Finance Business Partner

Pearson; London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An international education company is seeking a Finance Business Partner in London to provide proactive financial support aligned with corporate strategy. This role includes managing financial data accuracy and supporting decision-making processes. The ideal candidate will have a professional accountancy qualification, strong analytical skills, and advanced Excel proficiency. The position is hybrid and offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 - $140,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to navigate complex financial situations.
• Solid understanding of financial controls and business performance management.
• Experience in budgeting and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate financial information to support decision-making.
• Manage month-end close process and conduct variance analysis.
• Maintain and improve financial models for cash spending analysis.
• Prepare financial reports for various stakeholders.
• Support business cases with sound financial assumptions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Advanced Excel

Financial modelling

Process improvement

Negotiation

Education

Professional Accountancy qualification or equivalent

Job description

Overview

As a Finance Business Partner, you will provide proactive financial support to Pearson Product Group to enable future growth aligned to our organisational strategy.

You will be expected to provide real time support and analysis relating to the future performance of the company; be a trusted adviser and add value that will assist your clients in decision making.

You will act as a conduit between the business and our Finance Centre's of Expertise, ensuring relevant technical advice is proactively obtained to resolve any issues.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Group leadership and cross-functional teams to provide accurate financial information and support timely decision-making.
• Manage the month-end close process with Pearson Financial Services (PFS), ensuring financial data is accurate, complete, and reflects true business performance across operating expenses and investment, while conducting variance analysis, identifying risks and opportunities, and highlighting areas of concern.
• Maintain and improve financial models to analyse cash spend across operating expenses and investment, using advanced Excel skills to create ad hoc scenario analyses and deliver clear insights for stakeholders.
• Prepare and communicate financial reports clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences, helping teams understand financial implications.
• Support the business in building, reviewing, and tracking business cases, ensuring sound financial assumptions and alignment with budgets.
• Coordinate the annual budgeting and forecasting cycles, performing financial analysis and scenario planning to support business planning.
• Monitor investment spend, ensure financial controls and SOX compliance, and prepare audit documentation as required. Support internal and external audits as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and collaborate with teams to implement enhancements.
• Utilise financial systems to ensure data accuracy and streamline reporting processes.
• Work collaboratively within the finance team and across functions to support smooth financial operations and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Professional Accountancy qualification or equivalent finance business partnering experience.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex financial situations.
• Proficient in advanced Excel and financial modelling to deliver actionable insights.
• Solid understanding of financial controls, business performance management, and process optimisation.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and supporting business planning.
• Skilled in process improvement, negotiation, relationship building, and conflict resolution.
• Proven ability to identify financial risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Adaptable with experience supporting change management in dynamic environments.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders in matrix or global organisations.

Compensation

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The pay range for this position is as follows:

The minimum full-time salary range is between $120,000 - $140,000 per annum. (US applicants only)

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday 5th August. This window may be extended depending on business needs.

This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.

About Pearson

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: here.

Equal Opportunity

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 [e-mail].

Job: Finance

Job Family: ENTERPRISE

Organization: Higher Education

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Req ID: 20446