Job Title - Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis Description
Support strategic decision-making within Pearson's Higher Education business through financial reporting, planning, forecasting and performance analysis. This role aligns with market titles such as FP&A Analyst, Financial Analyst, Financial Reporting Analyst, Finance Business Partner, Commercial Finance Analyst or Management Accountant .
About the Role
As an Advanced Specialist, Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis within Pearson Finance Services (PFS), you will provide high-quality financial insight and forward-looking analysis to support Pearson's Higher Education Division.
You'll play a key role in planning, forecasting and performance management activities, producing accurate and decision-ready financial information that helps business leaders understand performance, manage risk and make informed decisions.
Working closely with Finance and business stakeholders, you'll support core reporting cycles, drive process improvement, enhance reporting capability and help modernise finance processes through automation, standardisation and AI-enabled analytics.
This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining analytical expertise, business partnering and continuous improvement within a collaborative, fast-moving environment.
What You'll Do Financial Reporting, Planning & Analysis
Deliver month-end reporting, rolling forecasts, annual budgeting and ad-hoc financial analysis
Produce accurate, decision-ready financial reporting and performance commentary
Build and maintain driver-based financial models to explain business performance and quantify risks and opportunities
Perform detailed variance analysis and identify key performance drivers
Business Partnering
Partner with stakeholders to align assumptions, answer business questions and support decision-making
Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights
Develop a consistent and meaningful performance narrative across the Higher Education Division
Build strong relationships with finance and non-finance stakeholders across multiple teams
Process Improvement & Automation
Standardise and improve planning and reporting processes
Leverage automation and AI-enabled tools to enhance reporting quality, speed and efficiency
Reduce manual effort through improved processes and controls
Support the implementation of best practice reporting and analytics solutions
Reporting & Data Management
Develop and enhance dashboards and self-service reporting capabilities
Define KPIs, data definitions and reporting standards
Ensure strong governance, controls and audit trails across reporting activities
Maintain data quality, reconciliation and reporting integrity
Team Support
Support capability building across the team through coaching and quality review activities
Share best practices in modelling, reporting and financial storytelling
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration
What We're Looking For Essential Skills & Experience
Relevant accountancy qualification (or equivalent experience)
Strong experience in Financial Reporting, FP&A, Management Accounting or Commercial Finance
Experience supporting planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance management processes
Strong financial analysis and variance reporting capability
Experience producing executive-level reporting and financial storytelling
Ability to partner effectively with senior stakeholders and challenge assumptions constructively
Advanced Excel skills including financial modelling, PivotTables and Power Query
Experience working with ERP and planning/reporting systems (Oracle preferred)
Strong understanding of finance data flows, reconciliations and reporting controls
Track record of process improvement, automation and standardisation
Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex financial concepts
Nice to Have
Experience with AI-enabled reporting or finance automation tools
Dashboard development and self-service reporting experience
Exposure to Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting platforms
Experience supporting Higher Education, Educational Services or other large-scale commercial environments
Knowledge of KPI development and reporting governance frameworks
Location & Working Pattern Hybrid – Belfast
This role follows a hybrid working model , with an expectation of two days per week in the Belfast office and the remaining time working remotely.
You'll work closely with stakeholders across Finance, the Higher Education Division and wider business functions while benefiting from the flexibility of hybrid working.
Why Join Pearson?
At Pearson, we're transforming how learning is delivered around the world. As part of Pearson Finance Services, you'll help shape decisions through accurate reporting, insightful analysis and forward-looking financial planning.
You'll join a collaborative team that embraces innovation, automation and AI-enabled ways of working while offering excellent opportunities for professional growth and career progression within a global organisation.
This role provides exposure to senior stakeholders, meaningful business challenges and the opportunity to influence performance within one of Pearson's largest and most important business divisions.
Who we are:
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.
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 [email protected].
Job: Finance
Job Family: ENTERPRISE
Organization: Corporate Finance
Schedule: FULL_TIME
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Req ID: 24774
