At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver financial reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis to support strategic decisions.
- Company: Join Pearson, the world's leading learning company with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational outcomes through insightful financial analysis.
- Qualifications: Strong accounting knowledge and experience in financial reporting and analysis required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Deliver financial reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis that supports strategic decision-making across Pearson's Enterprise Learning & Skills division.
About the Role
At Pearson, we are the world's learning company operating in more than 70 countries. We combine world-class educational content and assessment with services and technology to enable more effective teaching and personalised learning at scale. We believe that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are seeking an Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis person to join Pearson Finance Services and support the Enterprise Learning & Skills (EL&S) division. This role is responsible for delivering financial planning, forecasting, and performance reporting that provides business leaders with a clear view of financial performance and enables informed decision-making. Working closely with finance business partners and operational stakeholders, this role supports budgeting and forecasting cycles, prepares management reporting, and provides financial insight to support commercial performance across the division.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Support the budgeting and forecasting process for one or more business areas within the EL&S division.
- Partner with business stakeholders to develop compensation, discretionary spending, and capital expenditure plans.
- Contribute to the annual strategic planning process through financial modelling, sales margin planning, and supporting analysis.
- Financial Reporting & Performance Analysis
- Prepare monthly management reporting packs to support internal decision-making and performance tracking.
- Consolidate financial performance across business areas and provide analysis against budget, forecast, and prior year.
- Review financial data throughout the reporting cycle to identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Commercial Insight & Decision Support
- Provide financial analysis to support business decisions, identifying key drivers of performance, risks, and opportunities.
- Interpret financial and non-financial data to deliver meaningful insight to stakeholders.
- Present financial outcomes and analysis to finance and business partners to support decision-making.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across finance and the wider business.
- Respond promptly to requests for financial information and maintain high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.
- Support collaboration across teams and geographies to ensure consistent financial reporting and analysis.
- Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, and data accuracy.
- Support the transition of finance activities into Pearson Finance Services where required.
- Ensure processes and documentation are maintained and aligned to corporate standards.
Skills & Experience
- Strong accounting knowledge, ideally supported by a recognised accounting qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience in financial reporting, planning, budgeting, and forecasting within a commercial environment.
- Strong analytical and variance analysis skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and explain results clearly.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, SUMIFs, and financial modelling).
- Experience working with finance ERP systems (Oracle experience preferred but not essential).
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial concepts to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- A proactive, self-starting approach with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Experience working with stakeholders across multiple locations and time zones is advantageous.
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 in Belfast employer: Pearson Education Limited
At Pearson VUE, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Test Centre Administrator in Armagh Town, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on candidates' lives while working alongside passionate colleagues. We are committed to your professional growth and offer a supportive environment where you can thrive in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Pearson through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Dive deep into Pearson's financial strategies and recent projects. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in financial reporting and analysis can directly benefit the Enterprise Learning & Skills division. Make it clear why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Pearson family!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Advanced Specialist role. Highlight your experience in financial reporting, planning, and analysis, and show how it aligns with what we do at Pearson.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your strong analytical skills and advanced Excel abilities. We want to see how you can interpret financial data and provide insights that support decision-making.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Education Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial reporting and analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to budgeting and forecasting processes in previous roles. This will show that you understand the key responsibilities of the Advanced Specialist position.
✨Master Excel Like a Pro
Since advanced Excel skills are crucial for this role, make sure you're comfortable with pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and financial modelling. Consider doing a quick refresher course or practice exercises to ensure you can demonstrate your proficiency during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present financial outcomes or insights, so being able to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders is key. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you've built effective working relationships and responded to requests for financial information. This will highlight your ability to work across teams and geographies, which is essential for this role.
