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- Tasks: Drive financial performance and lead the finance function through transformation and growth.
- Company: PE-backed multisite education business with a focus on strategic leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while navigating complex stakeholder environments.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in PE-backed environments and strong financial management skills.
- Other info: Ideal for candidates ready to step into their first standalone CFO role.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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, please visit /privacy and -recruitment/en/privacy-policy-1 for our privacy policy.
CFO PE Backed Multisite Education business employer: Marks Sattin Executive Search
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
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a CFO role that’s perfect for you.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with financial processes and stakeholder management. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and supported growth in previous roles.
✨Prepare for the Tough Questions
Expect to be grilled on your experience with acquisitions and integrations, especially in a PE-backed environment. Brush up on your knowledge of financial controls and compliance requirements, and be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated complex stakeholder relationships.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so reach out if you need any help or advice.
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 speaks directly to the role of CFO in a PE-backed environment. Highlight your experience with financial processes, stakeholder management, and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic thinking.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around driving financial performance and managing complex relationships.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key leadership role, we want to see how you've led teams and driven change in previous positions. Share examples of how you've implemented financial frameworks or navigated challenging stakeholder environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks Sattin Executive Search
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented financial controls and reporting structures.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the various stakeholders you’ll be engaging with, including private equity sponsors and lending banks. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past and how you plan to build those relationships moving forward.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
This role is about shaping the future of the business. Think about your vision for the finance function and how it aligns with the company's growth strategy. Be ready to articulate your approach to leading financial transformation and embedding strong governance frameworks.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach
The ideal candidate will have a hands-on, growth-focused mindset. Share examples of how you've successfully implemented financial changes in regulated environments. Highlight your experience managing multi-site operations and how you’ve ensured compliance with regulatory requirements.