Finance Director

DescriptionRobert 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 missionThe 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 complianceDevelop 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 stakeholdersProvide insight and due diligence for M&A activity, owning and improving the integration strategy to allow for planned buy and build activitiesOwn the optimisation of finance related systems inclusive of the main ERP, reporting/consolidation tools and provide suggestions across automation and AI opportunitiesLead and develop FP&A/Commercial activities turning raw data into effective reporting and visualisation that is digestible and actionable for all levelsManage external relationships such as investors, auditors, banks, tax authorities and legal advisorsWork closely with the CFO and Investors on additional reporting requirements and ad-hoc information requestsAbout you…Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)A self-motivated, high-energy leader with evidence of developing high performing teamsSignificant change and transformation experience, ability to evaluate gaps in process and systems before delivering solutions in a cost-efficient mannerPrior multi-site single operations or multi-revenue streams experiencePrevious experience within a PE backed environment ideally within a buy and build strategyThe successful candidate will need to be 5 days on site in first 6 months as the new Hub is established, 3 days on site thereafterWhat'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 Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.Job typePermIndustryAccountancy