Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis

Overview

At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better.

By pushing the boundaries of technology — and each other to surpass these boundaries — we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global, large and small.

We are recruiting this role within Pearson Finance Services (PFS) to support Pearson Higher Education Division.

Location: This is a hybrid role and candidates will be expected to work from home as well as from our office in Belfast.

We will also consider candidates on the same basis who are based in Manila and can access the central office in Mandaluyong City.

• Complete all deliverables in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner
• Understand data sources and data flows and how financial and non-financial data is presented
• Apply judgement and analytical skills to ensure the accuracy and relevance of outputs needed by the business to make the right decision.
• Help to create a work atmosphere conducive to collaborative working
• Maintain customer satisfaction by promptly following up on customers’ requests for information
• Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovative solutions and communicate these to your line manager

• Prepare comprehensive financial analysis and commentary for one or more sub-divisions within the Higher Education vs Budget/prior period
• Support in the Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting cycles through preparation of analyses and system loads working with the BPM/Business to complete in line with strict deadlines
• Input into the annual strategic planning process through preparation of analysis; sales margin plans and other information to enable collation of the plan.
• Prepare key month end management reporting to senior business leadership packs for decision making
• Assist monthly and quarterly consolidation of management information packs across business areas and roll up to group level showing performance against budget, forecast and prior year
• Support local business partners in providing targeted quality commercial analysis. Assist in providing value add financial analysis to Finance Business Partners or business
• Manage the preparation of accruals / other adjustment journal entries as required and review financial data during the month to provide timely corrections
• Prepare ad hoc analysis as required
• Champion continuous improvement within PFS to deliver tangible benefits and engage in wider standardisation and streamlining initiatives
• Manage the preparation of accruals / other adjustment journal entries as required and review financial data during the month to provide timely corrections
• Ensure team performance targets are met and service is delivered to end users as expected.
• Perform other necessary administrative activities relevant to the role

• A self-starter who is motivated to work under own initiative when required demonstrating initiative and sound judgement
• Analytical/variance analysis skills, proven ability to review and analyze financial data and explain results. Providing analysis to support decision making
• Accounting knowledge – Part qualified or qualified accountant (or part/fully qualified by strong relevant experience)
• Advanced user of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (v-lookups, sum-ifs, pivot tables etc.)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with both finance and non-finance professionals
• Experience of finance ERP systems (Oracle preferred but not essential)
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and to be able to prioritise to meet those deadlines
• Ability to manage Stakeholders effectively