Job Description

About Pearson

As the world\'s largest FTSE 100 learning company, Pearson has been contributing a profound impact on our world since its formation in 1844. Pearson employs more than 20,000, operates in 70 countries and delivers products and services in nearly 200 countries. We work toward a common purpose - to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high-quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. Learn more at pearsonplc.com

Reporting to the Senior Manager Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), the Financial Analyst will support the provision of a consolidated view of financial business performance and planning to business partnering teams across Pearson. This role will prepare and deliver financial planning and analysis to business areas enabling effective business decision making within US Assessments. This role will also contribute to aspects of the budgeting and forecasting cycle.

The role is hybrid with our offices based in central Belfast. We are flexible workplace therefore open to hearing of any flexible arrangements you may need.

Responsibilities include:

Complete the processing of all technical responsibilities (see below) in a timely, efficient and accurate manner

Manage/perform the preparation of ad-hoc analysis / production of reports as requested to support accurate reporting and business decisions

Preparing variance analysis against performance targets.

Preparing monthly management reporting packs

Assist in providing value add financial analysis to Finance Business Partners

Manage the preparation of accruals / other adjustment journal entries as required.

Supporting in the Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting cycles through preparation of analyses and system loads working with the BPO team to complete in line with strict deadlines

Ensure team performance targets are met and service is delivered to end users as expected.

Take proactive involvement in determining and implementing best practices within PFS

Reconcile data between source ERPs and consolidated reporting tools (Oracle/Hyperion) and seek explanations for significant variances

Reviewing the output of our Bangalore based BPO team

Ad hoc reporting and analysis as required.

Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovative solutions and communicate these to your line manager

Contribute to team effort and assist co-workers across PFS and all business divisions as needed to enable effective delivery.

About you

If you are part qualified or recently qualified and are a self-starter looking to join a business where you can drive continuous improvement and continue to develop your financial skills then we would love to hear from you.

We are open to assistant accountants, project accountants, financial control or audit-based backgrounds that are looking to make their move into FP&A. Our roles offer training, sponsorship of ACCA or CIMA and continuous career development so apply today!

Key requirements

proven ability to review and analyse financial data and explain the results to support decision making making

Advanced user of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (v-lookups, sum-ifs, pivot tables etc.)

Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with both finance and non-finance professionals

Experience of finance ERP systems (Oracle preferred but not essential)

Ability to work to strict financial deadlines and to be able to prioritise to meet those deadlines

A team player who is driven by customer service

Desirable but not essential

Experience of planning, budgeting and forecasting and producing management information for decision making.

Experience working with and partnering with stakeholders in a large organisation

Ability to coordinate the delivery of multiple priorities in parallel across disparate teams and locations

Experience using Oracle and Hyperion systems and Smartview tools

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. We offer:

A competitive salary

Flexible working

Support and sponsorship for your ACCA or CIMA qualification

Training and career development as part of your qualification - clear career pathways!

25 days annual leave, which 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 doubles what you contribute

Other benefits, including 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, services from leading companies and much more. See our options here: Pearson Jobs - Benefits

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All 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 strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson\'s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

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 ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: FINANCE

Organization: Corporate Finance

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 12626

Pearson