Finance Manager/Controller

Finance Manager/Controller Description PCL is a unique higher education institution. Based in the centre of London near Covent Garden, it is both supported by the global learning company, Pearson, and also a separate legal entity in its own right. It is a non-profit with its own independent governing body. PCL is a boutique institution with 1200 students across two schools with both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Escape Studios provides degrees visual FX, gaming and animation and its first cohort of graduates are already winning awards with their work. Pearson Business School provides degrees in business management, law, and finance and its employment outcomes for highly skilled roles are outstanding. PCL is set within a professional learning environment, and its aim is to integrate demanding academic study with outstanding industry engagement. Authentic employer engagement is key part of its approach, and we are fortunate enough to work with a wide range of companies from FTSE 100 household names, to tiny start-ups selected by our students. We want our students to benefit from both the academic world and the professional world. Therefore they have tutorials, seminars and lectures, but also many opportunities for experiential learning and direct engagement with industry. This is both within their modules and in our extra-curricula programme. We are building a diverse and creative ecosystem of learning opportunities, which makes PCL an exciting, challenging and interesting place to be, whether as a student or a staff member. Summary of role: This position will play a crucial role in supporting the Principal and the senior executive team in the financial, operational and strategic management of PCL. PCL is a not-for-profit higher education institution, registered with the OfS and with the ESFA. It is also a subsidiary of a FTSE listed company, with its own independent governing body. This provides a unique and interesting financial management environment requiring an understanding of the financial needs for a UK higher education institution and an ability to interact effectively and appropriately with the wider company. The post-holder’s primary responsibility will be PCL’s financial management and reporting, and for ensuring PCL fulfils the financial requirements set by its regulatory bodies. Producing regular financial reports for a range of stakeholders is a key element of the role. Your input and expertise will support the senior executive team in making short and long term business decisions, and strengthen the internal reporting and control infrastructure. Main activities/responsibilities: Provide clear monthly reporting and analysis on financial performance and KPIs to the senior executive team at PCL. Work with the heads of departments to: support sound financial management of resources; identify and explain variances on a monthly basis, reporting on this to the senior executive team; and identify and address operational improvement and efficiency opportunities. Provide regular reports to a range of stake-holders including governing body, regulators, the Finance Director for UK HE in Pearson and relevant boards. Develop financial business cases for new initiatives, such as new degree programmes to assist in the approval process. Should they be approved for implementation then to also monitor their financial performance against suitable targets. Provide financial analysis and advice on existing initiatives. Highlight and provide insights on key financial risks and opportunities within and across departments at PCL, and with stake-holders external to PCL. Maintain an up to date knowledge of PCL’s regulatory and audit requirements and ensure such requirements are fulfilled. Oversee audit schedule and delivery. Support Finance Director of Pearson’s UK HE team, ensuring effective and appropriate interaction with the wider Pearson. Work with the group financial team to track and address accounts receivable issues. Pearson is an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate against employees or job applicants and select the best person for each job based on relevant skills and experience. We are also committed to building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce and encouraging equality and diversity. The information you provide will stay confidential, and be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process. Qualifications Qualifications and experience required: Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or Chartered) with demonstrable experience in financial control or financial management. Financial management experience, preferably within a higher education context. Experience of providing financial reports that meet the needs of the executive team and governing body. Experience in any of the activities/responsibilities listed above. Experience with ESFA and apprenticeship levy funding would be an advantage. Expected Results: Clear and regular financial reports and forecasts as required by all stake-holders, in particularly the PCL executive, the governing body, the regulator and the wider Pearson. Effective financial management and communication across PCL. Effective control framework with appropriate risk mitigation Delivery of relevant KPIs Delivery of investment and business cases Efficiency improvements where appropriate Required Skills: An ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) appropriately to both finance and non-finance specialist colleagues. Strong analytical ability and focus. There is a high degree of analyst work involved in this role. A strong understanding of financial control and business performance management. The confidence to interact with senior management and an ability to leverage influence across teams and cultures. The ability to assist in decision making in a complex environment, with an understanding materiality, and an ability to prioritise effectively. Skills in the use of Oracle (OBIA/Projects) an advantage Skills in the use of Hyperion an advantage Primary Location: GB-GB-London