We're looking for a candidate to fill this position in an exciting company.
Role Summary
Responsible for managing a mid sized team – (25 FTE’s Approx) providing financial analysis and support within Pearson Finance as well as BPM support to the stakeholders in a number of business areas (Technology, Enabling Functions and Property) as well as supporting the Group reporting function.
This position will work with the local BPM in partnering with the business, and through having an in depth understanding of the business areas supported will be able to support them in their operational activities and strategic objectives whilst maintaining integrity in their financial reporting. Collaboration, partnership and stakeholder management are foundational to success in this role.
This role will involve working in a changing environment, managing a team during transformational change in how Pearson operate their business.
In order to undertake this role you will need to:
Understand where data comes from and how it is presented to enable application into the process in the right way
Apply judgment and analytical skills to ensure the accuracy and relevance of outputs needed by the business
Contribute to team effort and assist co-workers across PFS and all business divisions as needed to enable effective delivery
Help to create a work atmosphere conducive to collaborative working
Maintain customer satisfaction by promptly following up on customers’ requests for information
Ensure performance targets are met and service is delivered to end users as expected
Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovative solutions and communicating these to the Managers
Deliver effective key outputs as a SME contributor not just as a team manager
Manage competing demands and prioritise appropriately.
Key Responsibilities: Management of a team of 20+ FTE’s with responsibility for the following processes:
Financial Analysis (both at month end and on ad hoc basis)
Review products & projects to ensure accounting is in line with policies
Request accrual or other accounting adjustments that are judgement based
Provide analysis to support decision-making, including presenting economic outcomes, identifying the key value drivers, benefits, sensitivities and risks, accounting and fiscal implications.
Support problem solving using sensitivity analysis and other techniques; review variance analyses and account reconciliations, and identify significant items requiring the attention of higher-level management.
Prepare analysis and reports that enable the business management to effectively challenge costs and inform decision-making.
Participate in efforts with the business to understand key drivers and cost reduction opportunities.
Review and QA various outputs including month end accounts and reporting packs prepared in PFS for Senior Management in the business and the local BPM
Support the resolution of problems identified through the review and quality assurance processes
Provide additional commentary based on the business knowledge on packs to be provided to the business and local BPM, and work with the business to resolve queries in the accounts
Deliver project based work alongside ‘business as usual’ in an environment of ongoing change and development
Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
Support in the preparation of the Strategic Plan financials and targets
Monitor the financial progress against the Strategic Plan submitted, giving analysis where relevant of deviations to plan.
Support the Annual Operating Planning and Rolling Forecasting processes
Review current performance of business & assess major risks & opportunities
Prepare profitability analysis and variance analysis and report on findings with documented conclusions
Prepare and review Project Accounting budgets and incorporate into consolidated op plan pack for review with the business
Provide reasoned advice on modelling, planning and forecasting with reference to cost, time and quality which incorporate the organization strategic direction.
Work with the Local BPM and Business to ensure all submissions are received in a timely manner to PFS
Work with the FP&A Team Managers to ensure all data is loaded in a timely manner to OHP to enable time to reconcile and review with the business prior to submission to Group
Compile documents and prepare supporting documentation including presentations for review with the Local BPM and key business stakeholders.
Track the Business financial targets through transfers and between planning cycles, clearly and simply explaining movements in the targets
Business Cases
Work with the business and local BPM to prepare business cases in agreed formats with relevant supporting documentation and presentations as part of the approval process.
Provide guidance on the financial viability and support on the collation of the financial cost and benefit data inputs
Team Management
Manage direct reports by motivating, developing and leading them in accordance with Pearson policies.
Conduct regular Personal Development Reviews as per Pearson policy
To communicate honestly with your team, providing constructive feedback
To effectively manage the time and attendance of all Employees in your area, setting and achieving of deadlines/targets.
To effectively implement positive change within the department, lead and motivate employees.
Qualifications/Experience required.
Extensive experience in a Finance Management role/BPM role
Strong accounting knowledge – holding a recognised professional accountancy qualification
Excellent understanding of materiality and ability to prioritize across competing demands
Experience of finance ERP systems (Oracle preferred but not essential)
Understanding of financial control, business performance management and process optimization and experience of working in more than one of these areas
Advanced user of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (v-lookups, sum-ifs, pivot tables etc.)
People Management Experience
High commitment to quality to ensure reports are prepared accurately first time
A self-starter who is motivated to work under own initiative demonstrating initiative and sound judgement;
Ability to work as part of a wider management team, identifying and providing support to colleagues
Ability to work to strict deadlines and to be able to prioritise to meet those deadlines
Experience working in a multi-national matrix organization
Experience of managing a medium sized teams (10- 20 FTE)
Awareness of multiple business models and experience of working with more than one
Understanding of finance specialist areas: tax, treasury, M&A, compliance, corporate governance and ability to utilise proper judgement to involve them as necessary
Understand the principles of change management and demonstrated ability to champion and drive change.
Participation in international projects.
Experience transitioning finance activities between locations/groups
Experience of working in a shared services/delivery centre environment
