Royalty Operations Accountant

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.