Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst

DescriptionAbout PearsonLearning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries all working 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. We are the worlds leading learning company. Learn more atAbout Pearson Financial Services (PFS)PFS is Pearsons centre of excellence for all FP&A and financial control activity. We partner with the business Finance business partners and group reporting to provide outstanding financial support and serviceAbout the roleReporting to the Manager Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) the Financial Analyst willsupport 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 Assessment and Qualifications. This role will also contribute to aspects of the budgeting and forecasting cycle.The rolewill be hybrid with our offices based in central Belfast.Responsibilities include:Complete the processing of all technical responsibilities (see below) in a timely efficient and accurate mannerManage/perform the preparation of ad-hoc analysis / production of reports as requested to support accurate reporting and business decisionsPreparing variance analysis against performance targets.Preparing monthly management reporting packsAssist in providing value add financial analysis to Finance Business PartnersManage 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 deadlinesEnsure team performance targets are met and service is delivered to end users as expected.Take proactive involvement in determining and implementing best practices within PFSReconcile data between source ERPs and consolidated reporting tools (Oracle/Hyperion) and seek explanations for significant variancesReviewing the output of our Bangalore based BPO teamAd hoc reporting and analysis as required.Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovative solutions and communicate these to your line managerContribute 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 workingAbout youIf you are a part qualified or recently qualified accountant 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.Essential skills / capabilitiesA self-starter who is motivated to work under own initiative when required demonstrating initiative and sound judgementAbility to manage Stakeholders effectivelyAnalytical/variance analysis skills proven ability to review and analyse financial data and explain the results. Providing analysis to support decision makingIntermediate 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 professionalsExperience of finance ERP systems (Oracle preferred but not essential)Abilityto work to strict financial deadlines and to be able to prioritise to meet those deadlinesA team player who is driven by customer serviceDesirable skills / capabilitiesExperience of planning budgeting and forecasting and producing management information for decision making.Advanced user of Microsoft Excel (Building macros scripts power queries and data models)Experience working with and partnering with stakeholders in a large organisationAbility to coordinate the delivery of multiple priorities in parallel across disparate teams and locationsExperience using Oracle and Hyperion systems and Smartview toolsYour rewards & benefitsWe know youll do great work so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know one size doesnt fit all so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams and their families too. We offer: A competitive salaryFlexible working25 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 contributeWorldwide Save for Shares in PearsonOther 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 - BenefitsRequired Experience:IC Key Skills Direct Sales,Administrative Skills,Logistics Distribution,Facilities Management,Civil Project Management,Asic Employment Type : Full-Time Department / Functional Area: Finance Experience: years Vacancy: 1