Finance Business Partner (46619) at British Council

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.

British Council Pay Band 8

Department: Finance
Location: UK offices in (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, and anyone on pre-existing homeworking contracts in the UK)

The starting salary is £46,000 per annum, with the final offer negotiable based on skills and experience. London-based candidates also receive an additional £3,300 annual London Market Allowance (LMA). Benefits include 32 days of annual leave plus public holidays, 3 days of volunteering leave, and a career average defined benefit pension scheme.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract – 2- year contract
Apply by: Tuesday, 02nd September 2025 23:59 Local time
Interview window: 03rd or 04th week of September

This role is open to applicants who already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Relocation and visa sponsorship are not available. The British Council supports flexible working, including hybrid arrangements, subject to line manager approval and operational requirements.

Role Context

The Finance Business Partner (FBP) serves as the primary financial liaison for donor and grant-funded projects within the Education Sector of Cultural Engagement, working closely with Delivery Managers and Senior Responsible Officers (SROs). Reporting to the Head of FP&A – Education, CE, the FBP provides financial planning, performance analysis, and control support to ensure projects are commercially viable and impactful. The role demands strong business partnering skills and prior experience in commercial finance, particularly in supporting Business Development teams on grant or donor-funded initiatives, with a clear understanding of the British Council’s mission and collaboration across finance and operational teams.

The CE FP&A function underpins financial sustainability and commercial focus across the SBU. It comprises four sub-teams: Commercial (supporting bid evaluation and financial governance), UK and Global Delivery (ensuring financial compliance and value for money), Global FP&A (supporting planning, reporting, and performance reviews), and Chevening Delivery Finance (focused on the largest programmes). Together, these teams provide consistent financial planning, analysis, and business support across global operations.

Main responsibilities

The post-holder will provide comprehensive financial support for donor-funded projects, working closely with UK-based and global project managers, delivery teams, and finance colleagues. They will consolidate financial data, manage foreign exchange considerations, and support business planning cycles by ensuring compliance with planning processes and accurate KPI reporting. The role includes preparing monthly and annual performance reviews, variance analyses, and management reports to drive operational efficiency and financial compliance. They will also support contract reporting, offer financial advice for strategic decision-making, and assess the financial viability of contract amendments, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and managed.

Additionally, the role involves supporting internal and external audits, developing and embedding effective finance processes, and maintaining guidance documentation in alignment with corporate policies. The post-holder will monitor policy compliance, contribute to monthly control checks to identify financial risks, and resolve issues related to financial control and accounting. They will also lead the setup of client reporting and master data items, ensuring consistent and accurate financial and management information across all allocated projects.

Role Specific Skills

Manage Internal and External relationships as Finance Business Partner for Education including:

Internal

• CE FP&A team
• Project Governance teams
• Financial Control team
• CE Education team.

External

FCDO, EU, HSBC, and DfE Finance team managing respective project, suppliers and delivery partners and consultants, External & Internal Auditors.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Minimum/essential

• Operating in international and multi-cultural organisations
• Commercial finance experience gained in an organisation undergoing change and driving for growth.
• Minimum of 5 years of qualified experience in Contract Finance management.

Desirable

• Appraisal of Development projects

Education and Professional Qualification

• CCAB qualified or Part qualified accountant or other finance degree with proven experience of successfully managing and delivering similar roles.

Language Requirements

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

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 [email protected]