Royalty Operations Accountant

Pearson is seeking a highly skilled and autonomous Royalty Operations Accountant with deep expertise in royalty data analysis, problem-solving, and suspense management. This role requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure the integrity of royalty-related processes. You will also play a key leadership role, mentoring junior staff and providing strategic insights to various stakeholders.

Expertise

• Resolve complex sales in suspense accounts, particularly 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, especially in royalty data analysis, reconciliation, and payment management.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of royalty calculations, intellectual property tools, and agreement structures.
• Gain experience with data governance and maintaining databases for decision-making purposes.
• 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 the progress of key tasks, helping to ensure all action items are completed on schedule for 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 to maintain the accuracy and reliability of royalty information.
• 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 royalty data management.
• Provide expert advice on royalty agreements, product structures, and payment setups to influence strategic decisions within the business.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights through compelling presentations, dashboards, and reports tailored for stakeholders across functions and leadership levels.
• Lead and manage cross-functional projects end-to-end, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder alignment, and achievement of key milestones using strong project management methodologies and tools.

Skills, Knowledge, & Behaviours

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 how they impact royalty payouts and agreements.

Behaviours:

• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and operational excellence.
• Proactive in mentoring junior staff and driving improvements in processes.
• 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.
• Work Experience: Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in contract management or a related field.