A Unique Opportunity
A unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious and fast-growing team building a network of award-winning Canopy Children’s Nurseries and Fun Fest Holiday Clubs across the UK using a franchise model.
This is a key appointment within the business, reporting directly to the Business Development Director, and based primarily in a beautiful countryside office location between Solihull and Warwick.
We are looking for a high-performing individual who is passionate about driving growth, improving profitability, and building robust financial systems to support a scaling multi-entity organisation.
Average candidates need not apply.
Benefits
- Flexible hours considered
- Competitive salary with annual review
- Company pension
- 28 days annual leave, including bank holidays
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Free parking
- Free holiday childcare
- Dog-friendly countryside barn office with kitchen facilities
- Training and development programmes
- Career progression opportunities within a growing franchise network
- Company social, team-building, and wellbeing events
About the Role
The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing the financial health and stability of the organisation by managing day-to-day accounting operations, producing monthly management accounts, and ensuring strong financial controls across multiple entities.
A key part of this role will be building and maintaining strong working relationships across the wider franchise network, ensuring clear communication, consistent financial processes, and effective collaboration with franchise partners and site-level teams.
This role is pivotal in driving strategic decision-making through accurate financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial insight.
External accountants will remain responsible for year-end statutory accounts.
Key Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Finance Operations
- Bank processing and reconciliations
- Purchase invoice processing and accounts payable management
- Monthly sales invoicing and accounts receivable management
- Credit control and debt management
Month-End Reporting
- Month-end close processes including:
- Reconciliations
- Accruals and prepayments
- Journals and provisions
- Preparation of monthly management accounts
- Analysis of variances to budgets, forecasts, and cost models
Financial Control & Compliance
- Preparation, review, and submission of VAT returns
- Maintenance of accurate financial records across multiple entities
- Support external accountants with year-end statutory reporting
Strategic & Business Support
- Cash flow monitoring and management to ensure financial stability
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes
- Provide financial insight and analysis to support board-level decision making
- Monitor and ensure financial compliance across a multi-entity corporate structure and franchise network
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with franchise partners and operational site teams to ensure consistent financial understanding and alignment
About You
We are looking for a motivated and detail-driven finance professional who is ready to take ownership of a growing finance function.
Essential:
- AAT level 4 qualified, AAT finalist, or part-qualified ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent experience)
- Strong hands-on experience in accounting or finance management role
- Experience preparing management accounts and month-end processes
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience of best financial accounting practice and effective systems and process management
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
Desirable:
- Experience within franchise or multi-site business models
- Exposure to multi-entity accounting structures
- Experience using financial systems and software
- Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Why Join Us?
We are a close-knit team of talented and dedicated professionals who value collaboration, integrity, and excellence.
We empower children to thrive in today’s world.
We work together in a culture of mutual respect, pride, and honesty to build and maintain a reputation for excellence.
This is a key appointment within a growing organisation. You will have genuine ownership of the finance function, direct influence on decision-making, and the opportunity to grow alongside the business as it scales.
To find out more, visit:
- www.canopynurseries.co.uk
- www.fun-fest.co.uk
Additional Information
- Location: Countryside office between Solihull and Warwick
- Reporting to: Business Development Director
- DBS check and satisfactory references required
- Equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
