At
Muddy Boots
, we're proud to be an
award-winning nursery
, recognised for our commitment to excellence in early years education. We provide children with unique
outdoor learning experiences
, where they can explore, play, and thrive in nature. Our passionate team makes a real difference in young lives every day, and we're looking for a
Finance Analyst
to join us on this exciting journey
We're on the look out for a
Finance Analyst
to join our growing Finance Team. The role will suit someone who is data oriented, driven by numbers along with experience in accounting. Working closely with our team, you'll turn financial data into clear insights that support decision-making and ensure resources are used effectively to provide the best outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities:
Forecasting
* Assisting with the preparation of the annual budget on a site-by-site basis.
* Develop and maintain financial models to support budgeting and forecasting processes.
* Support with the preparation of rolling forecasts.
* Preparation of rolling 12-month Cash flow Forecasts
Business Partnering with Nursery Managers
* Partner with Area and Nursery Managers providing financial insight and business planning.
* Support them in understanding occupancy targets, fee collection, and staff cost controls.
* Provide financial coaching to improve commercial awareness and decision-making.
Commercial Insight
* Analyse funding streams, government policy changes, and fee pricing impacts.
* Model "what if" scenarios (e.g. staffing changes, occupancy shifts, products, new sites).
* Identify opportunities to improve margins without compromising care quality.
* Profitability Analysis, e.g. occupancy / nature school.
Reporting
* Provide variance analysis with clear expectations and recommendations.
* Monitor and report on key financial metrics and KPIs: Staff Ratios, Fee Income, Gov Funding and Cost per Child.
* Conduct cost analysis and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
* Prepare an analysis of data relating to products / packages for accuracy.
Financial Controls
* Ensuring Financial Accuracy with all records being accurate and update to date.
* Develop and implement financial controls using systems and spreadsheet-based processes.
Acquisitions and Developments
* Assist with the integration of accounting systems and processes for newly acquired nurseries.
* Acquisition accounting for new nurseries.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Occupancy % and staff cost % are regularly tracked and explained.
* Nursery Managers demonstrate improved financial understanding.
* Accurate forecasting and reporting against actuals.
* Actionable recommendations leading to measurable efficiency or revenue gain
What We're Looking For:
Behaviours & Attributes
* Commercially astute, but empathetic to childcare values.
* Confident communicator — able to challenge and influence Nursery Managers constructively.
* Hands-on, proactive, and solutions focused.
* High integrity, aligned with safeguarding principles.
Skills
* Financial Software Xero, DataRails
* Strong Excel Skills
* Management Account / Budgeting Experience
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* High Attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to communicate with finance and non-finance staff
Personal Attributes
* Proactive, with a "hands-on" approach.
* Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
* Collaborative team player with excellent communication skills.
* Respectful of confidentiality in a childcare environment.