Pearson is seeking a highly skilled and autonomous Royalty Operations Accountant (Deputy Manager) to join our team. This role requires expertise in royalty data analysis, complex problem-solving, and suspense management, operating with a high degree of autonomy. You'll be instrumental in ensuring the integrity of royalty-related processes, providing strategic insights to stakeholders, and mentoring junior staff.

Expertise

Resolve complex sales in suspense accounts, especially those involving High-Profile Authors (HPAs), ensuring correct allocation and accurate payouts.
Analyze royalty data for accuracy and support the preparation of royalty reconciliations.
Possess strong analytical skills in royalty data analysis, reconciliation, and payment management.
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of royalty calculations, intellectual property tools, and agreement structures.
Possess experience with data governance and maintaining databases for decision-making.
Show expertise in resolving complex issues related to royalty payments and suspense accounts.
Help identify and document recurring issues or discrepancies in royalty and vendor data, escalating to higher management as necessary.

Accountability

Maintain responsibility for the accuracy of royalty data and the timeliness of royalty reconciliations and payments.
Collaborate closely with C2 and above roles to monitor key task progress, ensuring all action items are completed on schedule across multiple geographies.
Ensure the integrity of the royalty calculations database and proper execution of royalty payments in alignment with agreements. Participate in regular quality checks and data validation exercises.
Ensure compliance with internal controls, SLAs, and governance standards.
Provide recommendations for agreement structures and royalty setups, contributing to the strategic direction of royalty operations.

Leadership

Lead and mentor junior team members, providing guidance on royalty data analysis, reconciliations, and database maintenance.
Take ownership of projects and process improvements related to royalty operations, driving efficiency and excellence.

Influence

Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to ensure accurate royalty payouts and effective data management.
Provide expert advice on royalty agreements, product structures, and payment setups to influence strategic business decisions.
Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights through compelling presentations, dashboards, and reports for various stakeholders.
Lead and manage cross-functional projects end-to-end, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder alignment, and achievement of key milestones using strong project management methodologies.

Skills, Knowledge, & Behaviors

Skills:

Strong data analysis and financial acumen.
Proficiency with intellectual property management tools and royalty calculation databases.
Advanced problem-solving abilities, particularly in resolving complex royalty and suspense issues.

Knowledge:

In-depth knowledge of royalty management, accounting principles, and agreement setups.
Understanding of intellectual property rights and their impact on royalty payouts and agreements.

Behaviors:

Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and operational excellence.
Proactive in mentoring junior staff and driving process improvements.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in contract management or a related field.