Finance Director, ELL Strategy and Commercial Finance (Global)

Finance Director, ELL Strategy and Commercial Finance (Global)

We are the world’s learning company with more than 20,000 employees operating in 70 countries. We combine world-class educational content and assessment, powered by services and technology, to enable more effective teaching and personalized learning at scale. We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people.

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.

At Pearson, we believe in the power of difference. Harnessing the unique skills, perspectives, and backgrounds of every employee helps us foster innovation and create the most effective solutions for learners around the world. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are embedded into everything we do. We foster a work environment that’s inclusive and diverse — and where our people can be themselves — so we can reflect the customers and learners we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned and Strategic Finance Director to join our global team in the ELL (English Language Learning) Division. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in helping drive finance leadership over the ELL strategy, long range plan, translation into near term financial roadmaps, driving business performance and bringing best in class Strategy, FP&A, Analysis / Analytics capabilities into ELL Finance. This individual will also support the VP Finance on various special projects covering ELL in support of delivering our strategy. This is a unique opportunity for a finance leader who thrives in a global context, working closely with various regions worldwide.

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), and Strategy :

Lead the development and execution of ELL’s financial plans and strategies in collaboration with divisional and function group leaders.

Work closely with divisional leaders to develop and manage long range plans, annual budgets and periodic forecasts.

Monitor performance against budgets and provide actionable insights to drive financial discipline and accountability.

Identify opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements.

Provide comprehensive financial analysis, forecasts, and insights to support strategic business decisions.

Driving Business Performance

Implementing an improved business performance management framework that helps drive ELL to its full potential

Implement a driver based view of the ELL business that enables better understanding of what is driving performance and how to improve

Leading the monthly review of business performance, with help of the PFS FP&A team including submission of key reporting to Pearson Group Finance

Develop and deliver regular, insightful global financial reports to aid decision-making.

Deputise the VP Finance ELL on review of material business cases for key initiatives and investments.

Investor Relations

Working with Pearson Investor Relations on crafting a compelling external story for the market on ELL’s strategic direction and performance

Lead financial input at half year and full year into Investor Relations on ELL performance

Support the ELL President on understanding key trends in analyst reports and how we address them

Advanced analytics and insights

In partnership with ELL and Group Technology teams implement a data lake, AI, digital tools and reports that enable faster, deeper insights on what is driving ELL business

Leveraging external insights and networks, bring into Pearson best in class capabilities in Strategic Finance, FP&A and Performance Management.

Process improvement :

Working with regional finance leaders, drive simplification in our ongoing long range planning, reporting and forecasting processes to create space for more insightful analysis.

Special projects

• Support VP Finance on special projects that will occur from time to time at request of ELL President or Pearson Executive Leadership. This will involve co-ordinating / leading wider business teams and can include updates on overall ELL strategic and business performance, deeper dives on specific divisions and other themes impacting ELL strategy.

Qualifications :

Proven experience in Strategic Finance and / or FP&A director level roles covering similar areas to the above

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable global insights. Powerful storytelling capability.

Experience of taking innovations externally and translating internally to drive improved capabilities in the areas outlined above

Experience in extracting, transforming, and translating data into insights using tools such as Excel, Tableau, and / or Power BI.

Good communication and presentation skills.

Experience working in a global context and collaborating with diverse teams across different regions.

If you are a strategic finance leader with a passion for making an impact, possess expertise in diverse business models, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company : Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions : Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also 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 building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

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