About Pearson

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working 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. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com

About Pearson Financial Services (PFS)

PFS is Pearson’s centre of excellence of all FP&A and financial control activity. We partner with the business, Finance business partners and group reporting to provide outstanding financial support and service.

The PFS Financial Reporting & Control team is responsible for the UK and North America month-end close activities, group reporting, audit, balance sheet and P&L control. The team is also responsible for end-to-end process control and, where necessary, process redesign and improvement across our UK and offshore teams.

About the role

Reporting to the Director Financial Control, the Financial Control analyst will be responsible for:

• Production of monthly and annual results for divisions, working closely with key divisional managers and finance teams

• Own the review of all daily, weekly and monthly reporting to ensure that reports are accurate and relevant

• Review work delivered by the BPO team

• Review and approve journals ensuring they maintain relevant and appropriate back up and are correctly coded

• Prepare ad-hoc analysis / production of reports as requested to support accurate reporting and support business, group, and tax decisions

• Have significant interaction with business units, enabling functions, and auditors

• Complete statutory financial statements at half year and year end as required

• Complete compliance reporting in accordance with local legislation.

• Assist with SOX compliance, as required

• Assist with Annual Desktop Procedure (DTP) review and write up for any new processes created or transitioned to BPO

• Be involved in the delivery of ad-hoc continuous improvement projects and reporting requirements of the wider PFS Financial Reporting & Control team as required

• Recognise issues, highlight them to relevant colleagues / line manager and take initiative to resolve

• Maintain stakeholder satisfaction by promptly following up on requests for information

• Contribute to team effort and assist co-workers as needed to balance workloads

• Help to create a work atmosphere conducive to a high degree of integrity and teamwork

• Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovative solutions

• Contribute to the maintenance of an effective system of internal controls including compliance with all internal and external requirements

• Ensure that corporate policies and procedures are consistently applied

• Take proactive involvement in determining and implementing best practices; and

• Ensure all processes are kept well-documented.

The role can be fully remote or hybrid with our offices based in central Belfast. If the role is remote, then we would just require occasional office collaboration days.

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 control skills then we would love to hear from you.

We are open to assistant accountants, financial control or audit-based backgrounds that are looking to make their move into FTSE 100. Our roles offer training and continuous career development so apply today!

Key requirements

• Core understanding and experience of financial control processes and functions

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

• Ability to maintain a strong focus on results and outcomes and prioritise work effectively.

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

• Experience in using Finance ERP systems

Desirable but not essential

• Knowledge of FRS101 and IFRS preferable

• Experience using Oracle and Hyperion systems tools viewed favourably

• Experience in a service delivery environment and strong stakeholder management skills preferable.

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

• 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: 13706