Finance Director, Nurseries, Hertfordshire, Hybrid, 80k-85k FTE

This is a part-time role, 3 days per week (Friday is a must)

I’m looking for a Finance Director for a childcare role to lead a small team, focusing on establishing streamlined systems and processes within the finance department. This pivotal role ensures fiscal integrity, strategic decision making and efficient resource allocation to support the nurturing and development of children.

The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee various financial aspects of the business and drive the Company's financial strategy and acquisition portfolio, liaising with the board and wider Company.

Responsibilities:

• Analyse businesses and opportunities to assist the company in executing successful acquisitions.
• Create and manage financial and valuation models to inform action for investments.
• Conduct pre-diligence evaluation, including performing preliminary financial analysis, evaluating strategic and cultural fit.
• Develop financial models for acquisition targets to inform the valuation range and craft proposed deal terms (including the development of the term sheets/LOIs) in conjunction with our property consultant.
• Partner with the Co-Managing Directors to measure performance of acquired companies (e.g., actual results versus business case, pro-forma income stream, and other assumptions).
• Lead the vision and strategy in growing and transforming our Company, working alongside the co-Managing Directors to understand the journey from acquisition to established nursery setting.
• Execution of market research to understand the competitive landscape, identify market trends and opportunities, and develop strategies to capture market share within the Early Years sector, taking into consideration industry, size, and growth stage.
• Work closely with the Head of Finance to provide strategic leadership and management of the Company’s finances, advising the co-managing directors and board directors on all financial matters relating to the Company.
• Manage capital for growth investment and ensure there is a business case is conducted for any investment plans. Create clear, effective and accurate dashboards for reporting on new initiatives and developing new sites.
• Support the Co-Managing Directors and Leadership Team in commercial decision making, working through regulatory matters and ensuring there are efficient processes to deliver strategic goals.
• Review the development and implementation of consistent and rigorous financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes, to ensure they are robust and aligned with the Company's goals.
• Have a solid understanding of payroll and the operational monthly payroll process in conjunction with the Head of Finance.
• Oversee the annual external audit.
• Create, review and update robust financial policies.

Candidate Profile:

• Fully Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA).
• A background in private equity or venture capital.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience working in the Child Day Care sector (or similar).
• Commercial approach to financial management.
• Experience in budgetary control.