Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for the Higher Education division, guiding strategic decisions.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and an inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, competitive benefits, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and collaboration in education finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with team management experience and strong financial analysis skills required.
- Other info: Open to remote candidates; diverse and inclusive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is with Pearson, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Financial Planning and Analysis Manager - Higher Education
Permanent considering candidates across Belfast, UK and Manila, Philippines. Please note: Strong preference for hybrid working but remote candidates will also be considered.
About the Role
Are you a strategic thinker with a strong financial background, adept at partnering across diverse teams to deliver business results? Pearson is seeking a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager to support our Higher Education Business that will involve both strong individual performance and ability to lead and support team. In this role, you will act as a trusted FP&A partner to the Higher Education division, delivering financial insights, planning and forecasting and contributing to strategic decision-making across P&L and Balance Sheet. You will also lead a small team of finance professionals in multilocation and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment where innovation and collaboration drive success.
Key Responsibilities
- Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting: Track program financials, including costs and benefits, to update budgets and forecasts. Deliver accurate business case analyses to guide strategic planning.
- Financial Analysis: Analyse key value drivers, risks, and outcomes to support decision-making across Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet. Present financial results and recommendations to senior leadership teams.
- Investment Analysis: Evaluate Higher Education investments, ensuring alignment with long-term goals. Communicate analysis clearly to non-finance professionals to drive cost-saving decisions.
- Business Partnering: Work closely with business partners to build trusted relationships.
- Cost Management: Collaborate on business cases to identify cost reduction opportunities. Prepare analysis to challenge costs and enable informed decision-making.
- People Management: Lead, develop, and motivate a team of finance professionals. Conduct regular development reviews and foster an environment of positive change.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Qualified Accountant or qualified by experience with demonstrable experience is essential.
- Team management experience in a multi-national matrix organization.
- Deep accounting knowledge.
- Expertise in financial modelling, investment analysis, and cost management.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and non-finance stakeholders.
- Experience in change management, process optimization, and risk mitigation.
- Proficiency in conducting financial analysis in alignment with strategic business goals.
- Fluent in English.
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. Your dedicated talent partner will go through these with you in detail.
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 TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
FP&A Manager employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Pearson's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to lifelong learning and inclusivity will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Pearson, especially those in finance roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the FP&A Manager position, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in financial modelling and investment analysis. Be ready to explain how you've successfully managed teams and contributed to strategic decision-making in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. Practice explaining your past analyses and recommendations in simple terms, as this skill is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the FP&A Manager position at Pearson. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in financial planning, analysis, and team management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver business results and lead a team.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong verbal and written communication skills, include examples of how you've effectively communicated financial insights to non-finance stakeholders in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect Pearson's values and the specific requirements of the FP&A Manager role. Mention your alignment with their mission to support higher education and your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the FP&A Manager responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes, as well as how they apply to the Higher Education sector.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial analysis and modelling. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used data to drive strategic decisions and improve business outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to talk about your management style and experiences. Highlight how you've motivated teams in a multi-national environment and fostered positive change.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You'll need to engage with non-finance stakeholders, so showcasing your communication skills will be crucial during the interview.
