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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and manage stakeholder relationships in a growing education business.
- Company: Join a dynamic, PE-backed education organisation focused on growth and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in education while making a real difference in local communities.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with experience in private equity-backed education or government services.
- Other info: Only candidates with relevant experience will be contacted; application support available.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Marks Sattin Executive Search is currently working with a PE-Backed Education Business seeking an experienced CFO to strategically lead its finance function, support ongoing growth and international expansion. As a PE-Backed organisation operating in close partnership with local authorities, the CFO will manage complex stakeholder relationships, including frequent engagement with the Board of Directors, private equity investors, banks providing leveraged finance, and, crucially, local government bodies.
The successful candidate will ensure robust financial processes, controls, and reporting structures are in place to meet compliance obligations and transparency requirements set by local authorities, whilst driving profitability and sustainable organisational growth. In this pivotal role, you will guide the business through significant phases of expansion and financial transformation. You will take a hands-on approach to managing daily finance operations, delivering timely and accurate reporting, and implementing effective KPIs, processes, and governance frameworks aligned with regulatory standards.
The Ideal candidates:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/ACMA).
- Recent experience as the senior finance executive (No. 1 in Finance) in a private equity-backed education or a business providing services to local authorities/Government.
- 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. For application and accessibility support, please contact your local Marks Sattin office. We’re committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients; please visit our privacy policy.
Contact Detail:
JobFlurry 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 education sector, especially those who have experience with private equity. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential contacts who can provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements that local authorities impose on education businesses. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role's complexities during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing multi-site operations and how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships. Use specific examples to illustrate your hands-on approach and growth-focused mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent developments and their strategic goals. Being well-informed about their current position and future plans will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their 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 senior finance executive, particularly in private equity-backed environments. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/ACMA) and any relevant achievements in managing financial processes and stakeholder relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Discuss your hands-on approach to finance operations and provide examples of how you've successfully implemented financial change in regulated environments.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your transactional experience, such as acquisitions and integrations. Mention any experience you have with local authorities and how you've built strong relationships with them.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any errors or inconsistencies. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and free from typos, as attention to detail is crucial for a CFO role.
How to prepare for a job interview at JobFlurry
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the education sector, especially in a PE-backed context. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their business model and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
Highlight your experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships, particularly with local authorities and private equity investors. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate these relationships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your expertise in financial processes, compliance, and reporting structures. Provide concrete examples of how you've implemented robust financial controls and driven profitability in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios, such as managing financial transformations or handling acquisitions. Think through potential challenges they might face and how you would address them.
