BBC Media Action is the BBC's international charity. We use media and communication to reach millions of people across the world with information they can trust, helping people understand their rights, participate in dialogue, and make informed decisions about issues affecting their lives. As part of a new operating model, BBC Media Action is piloting a new operational Cluster Model for our programming in South East Asia and Pacific - covering Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Pacific Island Countries and other ASEAN countries.

Job Purpose

The role will provide financial leadership, support strategic planning and donor compliance, strengthen financial controls and risk management, and manage Country Finance Leads/Senior Finance Officers across multiple countries within the cluster. The Finance Manager of South East Asia and Pacific will act as the principal finance business partner to the Cluster Director and Country Managers.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

Provide strategic financial advice and support to the Cluster Director and Country Managers.
Support financial sustainability and long-term planning across the cluster.
Contribute to organisational planning, decision-making and business continuity processes.
Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate actions.
Financial Planning and Business Development

Lead the financial development of new business proposals across cluster countries.
Support preparation and review of proposal budgets, budget tests and donor financial templates.
Review donor contracts and advise on financial implications, risks and compliance obligations.
Ensure appropriate budgeting of shared costs, central costs, management fees and indirect cost recovery.
Support negotiations relating to donor budgets, payment schedules and financial reporting requirements.
Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Monitoring

Lead quarterly forecasting and reforecasting activities across the cluster.
Review financial forecasts prepared by Country Finance Leads and ensure consistency and accuracy.
Monitor project performance, expenditure trends and budget utilisation.
Provide regular analysis and recommendations to management regarding financial performance.
Support country planning processes and identify future funding and operational risks.
Financial Reporting

Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting across all cluster countries.
Review Project Finance Reports and management accounts.
Review country level month-end and year-end financial close processes.
Analyse financial results and investigate significant variances.
Ensure accurate reporting to UK Finance and senior management.
Donor Compliance and Grant Management

Ensure donor financial reporting complies with contractual requirements.
Review donor financial reports before submission.
Monitor project expenditure and donor budget compliance across the cluster.
Support donor financial reviews and audits.
Financial Controls, Audit and Risk Management

Maintain effective financial controls and compliance systems across cluster countries.
Oversee implementation of BBC Media Action financial policies and procedures.
Support development and monitoring of country risk registers.
Ensure appropriate controls relating to cash management, segregation of duties, procurement and asset management.
Lead financial responses to internal and external audit recommendations.
Promote best practice in fraud prevention, financial governance and accountability.
Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

Provide oversight of statutory reporting and compliance requirements across cluster countries.
Ensure appropriate management of local audits and legal compliance obligations.
Liaise with external advisers where required.
Cashflow and Treasury Management

Review and approve country cash forecasts and funding requests.
Monitor liquidity requirements across the cluster.
Support effective treasury management and cash control processes.
Ensure funds are available to support programme delivery.
Team Leadership and Capacity Building

Provide line management and technical leadership to Country Finance Leads and Senior Finance Officers.
Build financial capacity across the cluster through coaching, mentoring and training.
Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across country finance teams.
Support recruitment, performance management and development of finance staff.
Systems and Process Improvement

Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting tools and procedures.
Support effective use of Access Dimensions, Power BI and other BBC Media Action financial systems.
Promote standardisation and consistency across cluster countries.
Support implementation of new financial processes and organisational initiatives.
Safeguarding and Other Duties

Understand and comply with BBC Media Action's Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
Participate in mandatory safeguarding and workplace conduct training.
Report safeguarding concerns in accordance with organisational procedures.
Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Cluster Director.
Knowledge, skills, training and experience

Essential

Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CPA or equivalent).
Significant experience in senior finance management roles within an NGO, INGO or donor-funded environment.
Experience managing multi-country finances and complex donor-funded programmes.
Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and management reporting.
Experience leading audits, compliance processes and financial controls.
Strong knowledge of donor regulations and grant management.
Experience leading and developing finance teams.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial management systems.
Fluency in English.
Desirable

Experience working in South East Asia and/or the Pacific.
Knowledge of NGO financial management requirements.
Experience supporting organisational transformation or shared-service operating models.
Job impact

Decision Making

Provides strategic financial advice and recommendations to the Cluster Director, Country Managers and senior leadership.
Makes decisions on financial management, forecasting, compliance and control matters within delegated authority.
Influences resource allocation, funding priorities, business development opportunities and financial sustainability across the cluster.
Identifies and manages financial risks, ensuring appropriate controls, governance and mitigation actions are implemented.
Provides guidance on donor compliance, grant management and financial implications of operational and strategic decisions.
Scope

Supports multiple offices across the Southeast Asia and Pacific Cluster.
Leads financial management activities across Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Pacific Island Countries and other locations within the cluster as required.
Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, donor compliance, financial controls and statutory compliance across multiple countries.
Provides leadership and oversight to Country Finance Leads and Senior Finance Officers, building financial capability and promoting consistent financial practices across the cluster.
Oversees cluster-wide financial planning and management of donor-funded programmes, ensuring resources are effectively managed to support programme delivery and organisational objectives.
Budget accountability will be role specific.

Interested applicants should submit a CV with an introduction letter detailing their skills, knowledge and experience, and outlining what they can bring to the job. Please do not include certificates.