At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial records and support nurseries to ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Happy Days, a growing organisation dedicated to high-quality childcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working after six months and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Two years' finance experience, strong Maths and English skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Finance Officer
Location: Swindon Contract: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Competitive (depending on experience)
About Happy Days
Happy Days is growing, and we're opening a second support hub in Swindon. This new location will help us support our nurseries and early years teams as we continue to expand.
We're looking for a Finance Officer to join our finance team where you'll help keep our financial and nursery records accurate and up to date.
Your work will help our nurseries run smoothly and ensure we can continue providing high-quality childcare for children and families.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Manage and maintain accurate parent, child, billing, funding and attendance records within our Nursery Management System (NMS).
- Set up fees and funding arrangements, resolve billing issues and help maintain high-quality data across all nurseries.
- Produce and check occupancy, attendance and income reports to support financial reporting and decision-making.
- Prepare information for government-funded childcare claims and support compliance with funding requirements.
- Assist with Universal Credit childcare payment processes and maintain accurate audit records.
- Provide guidance, training and support to managers on system and payment processes.
- Support the setup of new nurseries and help integrate newly acquired sites into group systems and processes.
- Work closely with colleagues across finance and operations to provide excellent support and ensure the smooth running of the revenue cycle.
About You
You'll be organised, accurate and enjoy working with numbers and systems.
You'll also
- Have at least two years' experience in a finance, accounts or bookkeeping role.
- Have good Maths and English skills.
- Be confident using Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Have excellent attention to detail.
- Be able to manage your workload and meet deadlines.
- Be comfortable explaining processes to people who don't work in finance.
- Enjoy solving problems and finding ways to improve processes.
- It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Experience using a Nursery Management System such as Famly.
- Knowledge of childcare funding schemes.
What We Offer
We're proud to offer a supportive and collaborative working environment where people can develop and thrive.
Flexible Working
Once our new hub is established (typically after around six months), you'll be able to work in a hybrid way, with around three days in the office and two days from home.
- Learning and Development
- Ongoing professional development.
- Support with accounting CPD requirements.
- Opportunities to grow your career.
- Health and Wellbeing
- Mental health and wellbeing support.
- Generous annual leave from day one.
- Financial Benefits
- People's Pension.
- Life assurance.
Ready to Apply?
If you'd like to join a growing organisation where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
- Interview Dates (onsite): 24th August to 4th September
- Inclusion and Safeguarding
Happy Days is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Happy Days Nurseries is committed to safeguarding children.
All offers of employment are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including verification of your right to work in the UK
Finance Officer employer: Happy Days Nurseries
Happy Days Nurseries in Yeovil is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. As an Early Years Supervisor, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while benefiting from competitive salaries and a range of perks designed to foster growth and job satisfaction in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Happy Days Nurseries. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Happy Days Nurseries.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Happy Days Nurseries's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Happy Days Nurseries
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Happy Days Nurseries.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Happy Days Nurseries will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Happy Days Nurseries employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
