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- Tasks: Lead financial management for a fast-growing nursery group and support expansion plans.
- Company: Dynamic nursery operator with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a thriving business and make a real impact on financial strategy.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5+ years in multi-site or project-led environments.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A fast-growing Nursery (childcare) group is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join its London head office team. The business operates a highly profitable portfolio of nurseries across the UK. Following recent investment from institutional capital partners, the business is growing fast through new site development, long‑term leases, and significant capital investment. Reporting to the CEO, this is a hands‑on, senior role responsible for end‑to‑end financial management across operational sites and development projects. You will play a key part in supporting the company’s rapid expansion plans by strengthening financial insight, controls, and decision‑making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting across all sites
- Deliver consolidated P&L, variance analysis, and management commentary
- Provide commercial insight through revenue, cost, margin, and profitability analysis
- Own budgeting, forecasting, and reforecasting processes
- Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning
- Track capital expenditure and work‑in‑progress for development projects
- Monitor budgets and highlight risks or variances
- Prepare board packs, investor updates, and lender reporting
- Coordinate loan drawdowns and ensure covenant compliance
- Act as the main finance contact for lenders and investors
- Improve finance systems, reporting, and internal controls to support growth
About You:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- 5+ years’ experience in a multi‑site, operational, or project‑led business
- Experience with project accounting, capex, or property/development preferred
- Strong Excel and financial modelling skills
- Clear communicator able to support non-finance stakeholders
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable in a fast‑paced growth environment
Financial Controller - Early Years Childcare (Nurseries) employer: Strand Hill
Contact Detail:
Strand Hill Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Early Years Childcare (Nurseries)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent developments and financial performance. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their growth story and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like budgeting and cash flow management. Tailor your examples to highlight your hands-on approach and detail-oriented mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Early Years Childcare (Nurseries)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in multi-site operations and project accounting, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your financial management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about the childcare sector and how your background aligns with our growth plans. Keep it concise but impactful, showing us what makes you the perfect fit.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, don’t forget to mention your strong Excel and financial modelling skills. We want to see how you can deliver insights through analysis, so include any relevant projects or achievements that demonstrate this.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strand Hill
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to nurseries, such as P&L statements and cash flow forecasts. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your experience in multi-site operations and project accounting. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed budgets or improved financial controls in previous positions. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working with non-finance stakeholders, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, aim to convey your ideas clearly and confidently, demonstrating that you can bridge the gap between finance and operations.
✨Prepare for Growth Discussions
Given the company's rapid expansion plans, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their growth. Think about strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to improved financial insight or operational efficiency, and be ready to share those insights.
