Job Description

You will business partner with nursery managers and members of the central support office which includes operations, marketing and human resources. In a rapidly changing sector, we need resourcefulness, adaptability, and excellent communication skills. We pride ourselves on having an ethic of care across the organization, and strong ethical values, and are fortunate to have a strong team of dedicated, highly skilled and professional team members, both in our central support office and across the sites.
We are looking for a team player with excellent financial management skills, but also someone with a passion for social impact and ethical practices. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to join us at this period of our growth and development. You will lead a small but very capable and experienced finance team, and will help shape the organization for future growth and development.

• To deliver efficient and robust financial accounting support to the organization, including year-end statutory accounts preparation and the year end audit process
• To oversee the production of monthly management accounts, cash forecasts and any external reporting requirements
• Reviewing and enhancing financial controls; driving forward continuous improvements to processes
• To develop strong, trusting relationships with the CEO, senior leadership team, and colleagues across the organization, and support the CEO by providing excellent financial leadership and business partnering
• Lead production and insightful analysis of financial information and recommend improvements to optimize performance with a forward-looking view highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Lead planning activities including budget, forecasting and short-term cash flow.
• Manage the Finance Manager and Finance Assistant ensuring they are supported and developed
• Prepare and present papers to the Board of Trustees and Finance sub-committee, attending meetings with Trustees as required
• Review and enhance governance and financial controls, driving forward continuous improvements to processes.
• Oversee production of statutory accounts including liaising with auditors

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Have significant experience within finance in a similar role
• Strong Business Partnering and Financial Planning and Analysis skills
• Be a fully qualified and accredited accountant (ACA, ACMA/CIMA, ACCA)
• Strong excel and financial modelling skills
• Experience of producing year end statutory accounts
• Sage Intacct experience or similar accounting package
• Experience of working in a charity/not for profit organization
• Experience or understanding of the early years sector
• Leadership and management
• Highly organized, with an attention to detail
• Strong IT skills especially excel
• Ability to work effectively and collegiately in a team environment
• Ability to think and act strategically
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing simplifying non-financial information
• Excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Flexible to changing priorities