Financial Controller - multi-site Nurseries (childcare) developer and operator

Financial Controller - Nurseries (childcare) developer and operator

London / Hybrid

£75,000 - £85,000 p.a (depending on experience)

A fast-growing Nursery (childcare) group is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join its London head office team.

The business operates a highly profitable portfolio of nurseries across the UK. Following recent investment from institutional capital partners, the business is growing fast through new site development, long-term leases, and significant capital investment.

Reporting to the CEO, this is a hands-on, senior role responsible for end-to-end financial management across operational sites and development projects. You will play a key part in supporting the company's rapid expansion plans by strengthening financial insight, controls, and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting across all sites
• Deliver consolidated P&L, variance analysis, and management commentary
• Provide commercial insight through revenue, cost, margin, and profitability analysis
• Support new and existing site evaluations, including scenario modelling
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and reforecasting processes
• Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning
• Track capital expenditure and work-in-progress for development projects
• Monitor budgets and highlight risks or variances
• Prepare board packs, investor updates, and lender reporting
• Coordinate loan drawdowns and ensure covenant compliance
• Act as the main finance contact for lenders and investors
• Improve finance systems, reporting, and internal controls to support growth

About You:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• 5+ years' experience in a multi-site, operational, or project-led business
• Experience with project accounting, capex, or property/development preferred
• Strong Excel and financial modelling skills
• Clear communicator able to support non-finance stakeholders
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable in a fast-paced growth environment