At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial strategies and provide insights for impactful contracts across regions.
- Company: Join the British Council, a leader in cultural engagement and international collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a multi-cultural environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing financial decisions that drive cultural impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in commercial finance with strong analytical and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 38020 - 43820 € per year.
We are looking for a proactive and strategic Commercial Finance Business Partner to work closely with Regional Business Directors and leadership teams across SSA and other regions. In this role, you will help shape and deliver a sustainable, financially successful, and high-quality portfolio of contracts. You will provide expert financial insight, management information, and commercial advice to guide decision‑making throughout the contract lifecycle—from opportunity development to delivery.
This includes conducting rigorous financial appraisals of new business opportunities using our costing and pricing models, ensuring risks are understood and contracts deliver value for money while aligning with Cultural Engagement priorities on surplus, quality, partnerships, and impact. As a key decision influencer, you will offer independent commercial challenge and regional financial sign‑off on bids and contracts, making clear recommendations on financial viability, risk, and return.
You will also support regional financial planning and forecasting for client‑funded contracts, producing high‑quality analysis and insights to drive performance improvement. This is a high‑visibility role within the Cultural Engagement Strategic Business Unit, requiring strong strategic thinking, analytical capability, and relationship‑building skills. Operating in a complex, multi‑location international environment, you will need to demonstrate commercial acumen, forward‑looking perspective, and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, operational teams, and finance colleagues.
The role drives multi‑year financial planning for regional contracts, ensuring sustainability and viability, and analyzes donor landscapes to assess financial implications of different contract types and service models. A core responsibility is leading rigorous financial appraisals of new opportunities, applying consistent pricing and costing models, and monitoring benefits against investment, while maintaining oversight of the regional contract portfolio to ensure an appropriate balance of risk and return.
Responsibilities- Provide expert financial insight, management information, and commercial advice throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Conduct rigorous financial appraisals of new business opportunities using our costing and pricing models.
- Offer independent commercial challenge and regional financial sign‑off on bids and contracts.
- Support regional financial planning and forecasting for client‑funded contracts.
- Provide commercial support for pipeline reviews, risk assessments, pricing, approvals and reporting.
- Evaluate financial proposals, conduct quality reviews of bids, and present recommendations to improve governance, profitability, and risk mitigation.
- Draft financial narratives to strengthen tenders and help negotiate balanced terms with funders, partners and suppliers.
- Enable smooth transitions from contract award to delivery, embedding learning from programme monitoring and promoting efficiency and value creation.
- Champion Cultural Engagement as a centre of excellence in commercial and contract finance by sharing best practice and building regional capability in commercial awareness and value for money.
- Manage risk and compliance by identifying and communicating material financial risks, liaising with global finance teams, ensuring reporting processes meet requirements, and supporting audits.
- Operating in international and multi‑cultural organisations.
- Knowledge of and experience of commercial finance activity in bid pursuit and tendering environments.
- Proficiency in financial modelling and analysis.
- Excellent working knowledge of cost & pricing tools and advanced Excel.
- Awareness of tax and treasury implications of contract/partnership work in an international context.
- Business partnering experience, minimum of 5 years, with at least 3 years recently supporting business development teams.
- Qualified accountant with proven experience of successfully managing and delivering similar roles.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
ApplicationPlease apply directly via the website. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
BenefitsAlongside your salary of £38,820, British Council contributes £11,246 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Regional Commercial Finance Manager in Cardiff employer: The British Council
The British Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation across diverse teams. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and support for professional development, ensuring that our staff can thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the cultural engagement sector. Located in a multi-cultural setting, our team enjoys a rich work culture that values inclusivity, creativity, and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to sustainable and financially successful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Commercial Finance Manager in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at the companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience and skills, the more confident you'll be during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Commercial Finance Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial finance and business partnering. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Regional Commercial Finance Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, include examples of how you've conducted financial appraisals or used costing models in previous positions. We love seeing numbers and insights that demonstrate your impact on decision-making!
Highlight Relationship-Building Experience:This position involves collaborating with senior leaders and operational teams, so share instances where you’ve successfully built relationships in a multi-cultural environment. We’re keen to know how you’ve influenced decisions and driven performance improvements!
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s super important for us to keep everything organised, and applying online ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, we’ll only provide feedback if you attend an interview or assessment, so make sure to put your best foot forward!
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Regional Commercial Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of financial appraisals you've conducted and the impact they had on decision-making.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the SSA region. Research the company’s recent contracts and partnerships, and think about how you can contribute to their success. This will show your proactive approach and strategic thinking during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential risks in contract management and how you would mitigate them. Be ready to explain your thought process clearly, showcasing your analytical capabilities and commercial insight.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves collaboration with senior leaders and operational teams, focus on building rapport during the interview. Show your relationship-building skills by engaging with your interviewers, asking insightful questions, and demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively across different levels of an organisation.
