Senior Finance Manager (MRPA) - Education (FTC)

Job Title: Senior Finance Manager (MRPA), Education 

Location: London - Hybrid working model   

Applications Deadline: 2nd August – applications will be reviewed as they come in 

About Springer Nature  

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.  

About The Brand  

Macmillan Education provides world-class content in the most relevant, engaging and flexible formats to support students, teachers and institutions in lifelong learning. 

Visit macmillaneducation.com and follow @MacmillanEducation / @MacmillanELT 

About the Role  

As Senior Finance Manager, you will act as a key business partner across Central Publishing, Commercial Development, and the Global ELT publishing teams. You will own the financial processes related to Investment in Content (IIC), lead forecasting and reporting activities, and ensure strong financial governance and analysis to support high‑quality decision‑making. You will also support the development of new business models, pricing decisions, and publishing investment cases. 

The position is offered on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. It is based in our London office on a hybrid working model.  

Role responsibilities:    

Business partnering - Balances Stakeholder & Communicates Effectively 

• Act as primary finance business partner to the Central Publishing Management Office (CPMO), providing financial support across all activities with a strong focus on Investment in Content.  

• Partner with the Commercial Development team and Western Europe Sales, supporting pricing, commercial evaluations, and new business model development.  

• Support global ELT Publishers in preparing and evaluating Investment Approval (IA) cases, including IA P&Ls and financial summaries for LLMB review when required.  

• Partner with the Customer Publishing team, including oversight of sub‑rights and licensing revenue performance. 

Investment in Content (IIC) Ownership - Data analytics & Quantitative Skills, Financial Modelling 

• Own the financial elements of the IA process, including P&L structure, financial metrics, methodologies, data collection, and approval routes. 

• Ensure Publishing teams understand IA requirements, assessment criteria and timelines; maintain a clear IA pipeline. 

• Consolidate and analyse global monthly Investment in Content spend, providing insight, commentary and recommendations to ensure cost control, compliance with budget, and identification of opportunities to reinvest savings. 

• Lead forecasting and reporting for central IIC costs and develop robust Anaplan forecasting methodologies across the Education Group. 

• Consolidate total Education IIC and amortisation, working with all ELT and Curriculum regions to gather accurate and timely forecast submissions. 

• Conduct Actual vs. IA variance analysis for Birthday Reviews. 

Planning & forecasting - Strategic Mindset & Financial Acumen 

• Lead all planning and forecasting cycles for indirect costs across central Education functions, working closely with relevant business teams to ensure accurate, timely and well‑supported submissions to MRPA Education including Anaplan (system) updates for all forecasts.  

• Prepare high‑quality budget and forecast presentations for senior leadership, providing clear insight into central function cost trends and drivers.  

• Own the modelling of central depreciation and amortisation, including monthly reconciliations, variance analysis and clear reporting of movements. 

Other - Global Perspective & Business Insights 

• Maintain strong knowledge of publishing and content cost systems; ensure accuracy of product master data through regular review with Publishing teams.  

• Support systems development work, including input into Edflux requirements and improvements.  

• Act as SAP S4 super user for the Projects (Prepress) module and Order‑to‑Cash processes.  

• Work with Financial Reporting Services (FRS) and Publishing teams to ensure strong controls and reliable reporting 

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:    

Essential 

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with strong track record of achievement 

• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with experience in investment appraisal, commercial evaluation, P&L analysis, business partnering, and supporting commercial teams. 

• Significant post‑qualification finance experience in a complex organisation. 

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail and process discipline. 

• Able to explain financial concepts clearly to non‑finance stakeholders. 

• Strong relationship‑builder who can influence and support senior Publishing and Commercial leaders. 

• Comfortable leading discussions on investment cases and commercial decisions. 

• Strong organisational skills with a proactive, problem‑solving approach and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines across diverse teams. 

• Able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, global environment. 

• Experience preparing financial presentations for senior management.   

Desirable 

• Background working with financial planning tools (e.g., Anaplan, SAP S4) and interest in systems development, with the confidence to work with large datasets and financial systems (e.g., SAP S4, Anaplan). 

• Experience in publishing, media, or content‑driven industries is desirable. 

• Exposure to M&A or investment processes is an advantage.  

To apply, please submit a CV. 

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion    

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/ 

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