• Job Description

  Req#: 12626

  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

• About the company

  At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough.

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