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 Role:
Leads the global staff-costs capability within FP&A CoE, overseeing workforce cost planning, forecasting, modelling and reporting. Ensures accurate, consistent staff-cost data across SAP and Anaplan, providing strategic insights to support workforce planning, cost optimisation and business decision-making.
Accountabilities:
Staff Costs Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting
- Lead organisation-wide staff cost planning across budgeting, forecasting and long-term workforce planning, ensuring alignment with business priorities, workforce strategies and consistent planning assumptions across SBUs.
- Develop and govern robust staff cost models covering permanent and non-permanent workers, incorporating pay, benefits, recruitment, attrition, pay inflation, organisational changes and transformation initiatives into consolidated forecasts.
Drive accurate reporting and analysis through standardised MI packs, staff cost allocation methodologies and consistent workforce cost data, enabling transparent reporting, effective decision-making and strategic workforce reviews.
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Staff Costs Data Quality & Oversight
- Maintain robust workforce data governance by managing FTE, headcount, pay, banding and KPI standards; implementing validation controls, reconciliations, audit trails, and ensuring alignment across SAP, Anaplan and reporting systems.
Deliver workforce data insights and assurance by identifying anomalies, analysing trends, resolving data issues, and providing accurate, insight-ready reporting to support BDS teams and senior stakeholders.
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Modelling, Scenario Analysis & Decision Support
- Develops and maintains staff cost models for business cases, organisational changes, workforce planning, and operating model transformation initiatives.
Delivers scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis, and HR-reward impact assessments, providing actionable insights for leadership decision-making and strategic planning.
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Stakeholder Management & Influence
Serves as the global staff-cost expert, delivering actionable insights and ensuring accurate workforce data across finance, people, and leadership teams.
Line Management & Team Leadership
- Leads and develops a high-performing finance team through coaching, performance management, capability building, and professional development.
Drive effective workload prioritisation and collaboration, ensuring delivery of high-quality financial planning, reporting, and analytical support across multiple markets and stakeholders.
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Governance, Controls & Internal Assurance
Manage documentation standards, financial data governance, and reporting frameworks, while supporting master data enhancements and improving month-end, QBR, ad hoc, regional, market, and consolidated financial reporting.
Role specific knowledge and experience:
Essential:
- Significant experience in financial data analysis, FP&A, cost management roles or similar.
- Experience in leading data quality and reconciliation processes.
- Experience with Anaplan or similar EPM platforms.
- Experience working with multiple stakeholders in a matrix or multi‑country organisational context.
- Strong capability in financial modelling, forecasting and analytics.
Proven track record of partnering with senior stakeholders and influencing strategic decisions.
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Desirable:
- Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
- Track record of delivering accurate financial reporting and analysis to tight deadlines.
- Experience with SAP or similar ERP platforms.
Experience delivering financial training or capacity‑building.
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Role specific skills:
- Analysis and variance report preparation – able to interpret data patterns and provide succinct preliminary insights.
- Team leadership – able to coach, develop and manage a small team.
- EPM systems proficiency – strong working knowledge of Anaplan, and experience working with SAP and associated reporting tools.
- Accuracy and attention to detail – ensuring high‑integrity financial data across markets and regions.
- Advanced data quality skills – able to identify inconsistencies and guide corrective action.
Communication skills – able to explain financial data clearly to finance and non‑finance audiences.
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Education: Graduate
Professional Qualification and Certification: Recognised International Accounting or Finance qualification or equivalent such as a relevant Accountancy or Finance degree (highly desirable)
Language Requirements:
The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.
Closing Date: Applications will close at 23:59 IST on Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Important Information:
- Business Division: Finance and Corporate Services
- Pay Band: 8-E
- Country/Location: Noida, India | Warsaw, Poland | Lagos/Abuja, Nigeria | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Contract Type: Indefinite Contract (Permanent)
- Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country : Candidates should ensure they have the pre-existing legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.
India- INR 2080125 (Annual)
Nigeria- NGN 40450236 (Annual)
Poland- PLN 16300 (Monthly)
Malaysia- MYR 12821 (Monthly)
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 [email protected]
