Lead Specialist, Finance Business Partner

Pearson is a leading creator of standardized assessments, committed to developing high-quality products that support evidence-based decision making. The Senior Finance Business Partner will provide strategic financial insight and decision support across Technology and Product functions, driving business performance and supporting innovation within the Clinical Assessments business.

Responsibilities:

• Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting activities across Technology and Product functions
• Develop financial models to support new product launches, investment decisions and market expansion opportunities
• Support month-end close processes, including variance analysis and corporate reporting requirements
• Analyse performance against financial targets, identifying risks and opportunities and recommending corrective actions
• Deliver Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Long-Range Planning (LRP) processes while supporting strategic decision making
• Partner with Clinical Assessments leadership to align financial objectives with broader business strategy
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing commercial insight and constructive challenge
• Evaluate business cases for investments, partnerships and product development initiatives
• Support investment prioritisation decisions to maximise long-term value creation
• Monitor financial performance, key business metrics and return on investment
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, operational efficiency and revenue growth
• Provide clear and actionable recommendations that improve business performance
• Provide financial leadership and support across strategic projects and transformation initiatives
• Conduct financial due diligence and investment evaluations
• Partner with project teams to maintain financial discipline throughout project lifecycles
• Support acquisition integration, value creation and process improvement programmes
• Prepare and deliver financial reports, dashboards and presentations for leadership teams
• Analyse complex data sets to identify trends, risks and growth opportunities
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, corporate policies and regulatory requirements

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field
• Demonstrable experience in Finance Business Partnering, FP&A, Commercial Finance or a similar finance function
• Strong financial modelling and analytical capabilities
• Experience evaluating business investments and growth opportunities
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Excellent problem-solving and cost-benefit evaluation capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting or related discipline
• Experience using Oracle, Hyperion Essbase, SmartView and Planning tools
• Experience supporting organic and inorganic growth initiatives including acquisitions and transformation programmes