Job Title: Lead Specialist, Financial Operations

Description: In this role,  You will play a key role in enabling delivery excellence across our Service Desk, Accounts Payable, and Continuous Improvement functions. This role aligns with industry titles such as Senior Source to Pay Specialist, Senior STP Operations Specialist or Senior STP operations Analyst

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the heart of a global Source to Pay (STP) operation. The STP Operations Support Specialist plays a key role in enabling delivery excellence across our Service Desk, Accounts Payable, and Continuous Improvement functions.

The role provides exposure to core finance workflows, supplier engagement, BPO operations, data analysis, issue resolution, and process controls making it an ideal launchpad for those eager to learn how operational finance truly works behind the scenes. This position is ideal for someone who wants to develop their process, systems, and stakeholder management skills in a fast-paced, globally distributed team.

 

Key Outcomes of the Role

Seamless coordination across suppliers, stakeholders, and offshore delivery teamsEffective, independent resolution of supplier and partner issuesReduced escalations and improved responsiveness across STP workflowsReliable delivery of operational data, reporting, and audit readinessClear communication and alignment across internal and external partners

 

What you will Own:

Supplier & Partner Engagement

Resolve supplier queries end to end, ensuring timely closure and accurate follow-upCollaborate with BPO partners, providing guidance and driving alignment across time zonesClarify documentation requirements, secure missing inputs, and ensure consistent execution

 

Business Stakeholder Coordination

Liaise with internal teams to gather approvals, clarify open items, and ensure process flowRepresent the STP team with professionalism and clarity in cross-functional discussions

Operational Data & Reporting

Pull reports, perform reconciliations, and support data-driven decision makingPrepare summaries, escalation logs, and data packs for leadership and governance use

Issue Resolution & Escalation Handling

Serve as a first-line issue resolver: investigate root causes, own the problem, and ensure follow-upSupport CI initiatives by capturing trends, pain points, and system friction

Process & Controls Support

Assist with audit evidence, document management, and compliance workflowsMaintain SOPs and process documentation, ensuring accuracy and accessibility

Team Flow & Operational Discipline

Track open tasks, follow up reliably, and create clarity across delivery teamsUphold high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and structured communication

 

About You: 

Core Profile

Proactive and curious, always looking to understand and improveIndependent and accountable: drives actions to closureDetail-oriented and structured in approachSupportive and calm under pressure, even in fast-moving situationsStrong follow-through and commitment to task completion

 

Communication Requirements

Able to communicate clearly and credibly with a wide range of stakeholders:External suppliersOffshore delivery teamsInternal business partnersSenior leaders across Pearson.Consistently brings alignment, clarity, and confidence to conversations

Technical & Functional Skills

Prior experience in Source to Pay, AP, or a similar operational finance function (preferred)Proficient in Excel; capable of working with operational data and reportsFamiliarity with ERP systems (Oracle preferred)Experience working with BPO/offshore partners (advantageous)Exposure to compliance and audit practices (a plus)AI awareness or training (e.g. Mindstone)

Success Measures (KPIs)

Reduced issue escalations across suppliers and delivery partnersTimely, accurate reporting and audit supportPositive feedback from stakeholders on communication and follow-throughEvidence of ownership, structure, and reliable deliveryClear contribution to improved flow, reduced friction, and smoother team operations

Team & Cultural Fit

Brings clarity in complexityReliable, approachable, and professionalEager to learn and grow within STPActs as a steadying presence during change or high volumesHelps raise the bar on team collaboration, organisation, and operational discipline.

 

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now and help support delivery excellence across our global Source to Pay operations.