Director, Finance Business Partnering

Pearson Online Learning Services (POLS) is a leading provider of online higher education, delivering over 200 online degree programs in partnership with more than 30 academic institutions.

Role Summary:

This role is responsible for leading the POLS Finance team’s FP&A function and playing an active role in designing and delivering the finance target operating model. This position will work closely with business leadership to measure performance, manage investment and set targets that drive profitable revenue growth.

Responsible for $200m revenue and a cost base that includes both OpEx and CapEx. This is a global role spanning across North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. Collaboration, partnership and active stakeholder management are foundational to success. Thriving in an evolving environment, working to drive innovation and embedding industry best-practices to drive sustainable growth is key.

Responsibilities:

Strategy, Design and Effectiveness :

• Drives improvements to processes and resourcing across local and offshore Finance teams that lead to shortened delivery times, simplification and standardization with enhanced accuracy and insight.
• Works with business leaders across various functional teams to understand their respective financial data requirements and translate into improved reporting packages with actionable insights.
• Works hand-in-hand with our Data & Analytics team to incorporate enhancements around automation, predictive analytics and KPI-driven forecasting into our financial modeling.
• Provides managerial support to our invoicing, procurement, financial control and audit teams and identifies ways to streamline and simplify.

Financial planning & Analysis:

• Leads execution for month-end close processes and financial reporting; communicates results to POLS leadership and broader Pearson Finance leadership.
• Plays a key role in our annual budgeting process and works collaboratively with business leaders across the organization to effectively set revenue, cost and KPI targets.
• Partners with the VP Finance on long-term forecasting, sensitivity analysis and scenario planning.
• Leverages product profitability reporting to assist business partners with accelerating our revenue growth and gross margin profitability across all of our academic partners.
• Translates portfolio and product strategies to the effective allocation of capital across geographies, business teams, academic partners and programs, media channels and strategic investments.
• Evaluates and approves business case proposals across a number of areas including media spend, headcount, outsourced vendor support and technology investment.
• Uncovers areas of opportunity for fixed cost optimization and redeployment of savings into strategically important growth and enabling areas of the business.

Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience in FP&A and business partnering
• Demonstrable P&L ownership across both revenue and cost (experience managing media spend is a plus)
• Senior leadership experience with a proven ability to build and scale teams and processes
• Experience working in a global business, supporting multiple geographies and business/functional teams
• Exceptional leadership, verbal, written and visual communication skills
• Strong understanding of materiality and ability to prioritize across competing agendas
• Track record of driving value through investment analysis and capital asset evaluation
• Expert user of Oracle, Hyperion and other plug-in planning tools
• Capability with advanced data analytics, coding and/or data visualization (e.g. Tableau)
• Be proactive and solutions-oriented with a strong work ethic
• Learn quickly and exercise a natural curiosity

Additional information:

Pearson is currently holding the POLS business under strategic review to assess the optimal long-term ownership structure. In addition to the responsibilities above, the Director of Finance Business Partnering will work closely with the VP Finance to support the evaluation and setup the business for the next stage of growth.

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards 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 world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.

Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are committed to being an anti-racist company in everything we do. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm, and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, please click here: http://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. All 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.

Job: FINANCE

Organization: Virtual Learning

Schedule: FULL\_TIME

Req ID: 7202