Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

British Council Pay Band 7

Department: Finance

Location: BCMS, Noida, India

Contract: Indefinite Contract (permanent role)

Apply by: Sunday, 30th Nov, 20:00 hrs Local time Interview window: TBD

This role is open to applicants who already have the legal right to work in India at the time of application. Relocation and visa sponsorship are not available. The British Council supports flexible working, including hybrid arrangements, subject to line manager approval and operational requirements.

Role Context

The Manager, Finance Planning & Analysis, is responsible for providing management with timely, insightful analysis of budgets, forecasts, and MIS to support informed decision-making. The role involves partnering closely with delivery and solutioning teams to develop and validate business cases for transitioning work into the Shared Services Centre, driving efficiency and cost optimization. With deep expertise in financial and management reporting, cash flow, compliance, and month-end closing, the individual brings strong capability in identifying cost drivers, computing cost per transaction, preparing cost reports, and supporting delivery teams in meeting cost-saving targets. They also have hands-on experience managing and successfully closing statutory, tax, and compliance audits.

The role requires the ability to independently engage with UK-based stakeholders, address queries promptly, and operate effectively within a global, matrixed environment. With advanced Excel proficiency and a strong track record of designing and maintaining financial and compliance reports, the individual demonstrates exceptional organizational skills, customer focus, and a commitment to accuracy and compliance. They consistently meet strict deadlines, manage multiple priorities under pressure, and adapt to extended working hours when needed.

Main responsibilities

The role leads end-to-end Financial and Management Reporting, including month-end closing, accurate transaction recording, revenue recognition, cost allocation, and strict governance over Resource Requisition processes. It ensures timely reporting with clear presentations to the Finance Controller, conducts budget-versus-actual analysis, manages revenue charging across projects, and drives standardization of reporting practices. The role is highly analytical, identifying cost drivers, computing cost per transaction, and partnering with delivery and solutioning teams to build business cases for SSC transitions and support cost-saving targets. It also manages audits and compliance controls, preparing financial statements and cash flows, supporting Treasury on hedging and approvals, coordinating statutory and internal audits, and ensuring compliance across all RRdocumentation.Additionally, it oversees FP&A activities by delivering business analytics, supporting budgeting and forecasting with UK counterparts, developing forward-looking dashboards, coordinating cost-reduction initiatives, reviewing SAP plans, improving Corporate Finance processes, and designing advanced Excel-based financial and compliance reports.

The role requires strong relationship and stakeholder management skills, independently engaging with internal and external partnersincluding delivery teams, UK stakeholders, Department Heads, the Financial Controller, the Managing Director, the UK FA team, and the Contract Relationship teamto ensure timely resolution of queries and adherence to SLAs. Operating within a global and matrixed environment, the role demands the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and maintain a customer-focused, compliance-driven, and team-oriented approach. The job may require extended working hours during business-critical periods, planning sessions, or audits, reflecting the need for resilience, ownership, and consistent delivery under pressure.

Qualifications

Minimum/essential

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• CA / MBA
• 7-8 years of post-qualification experience (CA Or Post Graduate)

Desirable

• Preferable Big4 experience

Role specific knowledge and experience

Minimum/essential

• Knowledge of SAP
• Sound & practical knowledge of working on Excel.
• Prior exposure to managing external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Ability to manage all types of audits. (internal/ external)
• Project management qualification

Language Requirements

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. (C1 Level)