CFO PE-Backed Multisite Education Business

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.