At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance function, drive efficiencies, and provide insights for strategic decision-making.
- Company: Happy Days, a growing nursery and pre-school group with a passion for education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, car allowance, and comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming childcare and education.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a dynamic environment while inspiring the next generation.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with leadership experience and a background in multi-site operations.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
Robert Half are working in exclusive partnership with Happy Days, a Private Equity backed multi-site single operations group operating within the Nurseries and Pre-Schools sector in their search for a Finance Director. This is a newly created role following the recent decision to create a new hub in Wiltshire to support ongoing growth across the business.
Reporting to the CFO and as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will be critical to shaping the long-term direction of the business alongside driving efficiencies through the finance function to provide tangible insight and value to stakeholders. You will lead the creation of a new Hub in Wiltshire, helping to underpin the Group's expanding footprint. You will lead continuous improvement and transformation initiatives across the breadth of finance whilst delivering strong financial management, effective business partnering and aiding decision making.
About Happy Days… Happy Days opened their first nursery in 1991, fast forward 35 years and they now operate 44 nurseries and pre-schools across the South UK and Wales, delivering exceptional childcare and education every day! A growth journey that continues every day with an underlying ethos to support children to become strong and motivated learners for life. Taking care of 2000+ children and currently employing around 1500 team members, their passion for inspiring the next generation is at the heart of their mission.
The Finance Director Role… You will be at the forefront of crafting the finance function within Swindon following the decision to create a second Hub, this will be balanced with ongoing M&A activity with further acquisitions and expansions on the horizon. The Finance Director will be tasked with providing efficiencies through business-as-usual areas such as month end, year end and reporting to shorten close cycles and deliver strong insight to the senior leadership team and investors.
The Finance Director will oversee a team of circa 16 inclusive of 3 direct reports, acting as a true strategic leader through the group whilst developing and mentoring a high performing team. Alongside this, key responsibilities will include:
- Accountable for accuracy and integrity of core finance deliverables such as month end, year end, consolidations, statutory requirements and compliance.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators across the group ensuring accountability across all levels and providing valuable insight and analysis relevant to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
- Provide insight and due diligence for M&A activity, owning and improving the integration strategy to allow for planned buy and build activities.
- Own the optimisation of finance related systems inclusive of the main ERP, reporting/consolidation tools and provide suggestions across automation and AI opportunities.
- Lead and develop FP&A/Commercial activities turning raw data into effective reporting and visualisation that is digestible and actionable for all levels.
- Manage external relationships such as investors, auditors, banks, tax authorities and legal advisors.
- Work closely with the CFO and Investors on additional reporting requirements and ad-hoc information requests.
About you… Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). A self-motivated, high-energy leader with evidence of developing high performing teams. Significant change and transformation experience, ability to evaluate gaps in process and systems before delivering solutions in a cost-efficient manner. Prior multi-site single operations or multi-revenue streams experience. Previous experience within a PE backed environment ideally within a buy and build strategy. The successful candidate will need to be 5 days on site in first 6 months as the new Hub is established, 3 days on site thereafter.
What's on offer… 120k to 150k basic salary, 30% bonus, 10% non-contributory pension and a range of attractive benefits including car allowance, enhanced leave, performance related rewards, Life Assurance and an exhaustive Employee Assistance & Wellbeing package.
Finance Director in Cheltenham employer: Robert Half
At Robert Half, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an IT Project Manager, you'll have the opportunity to lead transformative projects in a highly regulated environment, supported by a team that values professional growth and development. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Cheltenham
✨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 Robert Half. 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 Director in Cheltenham
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 Robert Half.
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 Robert Half'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 Robert Half
✨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 Robert Half.
✨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 Robert Half 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 Robert Half 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.
