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- Tasks: Support the CFO with diary management, travel coordination, and team operations.
- Company: Join Pearson Finance, a leading FTSE100 lifelong learning business driving financial excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and fantastic company perks.
- Why this job: Gain insight into global finance while promoting a positive team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting senior executives in fast-paced environments; strong Microsoft Office skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values trust, quality, and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ per year.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer
Job Description
Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer
Location: Hybrid (Central London – 80 Strand & Remote)
Company: Pearson Finance – A FTSE100 lifelong learning business
About Pearson Finance
Pearson Finance is one unified team, committed to driving Pearson's performance through financial excellence, strategic insight, and operational efficiency. We bring together world-class finance skills with a commercial mindset to deliver value across the business. Our mission is to enable confident, data-driven decision-making while continuously improving processes and mitigating risk.
We are trusted advisors, process champions, and strategic partners helping to shape and execute Pearson's broader goals.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly capable and motivated Executive Assistant to provide high-level support to our Chief Finance Officer (CFO). This is a pivotal role that offers a front-row seat to the inner workings of a global finance function.
You will manage a broad range of responsibilities, from complex diary and travel coordination to internal communications and team operations. You will play an essential part in supporting the CFO and ensuring the Finance team functions efficiently and professionally.
This role is hybrid, with time split between remote home working and regular days in our central London office at 80 Strand.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively manage the CFO's inbox, calendar, and communications – handling sensitive and confidential matters with absolute discretion.
- Coordinate complex global travel arrangements, including visas, itineraries, and logistics in compliance with company policies.
- Plan and support executive and team meetings: scheduling, agenda setting, minute taking, and follow-ups.
- Serve as the central point of contact between the CFO and internal/external stakeholders, including senior leaders and Board members.
- Oversee onboarding of new joiners, manage expense claims, and maintain key administrative processes, including completing expense claims, budgetary information and requisitions for the CFO's office.
- Ensure foundational team management practices are in place (e.g. quarterly feedback sessions, role profiles, training schedules).
- Manage and administer the Finance recognition platform (Kudos), including awarding points and campaign coordination.
- Lead the planning and delivery of Finance-wide events, such as global town halls, roadshows.
- Support internal communications in partnership with the Finance Strategic Communications lead.
- Promote a positive team culture by embodying Pearson's values (We ask What If; We ask Why; We earn Trust; We Deliver Quality; We Mark Our Mark) and ensuring the needs are met of not only the CFO but her wider team.
About You
Your Experience & Education:
- Proven experience supporting a senior executive in a complex, fast-paced, and global organisation.
- Strong understanding of the operations and expectations within a FTSE100 company, including Board-level interactions.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams).
- Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills – with the ability to build relationships and work seamlessly within and across teams.
- Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive, high-stakes matters.
Talent Profile:
- Proactive : A natural self-starter who anticipates needs and acts without waiting to be asked.
- Prioritisation: Highly organised able to prioritise effectively with minimal supervision
- Resilient : Adaptable under pressure and able to respond quickly to change.
- Highly organised : Strong prioritisation and time-management skills.
- Strategic connector : Able to build relationships across internal and external networks to support the CFO.
- Exceptional communicator : Confident, tactful, and effective at all levels of the organisation.
- Event & communications savvy : Experience coordinating in-person and virtual events and supporting internal communications.
- Flexible & agile : Comfortable managing multiple time zones, cultures, and competing tasks.
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 one size doesn't fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families, too.
Please see our attractive UK benefits here: Pearson Jobs – Benefits
- £80000 – £95000 per annum + strong co bens and bonus scheme
- £80000 – £95000 per annum + strong co bens and bonus scheme
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Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer (London) employer: Pearson Education
Contact Detail:
Pearson Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the finance sector, especially within FTSE100 companies. Understanding the nuances of financial operations and board-level interactions will give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Executive Assistants in similar roles. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Outlook and Excel, through practical examples. Being able to discuss how you've used these tools effectively in past roles can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a mock calendar or travel itinerary for a hypothetical CFO. This hands-on demonstration of your abilities can impress during interviews and highlight your proactive nature.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the responsibilities of supporting a senior executive in a fast-paced environment. Emphasise your organisational skills and any experience you have with diary management and travel coordination.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and Pearson Finance. Mention specific examples of how your proactive approach and attention to detail have positively impacted previous roles, particularly in managing sensitive information.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any other tools that are relevant to the role. Discuss your experience with event planning and internal communications, as these are key aspects of the position.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Abilities: Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, include examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous positions. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Education
✨Research Pearson Finance
Before the interview, take some time to understand Pearson Finance's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their role in the FTSE100 and how they drive financial excellence. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, strong organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex schedules or coordinated travel arrangements in the past. Highlight your attention to detail and ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Given the sensitive nature of the role, it's important to convey your ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Share experiences where you've successfully managed sensitive matters, showcasing your professionalism and trustworthiness.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think of situations where you've had to manage competing priorities or navigate challenges in a fast-paced environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
