Financial Control Analyst

Job Description

The PFS Financial Reporting & Control team is responsible for the UK and North America month-end close activities, group reporting, audit, balance sheet and P&L control. The team is also responsible for end-to-end process control and, where necessary, processredesign and improvement across our UK and offshore teams.We are currently seeking Part qualified accountants to join Pearson Finance Services in Belfast as part of the growing Financial Reporting & Control team. The activities of the roles include but are not limited to:

• Production of monthly and annual results for divisions, working closely with key divisional managers and finance teams;
• Own the review of all daily, weekly and monthly reporting to ensure that reports are accurate and relevant;
• Review work delivered by the BPO team;
• Review and approve journals ensuring they maintain relevant and appropriate back up and are correctly coded;
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis / production of reports as requested to support accurate reporting and support business, group and tax decisions;
• Have significant interaction with business units, enabling functions, and auditors;
• Complete statutory financial statements at half year and year end as required;
• Complete compliance reporting in accordance with local legislation;
• Assist with SOX compliance, as required;
• Assist with Annual Desktop Procedure (DTP) review and write up for any new processes created or transitioned to BPO;
• Be involved in the delivery of ad-hoc projects and reporting requirements of the wider PFS Financial Reporting & Control team as required;
• Recognise issues, highlight them to relevant colleagues / line manager and take initiative to resolve;
• Maintain stakeholder satisfaction by promptly following up on requests for information;
• Contribute to team effort and assist co-workers as needed to balance workloads;
• Help to create a work atmosphere conducive to a high degree of integrity and teamwork;
• Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and innovative solutions and communicate these to the manager;
• Contribute to the maintenance of an effective system of internal controls including compliance with all internal and external requirements;
• Ensure that corporate policies and procedures are consistently applied;
• Take proactive involvement in determining and implementing best practices; and
• Ensure all processes are kept well-documented.

The ideal candidate will have sound technical accounting knowledge, excellent communication skills and strong Microsoft Excel skills.Required skills and qualifications:

• Part qualified Chartered or Certified accountant;(QBE considered)
• Knowledge of FRS101 and IFRS preferable;
• Understanding of financial control processes and functions;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with both finance and non-finance professionals;
• A self-starter who is motivated to work under own initiative when required;
• Ability to maintain a strong focus on results and outcomes and prioritise work effectively;
• Detailed orientated with strong problem solving skills;
• Advanced user of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (v-lookups, sum-ifs, pivot tables, macros etc.);
• Experience using Oracle and Hyperion systems tools viewed favourably; and,
• Experience in a service delivery environment and strong stakeholder management skills preferable.

Ability to work as part of a team, identifying and providing support to colleagues in exchange for your experience and knowledge, you will be rewarded with a positive team that want to succeed, a competitive compensation package, the flexibility to achievework/life balance and career development opportunities. This is a permanent, full-time role. This role will be required to support Pearson Finance teams globally and will require some flexibility in working hours. This role may require occasional travel toother Pearson locations.Job: FINANCEOrganization: Corporate FinanceSchedule: FULL_TIMEReq ID: 2099