Lead Specialist, Finance Business Partner

Pearson Virtual Schools is seeking a Lead Specialist, Finance Business Partner to provide strategic, commercial and financial leadership within their Product & Technology organization. This role involves partnering with senior leaders to shape financial strategy and drive decision-making across a significant operating portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting for the Product & Technology organisation, aligned to strategic priorities and investment roadmaps
• Own monthly performance oversight, including results, KPIs and key variance drivers, providing clear executive‑level commentary and forward‑looking insight
• Act as a strategic partner to Product & Technology leaders, supporting data‑driven decision making across the portfolio
• Lead the development and evaluation of business cases for new investments, partnerships and product initiatives, including scenario analysis and risk assessment
• Identify and drive opportunities for cost optimisation, operating efficiency and revenue growth, turning insight into measurable outcomes
• Ensure strong financial governance and control, in line with global finance policies, internal controls and capital approval standards
• Drive implementation of global finance processes and the target finance operating model within the team
• Present clear, compelling financial insights to senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with Pearson Finance Services to enable efficient, scalable planning and reporting

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior finance or finance business partnering role, supporting complex organisations and senior stakeholders
• Strong financial and analytical capability, including advanced financial modelling, scenario analysis and investment appraisal
• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments while balancing multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence influencing at senior leadership level
• Strong understanding of financial governance, controls and performance management
• Experience driving process improvement, standardisation and operating model change
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field (MBA, CPA, CFA or similar is a plus)
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, with experience creating executive‑level financial insight
• Experience with enterprise finance systems such as Oracle, Hyperion/Essbase, SmartView or planning tools is highly desirable