Finance Manager

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+. In December, the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange.

Job Title: Erasmus+ Finance Manager

Pay Band: 7

Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension

Location: London, UK

Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.

Closing Date: Applications will close on 13 May at 22:59 UK Time. We are operating on the basis that any offer is made pending client confirmation of funds.

Role Purpose

The Finance Manager is responsible for the effective day‑to‑day financial management of Erasmus+, supporting the National Agency to deliver funded activity in line with grant agreements, financial regulations, and organisational policies. Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, the role provides accurate financial monitoring, reporting, and compliance support across the Erasmus+ portfolio. The postholder works closely with programme and delivery teams to ensure funding rules are understood and applied correctly, risks are identified early, and financial information is timely, reliable, and decision‑focused. The Finance Manager plays a key role in maintaining strong financial controls, preparing funding claims and reports, and supporting audits and assurance activity, contributing to the overall integrity and sustainability of publicly funded programmes.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following:

• Budgeting, Forecasting & Monitoring
• Compliance & Internal Controls
• Audit & Assurance Support
• Stakeholder & Partner Support
• Team Contribution & Professional Development

Requirements of the role

Role Specific Skills:

• Ability to apply funding rules accurately to day‑to‑day financial transactions and claims.
• Awareness of audit and evidence requirements linked to EU‑funded programmes.
• Budgeting and financial monitoring skills, including variance analysis.
• Preparing financial reports, reconciliations, and supporting grant claims.
• High level of accuracy, organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow and apply financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Confidence in identifying potential errors, ineligible costs, or control weaknesses and escalating appropriately.

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience:

• Understanding of grant agreements, eligible cost rules, and funding conditions.
• Experience carrying out routine compliance checks on expenditure and documentation.
• Understanding of basic project and programme finance principles, including budget profiling and monitoring.
• Awareness of audit and assurance processes relating to externally funded programmes.
• Practical experience of budget monitoring, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience preparing financial reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Experience maintaining audit‑ready financial records and supporting audit activity.
• Experience working to tight deadlines and managing multiple priorities.
• Experience in a public sector, education, charity, or arms‑length body environment.
• Familiarity with National Agency or European Commission reporting and audit requirements.

Language Requirements

The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal fluency in English is required.

Education

Degree or equivalent work experience. Evidence of continued professional development and professional networking.

Professional Qualification and Certification

Recognised International Accounting or Finance qualification / part-qualified or equivalent, such as a relevant Accountancy or Finance degree.

Additional Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application. 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.