Senior 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. 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: 8
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 Senior Finance Manager is responsible for providing strategic and operational financial leadership for Erasmus+, ensuring robust financial management, compliance with EU funding regulations and in alignment with British Council systems, processes, policies and standards. They are responsible for the effective use of public funds. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the postholder will oversee the financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and assurance of Erasmus+ funds, supporting delivery teams to achieve programme objectives while maintaining the highest standards of financial governance, risk management, and value for money. The role plays a key part in translating Erasmus+ funding rules into practical financial processes, advising senior stakeholders, reporting and contributing to the continuous improvement of financial systems and controls across publicly funded programmes.

Main accountabilities

• Financial Leadership & Programme Oversight
• Stakeholder & Client Relationship Management
• Team Leadership & Capability Building

Requirements of the role

Role Specific Skills:

• Deep understanding of financial regulations, grant agreements, eligible costs, and funding mechanisms.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex EU funding rules accurately and consistently.
• Advanced budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling skills for multi‑year, multi‑stream programmes.
• Strong financial reporting skills, including preparation of claims, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Ability to translate complex financial and funding rules into clear, practical guidance for non‑financial stakeholders.
• Ability to multi‑task effectively, managing simultaneous financial cycles, reporting requirements and deadlines across a complex portfolio.
• Ability to identify financial risks and propose mitigations.
• Confidence in challenging assumptions and decisions constructively to protect public funds and value for money.

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience

• Significant experience in financial management, FP&A, management accounting or grant finance.
• Strong knowledge of audit requirements and evidence standards for EU funded programmes.
• Ability to prioritise workload, manage competing deadlines, and maintain resilience under pressure.
• Strong experience using financial systems and tools to manage complex funding programmes.
• Ability to analyse financial data to provide meaningful insights and decision support.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to diverse audiences.
• Experience leading or supporting internal and external audits with positive outcomes.
• Sound judgement in balancing compliance, risk appetite, and programme delivery needs.
• Previous experience in a National Agency, public body, charity, or grant funded environment.
• Exposure to European Commission or National Agency audits with a successful outcome.
• Experience developing financial guidance, toolkits, or training for non-finance colleagues.
• Aware of international education, mobility, or cultural exchange programmes.
• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP platforms.

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.