Head of Finance

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. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014‑20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Pay Band: SMPS
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

Role Purpose
The Head of Finance leads the financial strategy, governance, and assurance for Erasmus+. The role ensures robust financial planning, accurate reporting, effective risk management, and full compliance with client, organisational, and regulatory requirements. The role designs and maintains a robust financial control framework that mitigates risks across the full grant lifecycle – from application and assessment, through distribution and monitoring, to audit and closure. Acting as the senior finance business partner reporting directly into the Deputy National Agency Director, the post oversees end to end financial integrity across grants, funding flows and operational expenditure. They ensure that funding is accurately allocated, monitored, and accounted for; that financial risks are identified early and mitigated effectively; and that the programme consistently meets audit, assurance, and contractual obligations. They provide clear financial insight to support decision making, maintain strong audit and assurance standards, manage and develop the National Agency’s finance team, and manage senior relationships with clients and stakeholders. By safeguarding financial integrity, value for money, and long term sustainability, the Head of Finance enables the programme to deliver high quality, accountable outcomes.

Main accountabilities, but not limited to the following:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
• Stakeholder & Client Relationship Management
• Team Leadership & Capability Building
• Value for Money & Efficiency

Requirements of the role

Role Specific Skills
Be an exemplar of integrity, honesty, discretion and professionalism for the National Agency. Ability to lead end‑to‑end financial strategy for a multi‑year, multi‑stream programme aligned to the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Strong experience in long‑term financial planning, profiling expenditure across delivery phases, and ensuring alignment with programme objectives and funding agreements. Capacity to translate programme priorities into sustainable financial models that support delivery, risk management, and value for money. Financial Acumen: solid understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial performance drivers. Business Partnering: strong interpersonal and influencing skills, ability to communicate complex financial issues in accessible language. Ability to multi‑task effectively, managing simultaneous financial cycles, reporting requirements and deadlines across a complex delivery portfolio. Ability to identify financial risks and propose mitigations. Independently minded and willing to challenge existing business practice. Building relationships at all levels in the organisation.

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience
Proven ability to ensure compliance with funder financial requirements, ideally EU and HMG. Oversight of audit readiness, including preparation for internal, external, and EU‑level audits, and effective resolution of audit findings. Strong command of budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling and reporting across complex delivery portfolios. Design and implementation of robust financial controls, assurance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies. Ability to monitor burn rate, identify variances, and take corrective action to maintain programme solvency and compliance. Proven leadership of finance teams in complex programme environments, including capability building and change management. High‑quality written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to non‑financial audiences. Ability to interpret and apply complex funding rules and translate them into practical operational guidance. Experience of working with grant‑funded or externally funded programmes, ideally within an EU or international context. Understanding of programme lifecycle management, from design and mobilisation through to transition and close‑out. Experience with SAP or similar ERP platforms. Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).

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.

Professional Qualification and Certification
Recognised International Accounting or Finance qualification 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.