Commercial Finance Analyst - Kids Planet Central Support

Kids Planet is an independent, family run group of nurseries providing the highest standard of nursery care across the UK.

At Kids Planet Day Nurseries, we provide exceptional nursery care and education in every setting, creating a unique environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and build social connections.

Role Overview: Kids Planet has grown rapidly over the last 3 years and continues to have an ambition to grow. Due to the pace of growth and the increased size of the company, a Commercial Finance Analyst is now required to join the Commercial Finance Team. The aim of the team is to provide data-driven insights that drive profitability and enable informed decision making across the organisation. The role of the Commercial Finance Analyst is to analyse financial data, provide insightful reporting, and communicate key findings to support decision making and drive business performance.

Principal Duties/Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Regular Reporting & Insight Sharing: Provide clear, data-driven reports to management, translating financial performance into actionable insights that support decision-making.
• Operational Insight & Support: Support Area Managers and Childcare Directors in understanding the financial and non-financial performance of their nurseries, to develop commercial understanding and support improved decision making and prioritisation.
• Target Setting & Performance Tracking: Assist in setting financial and operational targets, monitor performance against KPIs, and proactively highlight risks and opportunities.
• Budgeting & Forecasting Support: Analyse business performance trends to contribute to accurate budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring financial plans are well-informed.
• Deep-Dive Analysis & Problem-Solving: Investigate financial data to identify key drivers of business performance, uncover trends, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Stakeholder Communication & Influence: Present findings to non-financial stakeholders in a clear, compelling way, ensuring insights lead to informed decisions.
• Ad Hoc Analysis & Reporting: Respond to business needs with timely, relevant financial analysis to support operational and strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong Excel and Data Analysis Skills: Ability to interpret large datasets with confidence.
• High attention to Detail & Accuracy: Ensuring finance insights are reliable and error free.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: A curious mindset with the ability to dive deep into data, identify trends, and uncover the real drivers behind the numbers.
• Commercial Awareness: Understanding how financial data translates into business performance and decision making.
• Communication & Storytelling: Ability to translate complex financial insights into clear, actionable messages tailored to different stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management: Comfortable engaging with non-financial teams, explaining findings and influencing decisions.
• Self Motivation & Deep Work: Able to focus on complex analysis without distraction, work independently, and take ownership of the tasks from start to finish.

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.

Kids Planet is committed to equal opportunities for all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our staff and children. Applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.