Lead Specialist, Finance Business Partner

Job Title - Lead Specialist, Finance Business Partner

Description - Senior Finance Business Partner responsible for providing strategic financial insight, investment analysis and commercial decision support across Technology and Product functions within Pearson's Clinical Assessments business. This role is aligned to other titles in the market such as Senior Finance Business Partner, Commercial Finance Manager, FP&A Manager and Strategic Finance Manager.

About Clinical Assessments

At Pearson Assessments, we provide reliable educational and psychological assessment tools used every day by professionals across psychology, speech therapy and education. As the leading creator of standardised assessments, we are committed to developing diverse, high-quality products that support evidence-based decision making.

Our team continually innovates to deliver new and enhanced assessment solutions that help learners, practitioners and organisations achieve meaningful outcomes.

About the Role

We are seeking a Finance Business Partner to provide financial, commercial and strategic insight to the Clinical Assessments leadership team. This role will work closely with Technology and Product leaders to drive business performance, support innovation, optimise investment decisions and enable sustainable growth.

Reporting to the Head of Finance – Clinical Assessments and supported by Pearson Financial Services (PFS), you will manage a portfolio of approximately $50m in Technology, Product and investment spend within a business generating more than $300m in annual revenue.

This is a highly visible and collaborative role offering significant exposure to senior stakeholders and strong career progression opportunities within Pearson's global finance organisation. The position is well suited to ambitious finance professionals seeking a future pathway towards Finance Director or CFO-level roles.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting activities across Technology and Product functions.
• Develop financial models to support new product launches, investment decisions and market expansion opportunities.
• Support month-end close processes, including variance analysis and corporate reporting requirements.
• Analyse performance against financial targets, identifying risks and opportunities and recommending corrective actions.
• Deliver Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Long-Range Planning (LRP) processes while supporting strategic decision making.

Strategic Business Partnering

• Partner with Clinical Assessments leadership to align financial objectives with broader business strategy.
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing commercial insight and constructive challenge.
• Evaluate business cases for investments, partnerships and product development initiatives.
• Support investment prioritisation decisions to maximise long-term value creation.

Performance Management

• Monitor financial performance, key business metrics and return on investment.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, operational efficiency and revenue growth.
• Provide clear and actionable recommendations that improve business performance.

Project & Growth Initiatives

• Provide financial leadership and support across strategic projects and transformation initiatives.
• Conduct financial due diligence and investment evaluations.
• Partner with project teams to maintain financial discipline throughout project lifecycles.
• Support acquisition integration, value creation and process improvement programmes.

Reporting & Insights

• Prepare and deliver financial reports, dashboards and presentations for leadership teams.
• Analyse complex data sets to identify trends, risks and growth opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, corporate policies and regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Demonstrable experience in Finance Business Partnering, FP&A, Commercial Finance or a similar finance function.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical capabilities.
• Experience evaluating business investments and growth opportunities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and cost-benefit evaluation capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting or related discipline.
• Experience using Oracle, Hyperion Essbase, SmartView and Planning tools.
• Experience supporting organic and inorganic growth initiatives including acquisitions and transformation programmes.

Why Join Pearson?

• Opportunity to partner directly with senior leaders across Product and Technology functions.
• Exposure to strategic investment decisions within a global business.
• Significant career progression opportunities within Pearson's global finance organisation.
• Collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Competitive salary, annual incentive programme and comprehensive benefits package.