At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial planning and analysis to support strategic decision-making in education.
- Company: Join Springer Nature, a leading global publisher committed to progress and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive environment that values your unique perspective.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education finance while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and experience in financial modelling.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About Springer Nature
Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world.
We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research.
Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning.
We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.
For more information, please visit about. springernature. com and @Springer Nature.
- Application Deadline: 30th August
- About The Brand
Macmillan Education provides world-class content in the most relevant, engaging and flexible formats to support students, teachers and institutions in lifelong learning.
Visit macmillaneducation. com and follow @Macmillan Education / @Macmillan ELT
About The Role
As Finance Manager, you will drive financial planning, forecasting and performance analysis across Gross Margin and Digital & Technology functions.
You will partner with senior stakeholders to provide financial insight, challenge assumptions and support strategic decision-making.
Acting as a trusted business partner to Supply Chain and Digital teams, you will help improve operational and financial performance.
You will also ensure strong financial control, governance and continuous improvement in reporting and planning processes
The position is offered on a full-time fixed-term contract basis for 12 months. It is based in our London office on a hybrid working model.
- Role responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Forecasting - Strategic Mindset & Financial Acumen
- Own the budgeting and forecasting processes for Gross Margin and Digital & Technology expenditure.
- Develop forecasts for Gross Margin cost of goods sold, including print, paper and binding, royalties, warehousing and distribution costs.
- Manage forecasting of Digital operating expenditure, capital expenditure and central Group recharges.
- Partner with stakeholders across the business to challenge assumptions, validate inputs and improve forecast accuracy.
- Develop financial models, scenario analysis and business cases to support strategic planning and decision-making.
- Maintain planning and forecasting data within Anaplan.
- Present budgets, forecasts, risks, opportunities and performance trends to senior management and key stakeholders.
- Business partnering - Balances Stakeholder & Communicates Effectively
- Supply Chain
- Act as the primary Finance Business Partner to Supply Chain stakeholders.
- Provide financial insight to support operational decision‑making and performance improvement.
- Review inventory‑related risks, including quarterly assessments of stock obsolescence provisions.
- Collaborate with regional Supply Chain Managers to assess operational changes and their impact on Gross Margin performance.
- Deliver monthly Gross Margin reporting to Regional Finance Directors.
- Analyse financial and operational performance to support informed decision‑making.
- Investigate material variances and provide meaningful commentary on business performance and emerging risks.
- Digital & Technology
- Act as Finance Business Partner to Digital Heads of Department and Programme Leads.
- Support budget holders in the effective management of operating and capital expenditure.
- Provide guidance on the appropriate classification of expenditure between operating costs and capital investment.
- Deliver financial analysis and insights to support project prioritisation, investment decisions and resource allocation.
- Produce monthly management reporting for Digital & Technology stakeholders, including analysis of actual performance against budget and forecast.
- Investigate material variances and provide meaningful commentary on business performance and emerging risks.
- Financial Control, Governance & Compliance - Data analytics & Quantitative Skills
- Prepare and review monthly accruals for Digital cost centres and Gross Margin‑related expenditure.
- Manage royalty accounting activities, including royalty accruals and provisions for unearned advances.
- Partner with the Royalty Accounting team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Support month‑end, forecast and year‑end reporting processes in line with Group accounting policies and controls.
- Work with the Asset Accounting team to capitalise internally generated software and transfer assets from construction to completion.
- Support internal and external audit activities by responding to audit queries, providing supporting documentation and explanations, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure requests are completed accurately and within agreed timelines.
- Other - Business Insights
- Act as SAP S/4HANA Super User for Procure‑to‑Pay processes and intercompany transactions.
- Leverage SAP and Anaplan to support business planning, reporting and performance analysis.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial processes, reporting capabilities and data quality.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with strong track record of achievement
- Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with experience in investment appraisal, commercial evaluation, P&L analysis, business partnering, and supporting commercial teams.
- Strong organisational skills with a proactive, problem‑solving approach and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines across diverse teams.
- Background working with financial planning tools (e. g., Anaplan, SAP S4) and interest in systems development, with the confidence to work with large datasets and financial systems (e. g., SAP S4, Anaplan).
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail and process discipline.
- Able to explain financial concepts clearly to non‑finance stakeholders.
- Able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, global environment.
- Experience preparing financial presentations for senior management.
Desirable
- Experience in publishing, media, or content‑driven industries is desirable.
At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas.
We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish.
If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.
Find out more about our DEI work here https://group. springernature. com/gp/group/taking‑responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion
For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature. wd3. myworkdayjobs. com/Springer Nature Careers/
- Job Posting End Date: 31‑08‑2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Finance Manager - Education employer: Macmillan Education
Springer Nature is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in either London or Madrid with a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Employees benefit from a culture of collaboration and innovation, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in the thriving field of English Language Teaching. The company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful educational advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Education
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Macmillan Education. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Education
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 Macmillan Education.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Macmillan Education's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Education
✨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 Macmillan Education.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Macmillan Education will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Macmillan Education 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.
