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+ Senior Finance Manager

Pay Band: 8
Salary: £ 38,820 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 23 June 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, but not limited to the following:

Financial Leadership & Programme Oversight

• Lead end-to-end financial management of the Erasmus+ portfolio, ensuring accurate budgeting, forecasting, and financial control.
• Act as the senior finance lead for Erasmus+ activity, providing authoritative advice to the Head of Finance and senior stakeholders.

Financial Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Erasmus+ funding regulations, grant agreements, and European Commission/National Agency requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust financial controls and governance frameworks for EU-funded programmes.

Financial Reporting & Insight

• Oversee the preparation and submission of accurate and timely financial reports, claims, and reconciliations in line with Erasmus+ requirements.
• Monitor programme expenditure against budgets and forecasts, ensuring early identification of variances and corrective actions.

Stakeholder & Client Relationship Management

• Act as a key financial interface with internal programme teams, providing guidance on funding rules, eligibility, and financial planning.
• Support effective financial relationships with delivery partners, beneficiaries, and suppliers, including review of partner financial capacity where required.

Risk Management & Assurance

• Support financial risk identification, mitigation, and monitoring across Erasmus+.
• Lead responses to audits, inspections, and assurance reviews, including internal audit, external audit, and European Commission or National Agency reviews.

Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Lead improvements to financial systems, processes, and reporting tools used to manage Erasmus+ funding.
• Translate complex funding regulations into clear financial guidance, templates, and procedures for operational teams.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Manage, coach, and develop finance staff supporting Erasmus+ programmes, ensuring high performance and resilience.
• Build organisational capability by promoting understanding of Erasmus+ financial requirements and strengthening financial literacy across teams.

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:

Minimum/essential

• 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.

Desirable

• 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.
• Awareness 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.

#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