About Pearson Finance

Pearson Finance is one finance team, improving Pearson’s performance, through finance excellence as stewards of value. We combine world-class finance skills with a commercial focus and a continuous improvement mindset. Our strategic priorities center around data and storytelling, being trusted advisors to shape business outcomes, driving efficiency through continuous improvement, automation and standardization, and finally to mitigate risk as we partner with the rest of the business to drive execution of Pearson’s overall strategy.

We are recruiting this role within Pearson Finance Services (PFS) to support Pearson Higher Education Division

Key Responsibilities include:

• Prepare comprehensive financial analysis and commentary for one or more sub-divisions within the Higher Education vs Budget/prior period

• Supporting in the Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting cycles through preparation of analyses and system loads working with the BPM/Business to complete in line with strict deadlines

• Input into the annual strategic planning process through preparation of analysis; sales margin plans and other information to enable collation of the plan.

• Prepare key month end management reporting to senior business leadership packs for decision making

• Assist monthly and quarterly consolidation of management information packs across business areas and roll up to group level showing performance against budget, forecast and prior year

• Support local business partners in providing targeted quality commercial analysis. Assist in providing value add financial analysis to Finance Business Partners or business

• Manage the preparation of accruals / other adjustment journal entries as required and review financial data during the month to provide timely corrections

• Prepare ad hoc analysis as required

• Champion continuous improvement within PFS to deliver tangible benefits and engage in wider standardisation and streamlining initiatives

• Manage the preparation of accruals / other adjustment journal entries as required and review financial data during the month to provide timely corrections

About You

Your Core Experience & Education:

• A self-starter who is motivated to work under own initiative when required demonstrating initiative and sound judgement

• Analytical/variance analysis skills, proven ability to review and analyze financial data and explain results. Providing analysis to support decision making

• Accounting knowledge – Part qualified or qualified accountant (or part/fully qualified by strong relevant experience)

• 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)

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

• Hybrid working model

• 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: 14009