The British Embassy Manila is a large diplomatic mission delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK's objectives on prosperity, security and consular matters. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the Embassy's RICE Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence.
Main purpose of job:
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the UK Government department charged with securing UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade. In the Philippines, DBT works closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other partners to:
- Promote British trade and investment
- Build the global appetite for British goods and services
- Break down market access barriers to trade in order to help businesses succeed
DBT has almost 300 staff working across 15 Asia Pacific (APAC) countries stretching from New Zealand to Thailand, led by His Majesty's Trade Commissioner (HMTC) Martin Kent.
The post advertised is for a DBT APAC Finance and Operations Officer based in the British Embassy Manila. This a stretching role supporting multiple posts in a high-profile area of the UK Government.
The successful candidate will be joining a regional operations team based in locations across Asia Pacific. The line manager for this role is based in British Embassy Manila, but the successful candidate will be working with colleagues across APAC
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
The role will work closely with the Line Manager (LM) in delivering budget management, financial planning, performance overview & analysis across DBT's Asia Pacific operations. They will be the first point of contact for any finance, data and people queries. This jobholder will need to be confident and motivated, with a clear eye for risk and delivering value for money through the efficient allocation of resources.
Finance (60%)
- Provide first-line support, guidance and share best practiceto DBT teams to develop budget monitoring and forecasting skills, improve accuracy and use of charging instructions and corporate credit cards.
- Coordinate with Finance Leads in ensuring all post across APAC (15 markets) will provide a timely monthly budget and forecast updatein the system. Supporting LM and Head of Operations on identifying risk of over or underspend.
- Prepare country team's monthly financial periodic reports that will steer local Directors on their financial decisions.
- Supporting LM on monthly finance meeting that will include highlighting updates on guidelines and processes. Ensure close management of expenses and training of finance leads in country teams, highlighting any updates and priority issues and advising on solutions.
- Update staff finance forecasts on key APAC Operational Spreadsheetto ensure staff changes will reflect accordingly.
- Develop templates and ensure consistency and application of budget management practices in the region.
Operations (40%)
- Serve as the first point of contact for any finance, data and people queries from all posts.
- Monitor DBT Operations Mailbox and flag urgent emails to relevant team members.
- Serve as point of contact for APAC purchasing & procurement housekeepingthrough proactive monitoring of Open Purchase Orders, unpaid invoices and unaccounted credit card transactions, identifying and making journal entries.
- Coordinate with Capability Officer in monitoring of budget for People initiatives such as Secondment Scheme, L&D Scheme and Regional Team budget.
- Monitor the regional team budget and other operational expenses and flag any risk of under and overspend to line manager.
- Monitor the Platform Change Request list for all markets and ensure that relevant changes are reflected accordingly.
- Assist on the Quality Assurance (QA) of performance reports with the guidance of LM.
Additional responsibilities:
- Positive involvement in the RICE (Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence) values of the British Embassy.
- The successful candidate will sit within DBT Manila and will be expected to contribute to the team's wider objectives and play a fully participative role in the Manila team and wider-British Embassy.
- Work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues across the British Embassy to support the One HMG approach.
- Theyshould be open to flex their working hours in case of business need to attend functions outside their regular schedule and undertake occasional travel as needed.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- Tertiary Education with an Accounting/Auditing/Financial/Management focus degree and/or undergraduate degree and other professional qualification
- At least two years professional work experience in a relevant field
- Experience with Accounting Principles and Processes, Procurement experience is a plus
- Applied knowledge of Month End Reporting, analysis and presenting Financial Information
- Understanding of financial management and qualitative and qualitative forecasting methodology
- Previous experience in a Financial/Management Role
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office products and particularly Excel
- Good time management skills
- Excellent prioritisation skills.
Desirable qualifications,skills and experience
- Ensuring compliance of managing public money
- Experience of working in the public sector and/or for the UK government
For more information to submit your application, please register and click on this link:
https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-2/spa-1/tmpwid-bcb7_20bb77e4-1af0-45d8-98ce-66b2d3caf0bc/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/26545-MNL-DBT-APAC-Finance-and-Operations-Officer-AO/en-GB
All applications must be received before 23:55 (PH time) on 25 March 2026.
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