British Council
Finance Business Partner - Cultural Engagement Delivery
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Can be based out of any of these 4 UK locations (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast).
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 Role:
The Finance Business Partner (FBP) will serve as the primary finance contact for Delivery Managers and Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) across donor and grant-funded contracts within the Education Sector. This role focuses on building strong partnerships with operational teams, supporting financial business planning, and reviewing performance to maximise programme impact and commercial sustainability. Reporting to the Head of Contract Finance, the post holder will work closely with the Head of FP&A Education and project governance colleagues, providing end-to-end contract finance oversight, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), insightful reporting, financial analysis, and financial control support across a portfolio of contracts. The successful candidate will bring experience in contract finance and a strong understanding of grant and/or donor-funded projects. They will also demonstrate an appreciation of the British Council's mission, with the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate confidently with both operational and finance stakeholders across the organisation.
Accountabilities:
The Finance Business Partner (FBP) will act as a trusted adviser, combining strong financial expertise with commercial insight to support and constructively challenge stakeholders across donor and client-funded contracts and programmes. The role is responsible for providing financial oversight, leading annual planning and quarterly forecasting processes, and ensuring robust financial monitoring, analysis and reporting in line with organisational and donor requirements. Working closely with Delivery Managers, Senior Project Managers (SPMs), Senior Responsible Officers (SROs), FP&A teams and project governance colleagues, the post holder will support multi-year financial planning, business performance reporting and contract delivery, providing timely financial information, analysis and decision support to maximise programme impact, operational efficiency and return on investment.
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The role also oversees complex and strict donor reporting, enforcing financial risk management, leading internal and external audits, supporting contract amendments, driving multi-year financial viability, overseeing foreign exchange impacts where relevant, and ensuring compliance with internal policies, donor contract requirements and project financial control standards. In addition, the FBP will contribute to the development and continuous improvement of finance processes, controls, systems and guidance, while building strong relationships with both finance and non-finance stakeholders across geographically dispersed teams. As a champion of best practice in business partnering and contract finance, the post holder will share expertise, support continuous improvement within the Contract Finance function, maintain high professional standards, contribute to the wider Cultural Engagement agenda, and deputise for the Head of Contract Finance as required.
Requirements of the role:
- Operating in international and multi-cultural organisations
- Knowledge and experience in client and donor funded programmes, preferably DFE, FCDO, EU or other institutional funders.
- Proficiency in financial planning, analysis, control and reporting.
- Minimum of 5 years of qualified experience in Contract Finance management.
- Business partnering experience, (minimum of 5 years), with at least 3 years recently supporting business development teams.
Closing Date:
Applications will close on 23rd September at 23:59 UK Time.
Important Information:
- Contract type: Indefinite
- Pay band: 8
- Annual Salary: £40,179 onwards plus London Market allowance of £3,300 if London based
- Location: Hybrid role UK wide (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast).
This role is open to candidates based in all the above UK locations and on a permanent homeworking basis for staff already on permanent homeworking contracts.
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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
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