Finance Business Partner - Cultural Engagement Delivery

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 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.

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.

The role also oversees complex and strict donor reporting, enforcing financial risk management, leading internal and external audits, supporting contract amendments, driving muti-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.

• 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…