E+ Finance Manager in London

Overview

Main Accountabilities But Not Limited To The Following

Operational Financial Management

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We are connected. We inspire.

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.

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

• Operational Financial Management: Manage the day‑to‑day financial administration of Erasmus+, ensuring expenditure is accurately recorded, coded, and monitored. Maintain detailed financial records in line with grant agreements, funding rules, and internal financial policies.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Monitoring: Support the preparation and ongoing maintenance of Erasmus+ budgets under the direction of the Senior Finance Manager. Monitor actual expenditure against approved budgets and forecasts, identifying variances and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Financial Reporting & Claims: Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, reconciliations, and funding claims in line with Erasmus+ requirements. Ensure costs claimed are eligible, properly evidenced, and fully auditable.
• Compliance & Internal Controls: Apply Erasmus+ financial regulations consistently and support adherence to internal control frameworks. Carry out routine checks on transactions and supporting evidence to ensure compliance.
• Audit & Assurance Support: Support internal and external audits, inspections, and assurance reviews by preparing documentation and responding to queries. Implement agreed audit actions and process improvements within own area of responsibility.
• Stakeholder & Partner Support: Act as a finance contact for programme teams and delivery partners on routine financial matters. Provide clear, practical guidance on funding rules and financial processes to non‑finance colleagues.
• Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement: Use financial systems effectively to manage Erasmus+ activity and ensure data accuracy. Contribute to continuous improvement of financial processes, templates, and guidance.
• Team Contribution & Professional Development: Work collaboratively within the finance team to support wider Erasmus+ and organisational objectives. Share knowledge and good practice with colleagues to strengthen team capability.

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.

Minimum/essential 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.

Desirable:

• 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.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement: The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.