At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and drive continuous improvement in a high-growth environment.
- Company: Join Happy Days, a passionate group dedicated to exceptional childcare and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, enhanced leave, and well-being support.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and lead a high-performance team in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth journey and make a real impact on future generations.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with leadership experience and a knack for process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Robert Half are working in exclusive partnership with Happy Days, a Private Equity backed Nurseries and Pre-Schools group to recruit a Group Finance Manager on a permanent basis. Based in Swindon, this newly created position will lead the day-to-day finance operations ensuring financial integrity and control across the organisation. Reporting to the Finance Director, this role will operate in a commercially focused, high-growth environment. Joining at an exciting stage in Happy Days' journey, you will support the creation of a new Hub in Wiltshire, helping to underpin the Group's expanding footprint.
You will lead continuous improvement initiatives across finance operations and management accounting, driving efficiencies, enhancing processes, and contributing to the development of a best-in-class finance function.
The Group Finance Manager will oversee areas of transactional finance, reporting and record-to-report functions to bring together and drive the contributions and outputs of the month end close process across the group. Alongside this, key responsibilities will include:
- Maintain internal control framework across portfolio of sites and group.
- Lead month end close processes including consolidation of management accounts.
- Production of monthly reporting pack inclusive of balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis and relevant commentary for review.
- Maintenance of R2R cycle including maintenance of general ledger, accounts payable and receivable functions.
- Oversee and control of cash flow management across the group.
- Act as a finance project lead on integrations to bring together work-streams across finance operations.
- Provide actionable insight to operational leaders to ensure understanding of financial metrics to non-finance, key stakeholders.
- Lead, coach and develop a team of 10+ across Management Accounts, Revenue, AP/AR.
About you… Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Proven experience within a finance leadership position. Strength within people management, building and leading a high-performance team. Evidence of contribution to process improvement within core finance processes. Strength with ERP optimisation and utilising technology to drive efficiency. Prior multi-site or multi-revenue streams experience. Previous experience within a PE backed environment advantageous.
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… c£70k basic salary and a range of attractive benefits including car allowance, enhanced leave, performance related rewards, Life Assurance and an exhaustive Employee Assistance Well-being package.
Group Finance Manager in Swindon 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 Group Finance Manager 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
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 Group Finance Manager 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 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.
