrative skills.