At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic decision-making through financial reporting, planning, and performance analysis.
- Company: Join Pearson, a leader in transforming global learning experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional growth, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with senior stakeholders and influence key business decisions.
- Why this job: Make an impact in finance while embracing innovation and automation.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in financial reporting and analysis; advanced Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Support strategic decision-making within Pearson's Higher Education business through financial reporting, planning, forecasting and performance analysis. This role aligns with market titles such as FP&A Analyst, Financial Analyst, Financial Reporting Analyst, Finance Business Partner, Commercial Finance Analyst or Management Accountant.
As an Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis within Pearson Finance Services (PFS), you will provide high-quality financial insight and forward-looking analysis to support Pearson's Higher Education Division. You'll play a key role in planning, forecasting and performance management activities, producing accurate and decision-ready financial information that helps business leaders understand performance, manage risk and make informed decisions. Working closely with Finance and business stakeholders, you'll support core reporting cycles, drive process improvement, enhance reporting capability and help modernise finance processes through automation, standardisation and AI-enabled analytics. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining analytical expertise, business partnering and continuous improvement within a collaborative, fast-moving environment.
What You'll Do
- Financial Reporting, Planning & Analysis
- Deliver month-end reporting, rolling forecasts, annual budgeting and ad-hoc financial analysis
- Produce accurate, decision-ready financial reporting and performance commentary
- Build and maintain driver-based financial models to explain business performance and quantify risks and opportunities
- Perform detailed variance analysis and identify key performance drivers
- Business Partnering
- Partner with stakeholders to align assumptions, answer business questions and support decision-making
- Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights
- Develop a consistent and meaningful performance narrative across the Higher Education Division
- Build strong relationships with finance and non-finance stakeholders across multiple teams
- Process Improvement & Automation
- Standardise and improve planning and reporting processes
- Leverage automation and AI-enabled tools to enhance reporting quality, speed and efficiency
- Reduce manual effort through improved processes and controls
- Support the implementation of best practice reporting and analytics solutions
- Reporting & Data Management
- Develop and enhance dashboards and self-service reporting capabilities
- Define KPIs, data definitions and reporting standards
- Ensure strong governance, controls and audit trails across reporting activities
- Maintain data quality, reconciliation and reporting integrity
- Team Support
- Support capability building across the team through coaching and quality review activities
- Share best practices in modelling, reporting and financial storytelling
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong experience in Financial Reporting, FP&A, Management Accounting or Commercial Finance
- Experience supporting planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance management processes
- Strong financial analysis and variance reporting capability
- Experience producing executive-level reporting and financial storytelling
- Ability to partner effectively with senior stakeholders and challenge assumptions constructively
- Advanced Excel skills including financial modelling, PivotTables and Power Query
- Experience working with ERP and planning/reporting systems (Oracle preferred)
- Strong understanding of finance data flows, reconciliations and reporting controls
- Track record of process improvement, automation and standardisation
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex financial concepts
Nice to Have
- Experience with AI-enabled reporting or finance automation tools
- Dashboard development and self-service reporting experience
- Exposure to Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting platforms
- Experience supporting Higher Education, Educational Services or other large-scale commercial environments
- Knowledge of KPI development and reporting governance frameworks
Location & Working Pattern
Hybrid – Belfast. This role follows a hybrid working model, with an expectation of two days per week in the Belfast office and the remaining time working remotely. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across Finance, the Higher Education Division and wider business functions while benefiting from the flexibility of hybrid working.
Why Join Pearson?
At Pearson, we’re transforming how learning is delivered around the world. As part of Pearson Finance Services, you’ll help shape decisions through accurate reporting, insightful analysis and forward-looking financial planning. You’ll join a collaborative team that embraces innovation, automation and AI-enabled ways of working while offering excellent opportunities for professional growth and career progression within a global organisation. This role provides exposure to senior stakeholders, meaningful business challenges and the opportunity to influence performance within one of Pearson’s largest and most important business divisions.
We are Pearson
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 employer: Pearson
Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Specialist, 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. 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 Advanced Specialist, 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.
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'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
✨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.
✨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 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 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.
