At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business performance through financial reporting, planning, forecasting, and analysis.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in transforming learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional growth, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with AI tools and improve finance processes.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your financial expertise while embracing innovation.
- Qualifications: Relevant finance qualification and experience in financial reporting or analysis.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Support business performance through financial reporting, planning, forecasting and analysis, helping leaders make informed decisions through accurate financial insight and data-driven recommendations.
As an Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis within Pearson Finance Services (PFS), you will play a key role in delivering high-quality financial reporting, planning, forecasting and performance analysis to support Corporate Functions. You will own core planning and performance management activities, producing accurate, decision-ready financial insight while helping stakeholders understand business performance, risks, opportunities and future outlook.
Working closely with Finance and business teams, you'll support month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis while continuously improving processes, controls and reporting capability through automation, standardisation and AI-enabled tools. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining technical finance expertise with business partnering, analysis and continuous improvement.
What You'll Do
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Deliver month-end financial reporting, rolling forecasts, annual budgeting and ad-hoc financial analysis
- Produce accurate, timely and decision-ready financial outputs supported by clear commentary and insight
- Develop and maintain driver-based financial models to explain performance and support planning decisions
- Perform detailed variance analysis to identify risks, opportunities and performance drivers
- Planning & Forecasting
- Support annual planning, forecasting and performance management cycles
- Partner with stakeholders to align assumptions and improve planning accuracy
- Contribute to financial narratives that support decision-making across Corporate Functions
- Analyse financial and operational performance trends and recommend actions
- Business Partnering
- Build strong relationships with Finance and business stakeholders
- Provide financial guidance and support business decision-making
- Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations
- Support executive-level reporting and performance reviews
- Process Improvement & Automation
- Drive standardisation, simplification and continuous improvement across finance processes
- Leverage automation and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency and reporting quality
- Design and improve dashboards, KPIs and self-service reporting solutions
- Work with Finance Systems, Data and BI teams to enhance reporting capability
- Governance & Controls
- Maintain robust governance, controls and audit trails across reporting and planning activities
- Ensure financial and operational data remains accurate, reconciled and reliable
- Support data quality improvement initiatives and reporting integrity
- Contribute to development of best practice across planning, reporting and financial management activities
What We're Looking For
- Relevant accountancy qualification (or equivalent finance experience)
- Experience within Financial Reporting, FP&A, Management Accounting or Commercial Finance
- Strong planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting experience
- Proven ability to produce clear financial analysis, insight and commentary
- Experience partnering with senior stakeholders across multiple teams
- Advanced Excel skills including PivotTables, Power Query and financial modelling
- Strong variance analysis and performance management capability
- Experience working with ERP and financial reporting systems (Oracle preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to improve processes, controls and reporting efficiency
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail, ownership and accountability
Nice to Have
- Experience with AI-enabled reporting or finance automation tools
- Experience building dashboards and self-service reporting solutions
- Exposure to Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting platforms
- Knowledge of KPI development and reporting governance frameworks
- Experience working within a global organisation
Location & Working Pattern
Hybrid Belfast. This role follows a hybrid working model, with an expectation of two days per week in our Belfast office and the remainder working remotely.
Why Join Pearson?
At Pearson, we're transforming learning for millions of people around the world. As part of Pearson Finance Services, you'll play an important role in helping business leaders make informed decisions through accurate reporting, insightful analysis and forward-looking financial planning. You'll join a collaborative team that embraces innovation, automation and continuous improvement while offering excellent opportunities for professional growth and career progression within a global organisation.
Whether you're looking to deepen your FP&A capability, strengthen your reporting expertise or broaden your business partnering experience, Pearson provides the scale, support and development opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
Who we are: At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are.
Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: IrishJobs
As a Waste Resource Team Leader with our esteemed local authority client, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing community sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our organisation fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, offering training opportunities and a clear path for career progression. With competitive remuneration, including pension and holiday pay, along with the chance to make a meaningful impact in your community, this role is an excellent opportunity for those seeking rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis TLNT1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to IrishJobs.
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How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with IrishJobs.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former IrishJobs employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
