Finance Manager, British Embassy Tirana

About the role

The British Embassy in Tirana is looking for a Finance Manager to lead its financial management function. The postholder ensures sound stewardship of public funds, accurate budgeting and forecasting, effective payroll and purchase-to-pay delivery, compliant financial operations and robust financial controls. The role also coordinates core local HR administration and acts as the Post Learning and Development Champion.

Key responsibilities

• Lead annual business planning, budgeting and in-year forecasting, with financial modelling, scenario analysis and timely management information for budget holders and senior leadership.
• Oversee compliant accounting, cash management, bank and cash monitoring, reconciliations, monthly counts and audit-ready records.
• Prepare and process salaries, statutory returns, pay awards, allowances and recoveries, and make payments on behalf of the Embassy within delegated authorities.
• Manage the end-to-end purchase-to-pay framework, including purchase orders, invoice controls, goods receipting and supplier-payment monitoring, and provide affordability and contract-expenditure assurance.
• Act as Post L&D Champion and coordinate the L&D plan, training and learning records, and support recruitment, onboarding, leave and attendance processes.
• Maintain cost cards, process partner joining and leaving changes, prepare recharges and partner spend summaries, and deputise for the Head of Corporate Services when required.

Required profile

• Full professional proficiency in English and Albanian (minimum C1).
• Demonstrable experience of budget management, forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, and financial controls and purchase-to-pay processes.
• Experience of local payroll legislation, statutory returns, benefits or health-insurance administration.
• Experience of cash and bank reconciliations, invoice management and audit-ready financial records.
• Desirable: a relevant finance, accounting or business qualification; experience in a diplomatic mission, international organisation or government body; experience supporting audit, assurance or fraud-risk activity; experience coordinating learning and development.

Required skills

• Strong analytical skills, judgement and ability to challenge assumptions and proposed expenditure.
• High accuracy, integrity and discretion with financial and personal information.
• Stakeholder management and the ability to explain finance to non-specialists.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, with strong Microsoft Excel and relevant financial-system skills.

What we offer

• Fixed-term contract of one year with possibility of renewal, starting 14 December 2026.
• Monthly salary of 174,446 ALL.
• Normal working hours Monday to Thursday 08:30-17:00 and Friday 08:30-14:30, with a flexible working policy.
• Subject to a 90-day probation and satisfactory local and UK security clearances; right to live and work in Tirana required.