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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive 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 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 and for our privacy policy.
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CFO PE Backed Multisite Education business employer: Marks Sattin (UK) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Marks Sattin (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO PE Backed Multisite Education business
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the education and private equity sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences where you can meet key stakeholders and decision-makers. Building relationships with people in these circles can give you insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing PE-backed education businesses. Research recent trends, regulatory changes, and financial strategies that have been successful in similar environments. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial transformations and stakeholder management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex financial processes and built strong relationships with local authorities or other stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership capabilities by highlighting instances where you've led teams through change. Emphasise your hands-on approach and ability to implement financial frameworks that support growth, as this aligns closely with what the hiring company is looking for.
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 relevant experience in financial leadership roles, particularly in PE-backed environments. Emphasise your achievements in managing financial processes and stakeholder relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic vision for the CFO role. Discuss your understanding of the education sector and how your background aligns with the company's goals for growth and transformation.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as financial reporting, compliance, and governance. Mention your experience with multi-site operations and any successful financial changes you've implemented.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to navigating complex stakeholder environments. Prepare examples of how you've driven financial performance and supported growth in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks Sattin (UK) Ltd
✨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 central figure in the business's evolution, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through transformation and growth, focusing on your hands-on approach and ability to implement change.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex situations, such as managing multi-site operations or navigating regulatory challenges. Think of specific scenarios from your past experience where you successfully tackled similar issues.