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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and support growth in a dynamic education business.
- Company: Join a PE-backed multisite education company focused on transformation and expansion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a strategic leadership role with potential for significant impact and career growth.
- Why this job: Be a central figure in shaping the future of education while navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in finance roles within PE-backed environments.
- Other info: Open to candidates stepping into their first standalone CFO role.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Marks Sattin Executive Search is partnering with a PE-Backed Multisite Education business to appoint a commercially astute and strategic CFO. This is a key leadership role, with responsibility for driving financial performance, supporting continued growth, and preparing the business for a successful exit, while also shaping its journey beyond that milestone.
The business requires a CFO who can confidently navigate a complex stakeholder environment. This includes regular engagement with the Board, private equity sponsors, lending banks, and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will ensure rigorous financial controls, robust reporting structures, and full compliance with both regulatory and transparency requirements, particularly those set by public sector partners.
As a central figure in the business's next stage of evolution, you will lead the finance function through a period of transformation and expansion. This includes day-to-day management of finance operations, delivering high-quality, timely reporting, and embedding strong KPIs, governance, and financial frameworks that support strategic decision-making and sustainable growth.
Uniquely, the client would consider candidates stepping into their first standalone CFO role within a PE-backed environment, particularly those currently operating at Divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller level who bring the right blend of commercial insight, operational rigour, and leadership capability.
The Ideal candidates:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/ACMA).
- Experience as a divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller in a PE-Backed ideally within the consumer services sector business or a business providing services to public sector partners.
- Proven expertise managing financial processes and building strong relationships with local authorities.
- Demonstrable transactional experience, including acquisitions, integrations, consolidations, and successful private equity exits.
- Experience managing multi-site operations and complex stakeholder relationships.
- A hands-on, growth-focused approach, with practical experience in successfully implementing financial change in regulated environments.
Due to the high level of applications, we can only reply to those candidates with relevant experience. We are happy to provide application and/or accessibility support, please contact your Marks Sattin or Grafton consultant directly to discuss your needs. We’re committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients.
Contact Detail:
Marks Sattin Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO PE Backed Multisite Education business
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the private equity and education sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within PE-backed businesses.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements that govern the education sector. This knowledge will not only enhance your credibility but also demonstrate your commitment to navigating the complexities of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial transformations and how you've successfully implemented change in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership capabilities and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company thoroughly, including its current financial standing, growth trajectory, and any recent news. This will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their future success.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO PE Backed Multisite Education business
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller, especially in a PE-backed environment. Emphasise your achievements in managing financial processes and stakeholder relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role's requirements. Discuss your hands-on approach to financial change and how your leadership capabilities align with the company's growth objectives.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Clearly outline your transactional experience, including acquisitions and successful private equity exits. Use specific examples to illustrate your expertise in managing multi-site operations and complex stakeholder relationships.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Mention your qualifications as a Chartered Accountant (ACA/ACCA/ACMA) prominently. This is crucial for establishing your credibility and suitability for the CFO role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks Sattin Executive Search
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the various stakeholders you will be engaging with, including the Board, private equity sponsors, and lending banks. Prepare to discuss how you would manage these relationships effectively and ensure alignment with their expectations.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to showcase your expertise in financial processes, reporting structures, and compliance requirements. Highlight any relevant experience you have in managing financial operations, particularly in a PE-backed environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a CFO, you'll need to lead the finance function through transformation. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, implemented change, and driven growth in previous roles, especially in complex environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios, such as managing acquisitions or navigating regulatory challenges. Think of specific instances where you've successfully tackled similar issues and be ready to discuss them.
