Corporate Services Officer (Finance)

Main purpose of job:
The Corporate Services (CS) Team is responsible for the day to day running of the administration of the British Embassy in Santo Domingo and, remotely, the British Embassy in Port au Prince.
We are looking for an experienced professional to join our team, who will bring enthusiasm to the role and be a consummate team player. The Corporate Services Officer (CSO-Finance) is a key member of the CS team, and reports directly to the Corporate Services Manager (CSM) delivering on a wide range of issues including:

Manage Accounts/Forecasts and Administration

Transport Management

Back up for IT Support Officer

Other corporate services tasks as required

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, all of which enhances our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
To deliver the job successfully, the Corporate Services Officer needs to have good organisational skills. The ability to multi-task and work quickly under pressure, whilst keeping attention to detail, is also important.
The role would be suitable for either a more experienced professional or a recent graduate with the right skillset
The Embassy’s working language is English- and fluent language skills is essential for this role.
Roles and responsibilities:
Ensure all finance and related procurement processes are followed in line with policies and guidelines, including timely supplier and staff payments, reconciliations, and official bank liaison, completing finance returns to the relevant departments in the organisation. .
Wider Corporate Service support including, but not limited to:
Finance / Administration
· Process all invoices and bank wire payments (national and international) and effective payment management for suppliers
· General filing of account vouchers, paperwork and receipts to ensure a visible audit trail
· Process cash advances where relevant, including ensuring accountability for cash transactions
· Effective and timely preparation of budget expense reports
· Effective management of Embassy bank accounts including of relationships with the key local banks
· Assist CSM in ensuring compliance with correct accounting procedures to a high standard
· Processing and preparation of the monthly accounts for both embassies
· Effective management of relevant budgets and support for the CSM in financial planning.
· Prepare and maintain annual funding profile and monthly cash flows
Transport Management:
· Line manage all staff employed on transport duties
· Ensure effective management of all relevant administrative, financial and logistical processes for Embassy transport
· Ensure that all vehicles are properly maintained
· Regularly review and update relevant policies as appropriate
Other Tasks:
· Act as back up IT Support Officer
· Provide effective support for the planning and organizing of key Embassy events as required
· Work with the CS Team on provide the full range of administrative support to UK Diplomatic staff, including processing of diplomatic staff accreditation, arrivals, departures, freight and luggage transfers, customs clearance, etc
· Support the CSM in other areas of work as required, including HR
Resources managed:
Budget:
o Day to day management of 4 bank accounts in 3 currencies, and 1 local cash box
Staff:
o Management of 2 drivers
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Someone who can step into the position and quickly deliver results based on prior experience

A University or technical college degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or similar

A minimum of 2 years professional experience, with a focus on finance or accounting

Professional experience in the use of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and MS Teams

Evidence of strong organisational, planning and time management skills, with excellent attention to detail

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, in writing and in person.

Proven ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and self-motivation

An interest and the flexibility to support the Corporate Services Team deliver a wide range of work to a high standard

Previous line management experience

Previous budget management experience

Language requirements:
Language: Written and spoken English and Spanish
Level of language required: Fluent in both languages
The position requires pre-existing legal status to live and work in the Dominican Republic and will be subject to satisfactory reference checks and successful receipt of local and overseas security clearances.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Ability to travel occasionally for training or other meetings

Ability to work as a team player in a fast moving environment, excellent organisational skills and time management

An understanding of UK culture and a desire and interest in learning more about the UK

Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service
Application deadline
4 November 2024
Grade
Administrative Officer (AO)
Type of Position
Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week
39
Region
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Country/Territory
Dominican Republic
Location (City)
Santo Domingo
Type of Post
British Embassy
Number of vacancies
1
Salary Currency
DOP
Salary
DOP 83,751 x 13
Start Date
2 December 2024
Other benefits and conditions of employment

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Dominican employment law.

In addition to the salary, the British Embassy offers a strong benefits package including local health insurance.

Working hours many vary depending on event requirements and others.

Paid annual leave entitlement is 16 working days per calendar year which increases after five years of service. Dominican and some UK public holiday days are also observed

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount

Additional information
Working patterns:

Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 16:30 and Fridays from 08:00 to 13:00, but may require out of office hours.

If the job is suitable for flexible working patterns, please provide details: * The job is suitable for some flexible working and remote working from home. The nature of the role requires attendance at meetings and regular days in the office to attend to cash disbursement, but there is scope for flexible working modes, including remote working, depending on the specific needs of the role at a particular time.

Flexible working patterns would have to be agreed with the Line Manager in advance.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

HM Government