FP&A Manager - Operations

FP&A Manager - Operations Description Description At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology — and each other to surpass these boundaries — we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global, large and small. Role Summary Responsible for managing a small team providing financial analysis and support within Pearson Finance as well as BPM support to the stakeholders in a number of business areas. This position will work with the local BPM in partnering with the business, and through having an in depth understanding of their business area will be able to support them in their operational activities and strategic objectives whilst maintaining integrity in their financial reporting. Collaboration, partnership and stakeholder management are foundational to success in this role. This role will involve working in a changing environment, managing a team during transformational change and being part of the delivery of a new business operating model within Pearson. In order to undertake this role you will need to: Understand where data comes from and how it is presented to enable application into the process in the right way Apply judgment and analytical skills to ensure the accuracy and relevance of outputs needed by the business Contribute 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 working Maintain customer satisfaction by promptly following up on customers’ requests for information Ensure performance targets are met and service is delivered to end users as expected Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovative solutions and communicating these to the Managers Deliver effective key outputs as a SME contributor not just as a team manager Manage competing demands and prioritise appropriately. Key Responsibilities: Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting Support in the preparation of the Strategic Plan financials and targets Monitor the financial progress against the Strategic Plan submitted, giving analysis where relevant of deviations to plan. Support the Annual Operating Planning and Quarterly Forecasting processes including; Working with the PFS, BPM and Business teams to prepare templates to capture data in a standardised manner that supports analysis requirements from the Business and BPM teams Oversee the preparation within PFS of the compensation and opex plans to share with the local BPM and Business in the standard templates Review current performance of business & assess major risks & opportunities Prepare profitability analysis and variance analysis and report on findings with documented conclusions Prepare and review Project Accounting budgets and incorporate into consolidated op plan pack for review with the business Provide reasoned advice on modelling, planning and forecasting with reference to cost, time and quality which incorporate the organization strategic direction. Work with the Local BPM and Business to ensure all submissions are received in a timely manner to PFS Work with the FP&A Team Managers to ensure all data is loaded in a timely manner to OHP to enable time to reconcile and review with the business prior to submission to Group Compile documents and prepare supporting documentation including presentations for review with the Local BPM and key business stakeholders. Track the Business financial targets through transfers and between planning cycles, clearly and simply explaining movements in the targets Business Cases Work with the business and local BPM to prepare business cases in agreed formats with relevant supporting documentation and presentations as part of the approval process. Provide guidance on the financial viability and support on the collation of the financial cost and benefit data inputs Financial Analysis (both at month end and on ad hoc basis) Review products & projects to ensure accounting is in line with policies Request accrual or other accounting adjustments that are judgement based Provide analysis to support decision-making, including presenting economic outcomes, identifying the key value drivers, benefits, sensitivities and risks, accounting and fiscal implications. Support problem solving using sensitivity analysis and other techniques; review variance analyses and account reconciliations, and identify significant items requiring the attention of higher-level management. Prepare analysis and reports that enable the business management to effectively challenge costs and inform decision-making. Participate in efforts with the business to understand key drivers and cost reduction opportunities. Review and QA various outputs including month end accounts and reporting packs prepared in PFS for Senior Management in the business and the local BPM Support the resolution of problems identified through the review and quality assurance processes Provide additional commentary based on the business knowledge on packs to be provided to the business and local BPM, and work with the business to resolve queries in the accounts Deliver project based work alongside ‘business as usual’ in an environment of ongoing change and development Team Management Manage direct reports by motivating, developing and leading them in accordance with Pearson policies. Conduct regular Personal Development Reviews as per Pearson policy To communicate honestly with your team, providing constructive feedback To effe