Reporting to: Financial Controller
Key Relationships: Nursery Management, Parents, Regional Management, Central Support.
Location: Regional (England / Scotland) Hybrid Role with travel to nurseries and attendance at meeting will be required as part of the role.
Summary of Role
The Nursery revenue accountants roles as part of the finance team is to ensure accurate billing and recording of payments, developing strong relationships with Nursery Managers and bill payers to be able to provide accurate and timely information on nursery revenue and debtors to Thrive Childcare and Education Group and its stakeholders.
Key Areas of Accountability & Responsibilities
Responsibilities & Duties:
• Act to ensure efficiency and that the organisation is aligned on nursery billings and collections processes, proactively monitoring changes and ensuring senior leadership and relevant teams are informed with any updates.
• Ensure all bills are issued accurately and on time.
• Ensure payment of all invoice balances on time with the support of the nursery management team.
• Manage debtors reconciliations between Connect and internal account systems, identifying and resolving any discrepancies promptly.
• Forecast future billing values to support financial planning and provide insights to senior leadership.
• Act as the main point of contact for all nursery managers, maintaining strong relationships and handling all billing related queries.
• Coordinate and lead the monthly billing & collections timetable supported by accurate documentation.
• Support the nursery management teams with bookings and billing queries as required.
• Accurately create and maintain all parameters within the nursery management system (Connect) relating to Occupancy and invoicing, including but not limited to, room configurations, session and additional charges.
• Update internal billing information and ensure all relevant training materials reflect the latest changes.
• Deliver training sessions to nursery managers and other stakeholders on billing processes and updates.
• Identify opportunities to streamline invoicing and collections processes and improve efficiency across systems and workflows.
• Support the Financial Controller with any additional tasks or projects related to billing and financial compliance.
• Ad hoc reporting and projects.
• Cover for absence.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• On time collection XX of debt on time and 100% withing the month the billed sessions relate
• All receipts allocated to the correct account within 48 hours of receipt
• All invoice queries raised by nursery management appropriately responded to within 2 working days of receipt
Recommended Education/Experience/Skills
• Strong understanding of early years billings and funding frameworks.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, particularly with external stakeholders..
• Proficiency in systems such as Connect.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Proven experience in early years finance, or a similar role within the childcare or education sector.
• Experience managing relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with accounts receivable and reconciliations.
• Leadership experience or ability to influence and train others.
Essential Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will be:
• An excellent communicator
• A team player
• Trustworthy & confidential
• Have technical and logical thought processes
• Problem-solving skills
• An ability to stick to tight deadlines
• An ability to prioritise and where appropriate to delegate
• A keen eye for detail•