Lead, Finance Business Partner

Lead, Finance Business Partner – Global Operations

Pearson Professional Assessments

Pearson Professional Assessments (PPA), formerly known as Pearson VUE, is dedicated to delivering high-stakes exams for professionals and industries across the globe, utilizing an extensive network of test centers and strategic partnerships. Through Pearson PPA, millions of individuals are empowered to attain certifications and licenses in a wide range of industries, supporting their personal and professional advancement.

About the Role

We are seeking a Finance Business Partner who will provide vital financial, commercial, and strategic insights to the PPA leadership team. In this role, you will work closely with the Global Operations functions to drive performance, champion innovation, optimize investment, and enable sustainable business growth.

This is a highly collaborative and visible position, ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys influencing key decisions that underpin growth and operational excellence. The role reports to the Executive Partner, Finance Business Partner – Professional Assessments and is supported by Pearson Financial Services (PFS). You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately $200M in global operations spend, supporting a $900M revenue business.

The position offers excellent career progression within Pearson’s global finance organization and is suited to individuals aspiring toward Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer roles.

Location

We welcome applications from candidates based in London, UK, with a hybrid working arrangement from our central London office. US-based candidates are considered for remote opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for the operations business within Pearson Professional Assessments.
• Develop financial models to support new product launches, investments, and market expansion opportunities.
• Support month-end close activities, including variance analysis and preparation of corporate-level reporting packages.
• Analyse performance against targets, identify key variances, and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Deliver the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Long Range Plan (LRP) processes, ensuring risks are mitigated and opportunities are maximised.

Strategic Business Partnering

• Work closely with PPA leadership to align financial objectives with overall business strategy.
• Act as a trusted advisor by providing commercial insight and challenging underlying assumptions.
• Evaluate business cases for new investments, partnerships, and product development initiatives.
• Advise on investment allocation to foster sustainable growth.

Performance Management

• Track and report on financial performance, key performance indicators (KPIs), and return on investment (ROI).
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, efficiency improvements, and revenue growth.
• Present clear, actionable insights to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Project & Initiative Support

• Provide financial support for key projects and growth initiatives.
• Conduct financial due diligence and assess potential ROI for new ventures.
• Partner with project managers to ensure strong financial discipline throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support acquisition integration, value creation, and process transformation initiatives.

Reporting & Insights

• Prepare and deliver timely financial reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Synthesise data from multiple sources to uncover trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and regulatory requirements.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in business financial analysis or relevant finance roles.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Experience evaluating both organic and inorganic investment opportunities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access, and Outlook.
• Experience with Oracle, Hyperion Essbase/SmartView, and Planning is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage with senior leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cost-benefit evaluation capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, effectively balancing multiple priorities with a disciplined and detail-oriented approach.

Compensation

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:

The minimum full-time salary range is between $125,000 - $150,000.

This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 6, 2026. This window may be extended depending on business needs.

Who we are:

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. 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 actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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 TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.

Job: Finance

Job Family: ENTERPRISE

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL\_TIME

Workplace Type:

Req ID: 22462

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