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- 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 competitive salary, potential for career growth, and a chance to shape the future.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a transformative role with significant impact on education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in finance leadership roles, ideally in 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.
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
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the private equity and education sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential stakeholders and learn about their expectations for a CFO in a PE-backed environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements that govern the education sector, especially those related to public sector partnerships. This knowledge will be crucial in discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial transformations and how you've successfully implemented change in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed multi-site operations and built strong relationships with local authorities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company thoroughly, including its current financial performance and strategic goals. Understanding their journey and challenges will help you articulate how you can contribute to their growth and prepare them for a successful exit.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO PE Backed Multisite Education business
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the CFO position in a PE-backed multisite education business. Highlight your relevant experience in financial performance, stakeholder engagement, and compliance in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects your qualifications as a Chartered Accountant and showcases your experience as a Divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller. Emphasise your achievements in managing financial processes and relationships with local authorities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the specific needs of the role. Discuss your hands-on approach to financial change and your experience in regulated environments, demonstrating how you can contribute to the company's growth and transformation.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight key skills such as managing multi-site operations, building strong stakeholder relationships, and your transactional experience with acquisitions and private equity exits. Use specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.
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 your experience with financial controls and how you've successfully navigated regulatory environments in the past.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams through transformation and growth. Discuss your approach to embedding KPIs and governance frameworks that support strategic decision-making, particularly in a multi-site operation.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you're stepping into your first standalone CFO role, emphasise your background as a Divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller. Share specific instances where you've managed acquisitions, integrations, or successful exits in a PE-backed environment.
