At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for Pearson's Higher Education Business.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and AI in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Extensive finance management experience and strong leadership skills.
This role aligns to the following industry titles: FP&A Manager and Finance Manager (FP&A).
At Pearson, we believe learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. We're looking for a dynamic and experienced FP&A Manager to lead our Higher Education FP&A Team. This is a key leadership role within Pearson Finance Services, responsible for driving financial performance, strategic insight, and operational excellence across our global support functions.
As Team Manager, you will lead financial planning and analysis for Pearson's Higher Education Business. You'll manage a high-performing team of 17 finance professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting and planning processes for Higher Education, ensuring outputs are accurate, timely and actionable.
- Review financial performance, challenge assumptions and translate variances, risks and opportunities into clear insight for stakeholders.
- Prepare, review and approve reporting packs, consolidated analysis, ad hoc outputs and scenario support for business management, senior stakeholders and business partner review.
- Partner with finance business partners, business leaders and colleagues to understand performance drivers, support strategic priorities and solve cross-functional problems.
- Communicate financial information clearly to finance and non-finance audiences, tailoring messages to stakeholder needs.
- Oversee balance sheet, investment, CIP, hosting cost, capitalisation and amortisation activities.
- Support business cases and governance activity with robust financial cost, benefit and control inputs.
- Set clear team objectives, manage priorities and foster a collaborative, inclusive and improvement-focused culture.
- Coach, motivate and develop direct reports, supporting performance, capability and career development.
- Lead AI-enabled change by embedding automation, improved processes and responsible AI use in day-to-day FP&A activity.
Skills and Experience:
- Leadership, delivery and communication: Team Leadership, Stakeholder management, project management, problem solving, clear communication and ability to deliver through others.
- Insight and judgement: Strategic thinking, predictive analytics, analytical skills and business acumen to connect performance with decisions, risks and opportunities.
- Change and improvement: Adaptability, learning to learn and practical use of AI and automation to improve finance insight, productivity and control.
- Finance and systems: Accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, financial systems, Microsoft Excel and Oracle E-Business Suite.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Extensive experience in Finance Management or BPM roles.
- Recognised professional accountancy qualification preferred or clearly demonstrate qualification by experience.
- Strong accounting knowledge and understanding of financial control and performance management.
- Experience with finance ERP systems, with Oracle preferred.
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, v-lookups and sum-ifs.
- Proven people management experience.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Experience working in a multinational, matrixed organization.
- Exposure to shared services or delivery centre environments.
- Experience of managing change and championing improvement preferred.
- Understanding of specialist finance areas, such as tax, treasury, M&A and compliance.
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.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Team Manager, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis employer: Pearson Education Limited
At Pearson, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and a collaborative work culture. As a Team Manager in Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis, you will lead a talented team in a dynamic environment that values innovation and continuous improvement, all while enjoying the benefits of working for a global leader in education. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee development ensures that every team member has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis
✨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 Pearson Education Limited. 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 Team Manager, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis
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 Pearson Education Limited.
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 Pearson Education Limited'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 Pearson Education Limited
✨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 Pearson Education Limited.
✨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 Pearson Education Limited 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 Pearson Education Limited 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.
