Finance Business Partner

Job Title: Financial Business Partner
Office Locations: London (Central) and Northampton
Job Type: Full time / Permanent / Mon-Fri / Remote with travel to our offices

Closing Date: 21/3/25

Salary: £ Competitive (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Purpose of Role:

We are looking for an ambitious part or newly qualified accountant looking to work in a broad commercial finance role within the childcare sector. This role will business partner the operational team who run our nurseries, preparing, reviewing and analysing the financials for their region. They will provide relevant and timely information to key stakeholders to aid decision making and challenge performance. This role will be an integral part of implementing a commercial mindset within finance and will drive value adding analysis for their business partners. They will work closely with the finance analyst team to produce and review the P&L and balance sheet for their area of the business.

• Flexible working and holiday entitlements
• Discounted childcare
• Quarterly Employee Appreciation Weeks
• Annual gala award evening
• Fantastic range of discounts on high street retailers, grocery stores, cinema tickets, holidays and more
• Wide range of wellbeing resources, supporting our teams for the ups and downs of daily life

We've been voted Great Place to Work for the last 17 consecutive years, as well as being awarded the newly created Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women 2023. Our support functions enable our nurseries to deliver the best possible care and education to over 10,000 children across the UK. Through this support, our nurseries can deliver excellence - with 98% of our 300+ portfolio being rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. We're on a mission to change the future for children, families, and the people we work with, and are committed to progressive working values like flexibility, work-life balance, and wellbeing.

• Building a strong relationship with the operations team and other non-finance stakeholders, including Regional Directors, Divisional Directors and Department heads.
• Monthly cost variance analysis to ensure all transactions are substantiate and accurate.
• Providing insightful information, challenging where appropriate and aiding decision making.
• Lead the way on driving value add analysis and a commercial mindset within finance.
• Collaborate with the FP&A team to support building a robust forecast/budget.
• Prepare and present financials at nursery performance reviews.
• Timely and accurate production of regional accounts, with support of the analyst team.
• Assist the Head of Asset Management and New Openings, Senior Asset and Business Development Manager, and W&F Business Development Manager with financial modelling and analysis of acquisitions (M&A, organic and client)
• Take an active lead in the Growth Acceleration Group meetings for your division, and follow up on outstanding actions on a regular basis.
• When required chair multi discipline meetings impacting the performance of the nurseries in your region.
• Explain complex information to non-financial colleagues and support them with finance-based queries.
• Keep up to date with organisational changes, financial regulation updates and the marketplace.
• Completion of balance sheet reconciliations for relevant areas.
• Perform ad hoc analysis as required.
• Interact with internal and external auditors.

• Business partnering in a multi-site company.
• Influencing cross functionally and building relationships.
• Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Driven self-starter and change maker.

• Part Qualified or Newly Qualified (ACA / CIMA / ACCA or similar).

Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. If you share our passion, values, and have most of the skills listed, we encourage you to apply - as you may be just what we are looking for! Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS. Some of our roles require specific qualifications by law, this will be highlighted as essential within the advert.

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com and we will be happy to help.