Senior Financial Accountant

Senior Financial Accountant
Location: Swindon
Salary: £65,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About Happy Days
Happy Days is growing, and we're opening a second support hub in Swindon. This new location will help us support our nurseries and early years teams as we continue to expand.
We're looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join our finance team and help make sure our finances are accurate, well-managed and ready for the future.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a growing business. You'll help us manage our group finances, prepare company accounts, support audits, and make sure we meet all legal and reporting requirements.
You'll work closely with our Finance Director, external auditors and key business partners. You'll also help improve the way we work by strengthening processes, systems and financial controls.
This role offers the chance to make a real impact and help shape our finance function as the business continues to grow.
What You'll Be Doing
- Preparing group accounts and financial reports.
- Managing the consolidation of financial information across multiple companies.
- Supporting and leading audit activities.
- Preparing statutory accounts and Companies House filings.
- Helping to develop strong financial controls and governance processes.
- Working with senior leaders and external partners to provide accurate financial information.
- Improving systems, processes and ways of working.
- Supporting business growth, acquisitions and organisational change.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is technically strong, organised and enjoys working with others.
You will:
- Be able to explain financial information clearly to people from different backgrounds.
- Enjoy solving problems and finding better ways of doing things.
- Be highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.
- Have excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
- Work confidently with a range of stakeholders, including auditors, investors and senior leaders.
Essential Skills and Experience
- ACA, ACCA or CIPFA qualified.
- At least 6 years' experience working in group accounting or a multi-company environment.
- Strong experience preparing statutory accounts and supporting audits.
- Good understanding of financial reporting standards and Companies House requirements.
- Experience of financial controls and governance.
Desirable Experience
- Acquisitions, business integration or due diligence work.
- Internal audit experience.
- Working with Audit Committees.
- Information security or ISO 27001 knowledge.
- Experience in a private equity-backed or high-growth business.
What We Offer
We're proud to offer a supportive and collaborative working environment where people can develop and thrive.
Flexible Working
Once our new hub is established (typically after around six months), you'll be able to work in a hybrid way, with around three days in the office and two days from home.
Learning and Development
* Ongoing professional development.
* Support with accounting CPD requirements.
* Opportunities to grow your career.
Health and Wellbeing
* Mental health and wellbeing support.
* Generous annual leave from day one.
Financial Benefits
* People's Pension.
* Life assurance.
Ready to Apply?
Closing Date: 3rd August, 5pm
Interview Dates:
First Stage: 31st July – 7th August
Second Stage: 10th August – 14th August
If you'd like to join a growing organisation where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Inclusion and Safeguarding
Happy Days is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Happy Days Nurseries is committed to safeguarding children. All offers of employment are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including verification of your right to work in the UK