Accountant

Company: British Council

Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Deadline for applications: Applications will close at 23:59 IST/18:29 UK Time on Sunday, 1 February 2026. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please do not apply if you are currently a student.

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.

We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body.

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role Purpose:

The role supports financial accounting for the British Council by working with the Managed Service Provider to ensure timely, accurate reporting. It delivers financial administration and coordination for local units, facilitates communication across operational teams, and collaborates with Controllership. The position relies on strong system and process expertise to resolve daily issues and maintain smooth operations.

Main Accountabilities:

Finance and Resource Management

• Support retained financial processes in collaboration with MSP and controllership teams, ensuring accurate accounting aligned with corporate policies and audit standards. Maintain financial records in accordance with internal controls and compliance requirements.
• Execute key pre‑closing activities for month-end and year-end, while assisting in closing procedures. Manage customer transactions, income collection, and refund processes with strict accuracy and integrity, including coordination with banks on mandates and documentation.
• Handle accounting adjustments such as accruals, deferrals, provisions, and intercompany transactions. Support manual journals, off‑system payments, and reconciliation tasks, ensuring adherence to policies and financial accuracy.
• Contribute to financial and statutory reporting through SAP data extraction. Assist in preparing tax submissions and monthly tax calculations for civil agreements. Facilitate internal/external audits and implemented audit recommendations, including Travel & Expenses audits.
• Assist in management accounting, report generation, and maintenance of local systems. Provide guidance to managers, responded to customer enquiries, and escalate complex issues appropriately.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Proactively communicate and liaise with others (inside and outside the British Council) to ensure effective coordination and delivery of events, services, and activities. Build an understanding of who’s who within the wider department, unit, or region to enable effective resolution of issues when they arise.

Managing self and others

• Plan and prioritise own activities, respond to changing and at times competing requirements to ensure effective delivery of responsibilities over set reporting timescales. Provide a good standard of financial administration and financial discipline. Tasks and coordinates others (e.g., internal customers, colleagues, or third-party suppliers) to complete activities in accordance with agreed financial procedures

Role Specific Skills:

• Expertise in Accounts Payable/Receivable
• Knowledge of local 1C system and SAP
• Good in MSExcel
• Understanding of local tax compliance and calculations

Role Requirements:

Essential:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience with accounting or ERP software as 1C.
• Accounting Knowledge: Strong understanding of general accounting principles and experience preparing financial statements.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong communication (written and verbal), time management, and the ability to work under deadlines.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in an international organisation and/or relevant employer.
• Good level of understanding of relevant software/ SAP

Other Requirements:

• Right to work in Kazakhstan

• English and Kazakh/Russian – Must

• Graduate degree/Diploma in Accounting / Economics/ Finance

Important Information:

Pay band: 4

Contract Type: Indefinite

Location: Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Department: Financial Control In-country

Starting Salary: The gross monthly salary for this post is KZT 466500

Closing Date: Applications will close at 23:59 IST/18:29 UK Time on Sunday, 1 February 2026. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please do not apply if you are currently a student.

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You must have the legal right to work in Kazakhstan at the time of application.

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in Kazakhstan.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.