Financial Reporting, Planning and Analysis Senior Manager

Pearson Education; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking an experienced FP&A Senior Manager to drive financial performance and lead a team of 20 finance professionals. This hybrid role based in Belfast involves strategic planning, analysis, and change management within a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have a professional accountancy qualification and extensive finance management experience.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Finance Management or BPM roles.
• Strong accounting knowledge and understanding of financial control.
• Experience in a multinational, matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 20 finance professionals.
• Oversee month-end close and budgeting processes.
• Provide analysis to support decision-making.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Excellent communication

High accountability and ownership

Collaboration across functions

Change management experience

Prioritization and time management

Education

Professional accountancy qualification

Tools

Finance ERP systems (Oracle preferred)

Advanced Excel skills

Job description

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Job Description

Location: Hybrid (2 days per week in office) Belfast, Country Antrim, UK

At Pearson, we believe learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. We're looking for a dynamic and experienced FP&A Senior Manager to join our Higher Education division, supporting our Central Functions team. This is a key leadership role within Pearson Finance Services, responsible for driving financial performance, strategic insight, and operational excellence across our global support functions.

About the Role

As FP&A Senior Manager, you will lead financial planning and analysis for Pearson's Central Functions, including Finance, Technology, Legal, HR, Marketing, and Property. You\'ll manage a high-performing team of 20 finance professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Managing, coaching, and developing a diverse team of 20 FTEs, ensuring alignment and cohesion across deliverables.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Leading month-end close, planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. Reviewing inputs and delivering high-quality analysis for senior stakeholder review.
• Strategic Insight: Providing complex analysis and data storytelling to support decision-making and communicate performance to senior leaders.
• Project Finance: Overseeing CIP spend tracking, hosting costs, capitalization schedules, and partnering with cross-functional teams for accurate forecasting.
• Audit & Governance: Managing audit responses and ensuring compliance with financial controls.
• Change Leadership: Supporting transformational change across Pearson\'s finance operations, driving efficiency and quality improvements.

What You'll Bring

We\'re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and is passionate about leading teams through change. You\'ll need:

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate financial concepts for non-finance audiences
• High accountability and ownership, with a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions and geographies
• Change management experience and the ability to lead others through transformation
• Strong prioritization and time management skills

Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive experience in Finance Management or BPM roles
• Recognised professional accountancy qualification
• Strong accounting knowledge and understanding of financial control and performance management
• Experience with finance ERP systems (Oracle preferred)
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, v-lookups, sum-ifs)
• Proven people management experience
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Experience working in a multinational, matrixed organization
• Exposure to shared services or delivery centre environments
• Understanding of specialist finance areas (e.g. tax, treasury, M&A, compliance)