At Pearson, we're committed to a world that's always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it's one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology - and each other to surpass these boundaries - we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world's innovations, personal and global, large and small. About Pearson Finance Services (Belfast): Pearson Finance Services (PFS) was established in Belfast in 2016 to provide a range of finance services to the wider Pearson finance community in the UK, North America and other global locations. From this centre we provide operational finance, project accounting, financial planning and analysis services as well as a financial reporting and control capability The centre now has approx. 130 finance professionals supporting the global business. Within PFS we have created a Financial Reporting & Control team which is responsible for undertaking month-end close activities, financial and statutory reporting in conjunction with balance sheet and P&L control activities for both the UK and North America financial control teams. The team is also responsible for end-to-end process control and, where necessary, process redesign and improvement across our UK, NA and offshore teams. About this role: We are currently seeking an experienced qualified accountant to join PFS in Belfast to lead the growing Financial Reporting & Control team. The activities of the role include but are not limited to: Leadership Lead a large team (currently 37 staff) of finance professionals and have responsibility for staff recruitment, development and retention; Lead, inspire and motivate the team to ensure that a high quality service is delivered and sustained, encouraging accountability at all levels: Be part of the PFS senior management team and play a lead role in PFS-wide management activities; Be the focal point and main point of contact for all senior stakeholder relationships with the team; Work closely with UK and NA Financial Control leadership to agree areas of priority and focus; Lead a consistent approach to efficient service delivery across all geographies; and, Lead the relationship with BPO partners in relation to the service provided for financial reporting and control. Service Delivery Be responsible for the performance of the team and own the monthly service performance reporting: Work closely with senior team members to ensure that the core recurring responsibilities of the team are delivered without exception, namely balance sheet control, month end journal approval, and timely and accurate P&L reporting; Work closely with senior stakeholders to deliver continuous improvement in service delivery; Work collaboratively with other finance teams: Own the local external audit relationship and facilitate an effective and efficient year end audit and half year review process; Own and oversee the annual statutory reporting process for both the UK and North America; Work closely with the Controls Centre of Excellence from both a process improvement and a SOX compliance perspective; Seek to deliver efficiencies using the Intelligent Automation and Reporting Centres of Expertise; and, Play a lead role in finance transformation activities impacting the team and ensure a smooth transition of work from project mode through to business as usual. Be accountable for the output of the BPO partners. Processes and controls 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