Senior Management Accountant

About the role

Happy Days Nurseries is expanding with a new support hub in Swindon and needs a Senior Management Accountant to turn financial data into actionable business insight. You will partner with nursery and operational teams, help them understand performance, and support the company’s growth strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for each nursery site and internal departments.
• Produce monthly reports and management information for senior leadership.
• Analyse income and costs, identify trends, risks and opportunities, and explain variances against budgets and prior years.
• Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
• Coordinate month‑end activities, ensure accuracy of financial information and complete balance‑sheet reconciliations.
• Assist with the annual audit and ensure payroll costs are correctly reported.
• Maintain cost‑centre structures and accurate financial records.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation for reporting.
• Visit nursery sites to build relationships and help managers interpret their financial results.
• Support integration of newly acquired nurseries into reporting processes.
• Manage and coach a Management Accountant, setting high standards for quality and deadlines.

Required profile

• Senior‑level accounting experience, preferably within a multi‑site or retail environment.
• Strong analytical ability to spot trends and translate numbers into business recommendations.
• Proven experience preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Excellent communication skills to explain financial information to non‑finance colleagues.
• Ability to build relationships across operational teams and senior leadership.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior finance staff.

Required skills