E+ Senior Finance Manager

Job Title & Details

Erasmus+ Senior Finance Manager

Pay Band: 8

Salary: £38,820 gross per annum

Contract Duration: 2‑year fixed term 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.

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 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Minimum/Essential

Experience:

• 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…