Head of Finance Business Partnering

About the role

The Cultural Engagement (CE) Head of Finance Business Partnering acts as the deputy and strategic partner to the Director of FP&A – Cultural Engagement. You will lead a global finance business‑partnering team, providing high‑quality decision support, financial planning and analysis across a complex portfolio of arts, education, research and grant‑funded programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team of 14 finance business partners, ensuring consistent, high‑quality service across the CE portfolio.
• Deliver financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and scenario modelling to support senior decision‑making.
• Oversee grant‑in‑aid reporting, ensuring compliance with British Council priorities and FCDO settlement requirements.
• Manage global budgeting cycles, investment appraisal and financial risk management.
• Champion finance transformation initiatives, including adoption of a new financial planning tool and continuous improvement of reporting processes.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders, translating complex financial data into actionable advice.

Required profile

• Extensive commercial finance experience, preferably in an international, multi‑programme environment.
• Proven track record in finance business partnering and influencing senior leadership.
• Strong analytical ability with excellent communication skills.
• Experience managing grant‑funded programmes and meeting external compliance requirements.

Required skills

• Financial planning software
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Variance analysis
• Investment appraisal
• Scenario modelling
• Grant‑in‑aid reporting
• Financial risk management