Join to apply for the Director of Group Financial Control role at British Council

The British Council builds trust and connections worldwide through arts, culture, education, and the English language. Operating in over 100 countries, we deliver programmes that create opportunities and support global prosperity. We are now seeking an exceptional finance leader to join us as Director of Group Financial Control, strengthening financial governance across our international operations. This is a high‑impact opportunity to shape the organisation’s financial integrity and global control environment.

About the role

The British Council is seeking an exceptional Director of Group Financial Control to lead, shape, transform and govern the financial control landscape globally. This broad, strategic leadership role supports the CFO and Deputy CFO. You will be joining a finance organisation focused on improvement and innovation with a dedicated team to work with to shape the future Fin Control organisation. You will work with that team to transform Finance Operations during a period of considerable change in the way British Council delivers against its objectives. The role also offers the chance to be involved in the implementation of a new ERP system and to shape the design for future finance. The role will be responsible for financial accounting, statutory reporting and financial governance across its global multi‑entity structure and offers the opportunity to experience Financial Control and Compliance across a diverse range of countries and regulatory authorities. The role will ensure the integrity of our financial position, strengthen internal controls, and deliver high‑quality group reporting across 38 subsidiaries and more than 100 countries worldwide. You will lead multi‑location finance teams, embed consistency and excellence, and shape the organisation’s overall financial capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead statutory accounting and group reporting, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and Charities SORP across the Charity group and 40 subsidiaries.
• Oversee month‑end close, management consolidation, and balance sheet reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial information.
• Manage subsidiary financial matters and ensuring compliance globally.
• Drive financial policy development, compliance, and internal controls across the organisation.
• Lead short‑term cash flow forecasting and working capital management, including intercompany arrangements.
• Partner with the Director of Finance Transformation and Continuous Improvement to optimize SAP‑based finance processes and Managed Service Provider performance.
• Deliver year‑end reporting and audits, ensuring technical compliance and reporting excellence.
• Act as a change agent, contributing to finance transformation projects and talent development across the global finance function.
• Build and develop high‑performing, multi‑location finance teams, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Provide leadership, insight, and strategic support across the Finance Leadership Team to drive organisational performance.

About You

Strong, senior finance leader with leadership experience in global financial accounting, tax and compliance.

Qualified CCAB accountant with significant post‑qualification experience in senior finance roles.

Proven track record in statutory reporting, group consolidations, financial control, and compliance in international organisations.

Experienced in leading large, multi‑location finance teams and managing complex change programmes.

Exceptional analytical, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, able to build credibility quickly at senior levels.

Comfortable in highly visible roles during periods of organisational change, demonstrating flexibility and initiative.

Experience in ERP systems (SAP desirable) and driving finance process improvements.

Knowledge of grant/contract accounting, treasury operations, tax, and shared services is desirable.

Location: Stratford; hybrid working arrangement

Remuneration: £95,000 - £110,000 / yearly+ attractive benefits package.

The deadline for applications is: Wednesday 7th January 2026

For a conversation, please contact Ardiana Hashani on ardiana.hashani@berwickparnters.co.uk