E+ Finance Officer

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+ Finance Officer Pay Band: 6 Salary: £28,072 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 11 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 Finance Officer will be responsible for providing day-to-day financial administration and operational support for Erasmus+ funding. You will ensure transactions, records and supporting documentation are processed accurately and in line with funding requirements and internal procedures. Main accountabilities * Processing financial transactions, including invoices, payments and journals, accurately and in a timely manner. * Ensuring expenditure is correctly coded, recorded and maintained in financial systems. * Maintaining complete, accurate and up-to-date financial records and supporting documentation. * Carrying out routine compliance checks to ensure expenditure meets Erasmus+ funding rules, eligibility criteria and internal procedures. * Identifying errors, missing information or potential ineligible costs and escalating issues appropriately. * Supporting budget monitoring, reconciliations and data validation by providing accurate and timely financial information. * Contributing to routine financial reporting, claims and reconciliations by compiling and validating supporting data. * Responding to routine finance queries from programme teams and partners and providing guidance on basic financial processes and documentation requirements. * Supporting audit and assurance activities by preparing accurate documentation and responding to information requests under supervision. * Working collaboratively with the finance team and programme colleagues to maintain consistent processes, support data quality and contribute to the effective delivery of Erasmus+ funding. Role Specific Knowledge and Experience: Minimum/essential * Basic understanding of financial processes and controls * Awareness of record keeping and audit requirements * Experience of processing financial transactions or administrative data * Experience maintaining records and supporting documentation * Experience working within structured processes or procedures * Experience using financial systems or spreadsheets (e.g. Excel) Desirable * Experience working in grant-funded, public sector, or education environments * Awareness of eligible cost rules or funding conditions * Experience supporting financial reporting or audit processes Education * Degree or equivalent work experience. 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