Group Finance Manager

About the role

Robert Half, in partnership with Happy Days, is seeking a Group Finance Manager to lead finance operations for a fast‑growing nursery and pre‑school group. Based in Swindon, you will report to the Finance Director and play a pivotal role in building a new hub, ensuring financial integrity and supporting the company’s expansion across South UK and Wales.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the internal control framework across all sites.
• Lead month‑end close processes, including consolidation of management accounts.
• Produce monthly reporting packs with balance‑sheet reconciliations, variance analysis and commentary.
• Oversee the record‑to‑report cycle – general ledger, accounts payable and receivable.
• Manage cash‑flow forecasting and control for the entire group.
• Drive continuous‑improvement initiatives, automate manual processes and shorten reporting cycles.
• Act as finance project lead on system and process enhancements.
• Develop and mentor the finance team within the new Swindon hub.

Required profile

• Proven experience in finance leadership within a high‑growth or private‑equity environment.
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to influence business decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement internal controls and reporting frameworks.
• Experience managing month‑end close, consolidation and cash‑flow management.
• Track record of delivering process‑improvement and automation projects.

Required skills

What we offer

• Permanent contract with a competitive salary range.
• Opportunity to shape finance function in a rapidly expanding group.
• Collaborative, high‑energy environment focused on child development and education.