About Pearson

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working toward a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high-quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com

About the role & the team

Reporting to the VP, Financial Control, the Director Financial Control, North America is accountable for the accuracy and completeness of the balance sheets for the North American entities. Pearson has established Financial Operations teams in Belfast and Manilla and this role is a key bridge between the business units and the financial operations teams including the BPO partner. The role supports the teams as a point of technical expertise and best practice, interfacing with the central Technical Accounting team, the Global Process Owners and the Controls Centre of Expertise.

As Pearson’s portfolio is constantly changing this role also plays a key part in ensuring disposals and acquisitions are correctly accounted for and controlled throughout the transaction and any subsequent transitionary services period.

The role is responsible for preparing accounting papers which document the methodologies used to apply Pearson’s accounting policies, and to evidence accounting estimates and judgements that are made.

This role is a key interface with the external auditors ensuring the audit goes as smoothly as possible, connecting them with the right parts of the business, and taking on deeper investigations and analysis where required.

The role has one direct report (Manager Financial Control – North America). The role is hybrid to our New York office in Hoboken.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform regular balance sheet reviews to provide insight to the balance sheet position and balance sheet health of the division

• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting for NA in accordance with Pearson policies and practices.

• Work with Global Process Owners and Financial Operations team to set performance metrics for the processes in scope, identifying actions to improve where results are below expectations.

• Ensure the NA business divisions operate in line with control and process standards and comply with SOX 404 requirements where an entity is in scope.

• Ensure Balance Sheet reconciliations are completed to an appropriate quality on a timely basis and that action plans exist to resolve all reconciling items.

• Preparation and coordination of “Large and Unusual” process for NA, identifying commercial and operational issues which require involvement of technical experts within Group Accounting to agree appropriate accounting treatment.

• Prepare accounting papers which document the methodologies used apply of Pearson accounting policies where necessary.

• Prepare accounting papers which support significant accounting judgements.

• Work closely with Finance Global Process owners to ensure that process issues are highlighted and resolved and support the identification of continuous improvement and automation opportunities across finance processes.

• Drive implementation of global Finance processes, policies and controls within the team.

• Build a network of partnerships internally and externally that help drive team’s performance improvement

About you

We are looking for an intellectually curious, qualified accountant who has the confidence to build internal networks and profile to become a reference point for the application of Pearson’s accounting policies and control framework. Applicants should be comfortable challenging colleagues to arrive at a shared view of the risk and opportunities embedded in the balance sheet, and support the team in remediating the processes and mitigating the risks wherever possible. They should be passionate about continuous improvement and relish challenging the status quo. Whilst this role sits squarely in the Financial Control domain, it would be a great stepping off point to other finance roles in Pearson both horizontally and vertically; ideally the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that ambition.

Key requirements

• Strong technical accounting knowledge

• Experience of the practical application of technical accounting skills

• Demonstrable record of working closely with external auditors to drive audit efficiency

• Ability to build strong networks and business relationships with influence across a highly complex, globally matrixed organization with competing priorities

• Strong controls background but curiosity and ambition to build a diverse finance career in a global organization

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 are Pearson.

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.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: FINANCE

Organization: Corporate Finance

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 11753