At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Group Reporting team to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a fantastic pension plan.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive, diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial integrity and strategic initiatives at a renowned company.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in group reporting and strong knowledge of IFRS required.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
About the team
The Group Reporting team is accountable for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the Groups external financial reporting, supporting both UK and US listings, as well as internal reporting to the Board and senior management. The team defines and maintains the Groups accounting policies, oversees and develops the Groups financial consolidation systems, and sets appropriate financial controls for consolidating and reporting Group data. It also provides accounting guidance to business units on acquisitions, disposals, and other complex technical matters, while managing the accounting for the parent company and the investment and treasury entities based at head office. The Group reporting team is supported by the Pearson Financial Services (PFS) Financial Reporting & Control team which is based in Belfast.
About the role
Reporting to the VP of Finance and Group Reporting, the Director of Group Reporting will be accountable for ensuring the integrity of external financial reporting in support of the Groups UK and US listings, including the production of the Groups US listing document. The role will oversee key technical accounting matters affecting both internal and external reporting and act as a principal contact for the wider Finance team, operating companies, and specialist departments on reporting issues. As the Groups accounting and finance expert, the Director will play a central role in strategic initiatives such as acquisitions and other complex projects, providing both technical insight and strategic guidance.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Partner with the VP, Group Reporting to deliver high-quality external reporting.
- Lead on technical accounting areas including M&A, goodwill, share-based payments, and leases defining treatments, disclosures, and best practices.
- Act as primary contact for auditors and coordinate with actuaries and legal advisors to support reporting.
- Apply technical expertise to strategic initiatives such as new business models, M&A, and restructuring, contributing to both accounting integrity and broader business decision-making.
- Serve as subject matter expert on reporting systems and data, with strong analytical capability.
- Oversee the Groups material transactions review process, escalating key issues to the VP, Group Reporting and Deputy CFO.
- Manage pension accounting, coordinating with internal teams and advisors, and prepare disclosures for interim and year-end reporting.
- Maintain Sarbanes-Oxley documentation for Group reporting and recommend control improvements.
- Advise operating companies, auditors, and advisors on accounting matters and ad hoc queries.
- Review statutory accounts for UK-based entities.
- Monitor financial and regulatory developments (e.g., Climate, FRC, SEC) and lead Pearsons responses, including comment letters.
About you
Proven group reporting experience, gained either at a top-tier accountancy firm or within a medium-to-large organisation. Significant PQE, with strong experience in UK PLC reporting, detailed knowledge of IFRS, and exposure to complex multi-currency consolidations. Expert understanding of financial control processes and systems, including familiarity with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Experience in management accounting and financial reporting. Adaptable communicator, capable of working and leading across multiple countries with cultural agility. Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively. Experience with Oracle and Hyperion finance systems is desirable.
This group Finance role provides great exposure across the Pearson business and is a great place to start your Pearson Finance career!
Your rewards & benefits
We know you'll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know that one size doesn't fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families too. There is a range of options, see some of them shared here:
- A competitive salary.
- 25 Days annual leave, this increases by 1 day each year up to 30 days with the option to buy and sell up to 5 days per year on top of this.
- A fantastic pension plan, where Pearson double what you contribute.
- Pearson's other benefits also include private dental care, private medical insurance, digital GP service, season ticket loan, eye tests, cycle to work scheme, volunteering days, employee wellbeing assistance, discounted retail and leisure products and services from leading companies and much more.
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.
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. If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing.
Director, Group Reporting 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 Director, Group Reporting in Belfast
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Director, Group Reporting 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.
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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.
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✨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.
