At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage group finances, prepare accounts, and support audits in a growing business.
- Company: Happy Days, a supportive and collaborative organisation expanding its finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, ongoing development, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial processes and help shape the future of our finance function.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIPFA qualified with 6+ years in group accounting.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Swindon
Salary: £65,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
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 Technical Accountant to join our finance team and help make sure our finances are accurate, well-managed and ready for the future.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a growing business. You'll help us manage our group finances, prepare company accounts, support audits, and make sure we meet all legal and reporting requirements. You'll work closely with our Finance Director, external auditors and key business partners. You'll also help improve the way we work by strengthening processes, systems and financial controls. This role offers the chance to make a real impact and help shape our finance function as the business continues to grow.
What You'll Be Doing
- Preparing group accounts and financial reports.
- Managing the consolidation of financial information across multiple companies.
- Supporting and leading audit activities.
- Preparing statutory accounts and Companies House filings.
- Helping to develop strong financial controls and governance processes.
- Working with senior leaders and external partners to provide accurate financial information.
- Improving systems, processes and ways of working.
- Supporting business growth, acquisitions and organisational change.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is technically strong, organised and enjoys working with others. You will:
- Be able to explain financial information clearly to people from different backgrounds.
- Enjoy solving problems and finding better ways of doing things.
- Be highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.
- Have excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
- Work confidently with a range of stakeholders, including auditors, investors and senior leaders.
Essential Skills and Experience
- ACA, ACCA or CIPFA qualified.
- At least 6 years' experience working in group accounting or a multi-company environment.
- Strong experience preparing statutory accounts and supporting audits.
- Good understanding of financial reporting standards and Companies House requirements.
- Experience of financial controls and governance.
Desirable Experience
- Acquisitions, business integration or due diligence work.
- Internal audit experience.
- Working with Audit Committees.
- Information security or ISO 27001 knowledge.
- Experience in a private equity-backed or high-growth business.
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?
Closing Date: 3rd August
Interview Dates:
First Stage: 31st July – 7th August
Second Stage: 10th August – 14th August
If you'd like to join a growing organisation where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
Senior Financial Accountant in Swindon 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 Senior Financial Accountant in Swindon
✨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
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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 Senior Financial Accountant in Swindon
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.
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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.
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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.
