Job Description

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 connect. 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.

Job Title: Erasmus+ Finance Manager

Pay Band: 7
Salary: £32,381 gross per annum
Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension
Location: London & Cardiff
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 4 September 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 will be 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, you will provide accurate financial monitoring, reporting, and compliance support across the Erasmus+ portfolio.

Main Accountabilities

• Managing the day-to-day financial administration of Erasmus+ programmes, ensuring expenditure is accurately recorded, coded and monitored.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed financial records in line with grant agreements, funding rules and internal financial policies.
• Supporting the preparation and ongoing management of Erasmus+ budgets, working closely with the Senior Finance Manager.
• Monitoring expenditure against approved budgets and forecasts, identifying variances and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Preparing accurate and timely financial reports, reconciliations and funding claims, ensuring all costs are eligible, properly evidenced and auditable.
• Applying Erasmus+ financial regulations and internal controls consistently, carrying out routine checks to ensure compliance.
• Supporting internal and external audits, inspections and assurance reviews by preparing documentation, responding to queries and implementing agreed actions.
• Providing practical financial guidance to programme teams and delivery partners, helping non-finance colleagues understand funding rules and processes.
• Using financial systems effectively to manage Erasmus+ activity, maintain data accuracy and contribute to improving financial processes, templates and guidance.
• Working collaboratively across the Finance team, sharing knowledge and good practice while contributing to wider Erasmus+ and organisational objectives.

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum/essential

• 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.

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.

The Role Profile is available in Welsh upon request.

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.

#LI-Hybrid

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.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org