Regional Finance Specialist, Asia Pacific

Focus of the Role

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere. 

We are a global team of nearly 800 changemakers, operating in more than 30 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference. 

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Job Introduction

The duties of this post-holder are to: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

• Support Finance functions specified in the following, for countries in Asia that TBI has presence specifically and supporting the wider Finance Team generally.
• Process supplier invoices in the accounting systems accurately and efficiently including check authorisations and prepare payments to suppliers in accordance with relevant TBI policies & KYC process, payment allocation. Reconcile all supplier accounts regularly.
• Process required payments ensuring correct authorisation
• Process payments with any necessary tax deductions at the appropriate rates.
• Manage and liaise with external parties in relation to withholding tax matters as and when required.
• Ensure timely reconciliations of all relevant TBI bank accounts including petty cash/foreign currencies/ in country trackers/credit cards/prepaid card.
• Liaise with bankers for queries, e.g., payment queries
• Ensure all entries are posted with the correct VAT & GST coding
• Mange your own workload to meet team deadlines for month end and offer support to other team members
• Check receipts and accurate recording of staff expenses reimbursement in accordance with TBI expenses policy
• Other duties including filing of financial records/data accurately
• Any reasonable duties required by the Regional Finance Manager or wider Finance team

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be expected within the scope of the post. Job descriptions should be regularly reviewed to ensure they are an accurate representation of the post.

Key Responsibilities

Know-How:

• Ensuring detailed knowledge of finance processes, policies and procedures
• Ensuring clear communication is provided to stakeholders
• Ensuring up to date with the Institute’s structure, especially in relations to the allocation of costs and a clear understanding of the importance of donor funded projects
• Strong understanding of finance systems and tools, ensuring all relevant training is up to date

Accountability:

• Ensure expenditures are posted accurately with relevant supporting approval documentation
• Prepare the suppliers/staff expense payments within the payments run cycles
• Timely reconciliation of bank statements each day
• Proactively follow-up on late submissions and/or incomplete information (e.g., unallocated receipts)
• Full ownership of all Finance entries and administration e.g., reconciled creditor accounts

Responsibility:

• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure information is shared effectively and collaboratively
• Informed challenges of details on invoices with internal stakeholders/suppliers for details which do not appear correct e.g., GST/VAT codes
• Embracing global finance team, supporting all team members when needed
• Ad hoc pieces of work or projects as required by Regional Finance Manager or Finance Leadership team

Judgement:

• Anticipate and mitigate any concerns or risks appropriately and escalate where necessary
• Ability to challenge others if you perceive a decision to be incorrect or damaging to TBI

Ownership/ambition:

• Contributing to overall Finance OKRs
• Influence process change outside of own area
• Be an ambassador for work that the Institute undertakes
• Help shape best practice guidelines and methodology for Finance processes
• Model & maintain TBI Core Values - Courageous, Collaborative & Compassionate

Person Specification

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change aims to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies in an interconnected world. We do this through developing policy and advising governments.

This is a role in a fast-paced team, working within complex divisions that are highly scrutinised. Therefore, the successful candidate for the role should be able to display the majority of the following:

• A qualification in a finance background or equivalent demonstrable experience of not less than four years, and fundamental knowledge and understanding of accountancy
• Experience of general accounting – e.g., Debit vs Credit entries, Purchase Ledger, Reconciliations, accruals and prepayments
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills required
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• A collaborative and supportive team-player, with demonstrable experience in working as part of a team
• Great interpersonal skills - able to establish good cross departmental working relationships
• Great time management skills
• Good English proficiency and ability to articulate verbally and by written presentation, and toto express complex ideas in a clear and straightforward way
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise against tight deadlines
• Customer service/experience focused - flexible & adaptable approach
• A flexible approach – you’ll be open to taking on unfamiliar tasks and learning new skills
• Enthusiastic, self-driven, ambitious and always seeking continuous improvement
• Experience of the demands of working within a growing business advantageous.
• Experience of working with Sage 200 beneficial
• Demonstrate discretion working with sensitive information.
• A keen interest in our work as an Institute, expansion and sharing of knowledge and personal development

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