Group FP&A Manager

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. Role Purpose This is a senior leadership role at the centre of Group decision‑making, responsible for delivering high‑quality management information, planning, and forecasting to support executive decisions. The role leads key reporting and planning cycles, including Quarterly Business Reviews and long‑range planning, owning the insight and narrative behind the numbers while partnering with Finance teams across multiple geographies. It also provides leadership to the Group FP&A Analyst and the FP&A Centre of Excellence, strengthening the standardisation and effectiveness of planning and forecasting across the Group. Accountabilities Lead Group FP&A reporting and planning, delivering monthly management information across P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow. Own the annual budget, Quarterly Business Reviews, flash reporting, and rolling re‑forecasts, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness. Provide senior leadership with clear visibility of Group liquidity, facilities headroom, and financial risk, and produce concise, high‑impact reporting for Board and senior leadership forums. Provide clear, insight‑led analysis by reviewing and challenging variance analysis, KPIs, and performance narratives. Lead long‑range planning, scenario modelling, and high‑value ad‑hoc analysis to support executive decision‑making. Partner closely with the FP&A Centre of Excellence to ensure consistent delivery and continuous improvement across Group FP&A. Align with Controllership to unify finance processes and drive standardisation and automation within Anaplan to improve forecasting accuracy, efficiency, and output quality. Qualifications and Experience * Proven experience providing comprehensive finance support to senior stakeholders at Group level, with the ability to influence and advise on complex financial matters. * Demonstrable experience operating within international, multi‑cultural organisations, and effectively navigating diverse business environments. * Strong experience working in matrixed, multi‑country environments, partnering across geographies and functions. * Excellent Excel and technical skills, with the ability to analyse complex data and produce high‑quality financial outputs. * Highly developed report writing and presentation skills, with the capability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to senior audiences. * You must have a recognised professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent). * Strong expertise in financial systems, such as SAP, Anaplan, Hyperion, and Power BI. Important Information Department: Finance Contract type: Indefinite Pay band: SMP-S Salary: £55,699-£68,649 per annum. Plus an addtional £3,300 London Market Allowance. (For candidates with exceptional skills, knowledge and experience specific to the role, the British Council may consider a moderate broadening of the advertised pay range). Benefits: 32 days annual leave, plus bank holidays along with an excellent civil service pension. Location: London Only. Closing date: 17th May 2026 at 23:59 UK time. This role requires attendance at the Stratford office for a minimum of two days per week. 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. 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