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: £40,179 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 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.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will play a key role in translating Erasmus+ funding rules into practical financial processes.

Main Responsibilities:

• Leading end-to-end financial management of the Erasmus+ portfolio, ensuring effective budgeting, forecasting and financial control.

• Providing senior financial advice to the Head of Finance and key stakeholders across Erasmus+ programmes.

• Ensuring compliance with Erasmus+ funding regulations, grant agreements and European Commission/National Agency requirements.

• Developing and maintaining robust financial controls and governance frameworks for EU-funded programmes.

• Overseeing accurate and timely financial reporting, claims, reconciliations and monitoring of programme expenditure.

• Managing relationships with programme teams, delivery partners, beneficiaries and suppliers, providing guidance on funding rules and financial planning.

• Identifying and managing financial risks, including leading responses to audits, inspections and assurance reviews.

• Leading improvements to financial systems, processes and reporting tools to strengthen efficiency and financial oversight.

• Translating complex Erasmus+ funding requirements into clear financial guidance, templates and procedures for operational teams.

• Managing, coaching and developing finance staff while building wider organisational capability and financial understanding across teams.

Role Specific Knowledge & Experience:

Essential

• Experience in financial management, FP&A, management accounting or grant finance.

• Knowledge of audit requirements and evidence standards for EU funded programmes.

• Strong experience using financial systems and tools to manage complex funding programmes.

• Ability to analyse financial data to provide meaningful insights and decision support.

• Experience leading or supporting internal and external audits with positive outcomes.

Desirable

• Experience developing financial guidance, toolkits, or training for non-finance colleagues.

• Awareness of international education, mobility, or cultural exchange programmes.

• Experience with SAP or similar ERP platforms.

Specific Requirements

• Recognised International Accounting or Finance qualification 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