Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 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 the more than 100 countries. 
We connect. We inspire.

Salary: Starting at £38,820 (plus £3,300 London Market Allowance for those based in the London area.)
Contract Type: Fixed term contract for 1 year
Location: UK
Right to Work Requirements: Right to Work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.
Closing Date: advert will close on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 23:59.
Benefits Include, but are not limited to:

• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
• 3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme

Role Purpose
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of strategic decision-making, supporting a broad portfolio of corporate service functions including HR, Finance, Global Estates, Internal Audit, Digital, Strategy, Procurement in an international environment.

Working alongside the Corporate FP&A Manager, the role provides financial insight and reporting across monthly performance reviews, variance analysis, quarterly forecasts, long-term planning, and annual budgets. There is a strong focus on improving financial accountability and enabling more efficient, transparent decision-making across the organisation, particularly in the context of overhead reduction initiatives.

Success in this role requires strong analytical and communication skills, a collaborative approach to working with stakeholders, and the ability to make complex information clear and accessible. The post holder should be proactive, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following

• Support the provision of a comprehensive financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting service to identified recipients within the corporate service cost centre teams, ensuring that reports are produced timely and accurately.
• Work with relevant corporate service team members ahead of month end close to ensure accruals, recharges etc. are identified and posted.
• Meet monthly in a timely manner after month end with relevant corporate service team members to review monthly reporting packs. The review should include a scrutiny of the payroll journal, identification of errors (e.g. mispostings) and should record explanations of variances.
• Undertake financial analysis and investigations to support regular and ad hoc requests from the corporate service teams to assist decision making.
• Provide assistance to the corporate service teams for the preparation of packs for the Quarterly Business Reviews.
• Assist identified corporate service teams with posting budgets and forecasts on SAP.
• Assist with the resolution of queries.
• Obtain a good overall understanding of the business and an in depth understanding of the corporate service areas so that guidance and insight can be provided to the teams.
• Establish trusted relationships with customers and become the go to person for advice on financial matters.

Requirements of the role

• Experience of preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• SAP experience.
• Good communication skills.
• Experience in large, international organisations.
• Management accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

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