CFO PE Backed Buy and Build Education business

Marks Sattin Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a CFO for a PE-backed education services business in the United Kingdom. The CFO will work closely with the CEO and lead the finance team to support growth plans, particularly through M&A activities. Ideal candidates should be qualified accountants with experience in a PE-backed environment, especially in sectors like education or healthcare. The position offers an impactful role in transforming lives through education and fostering innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience in a PE-backed business or leveraged environment.
• Strong communication skills and a leadership role track record.
• Experience with M&A, including acquisitions and integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function for growth and M&A activities.
• Build relationships with the CEO and senior leadership.
• Implement a robust structure for business growth.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

M&A experience

Financial planning

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA)

Job description

Marks Sattin Executive Search has an exciting opportunity for a CFO to join a PE‑backed Buy and Build Education Services business – an organisation with a clear dedication to transforming lives through education, underpinned by a commitment to delivering vital learning opportunities and driving innovation across new areas of educational practice.

The CFO will play an integral part in the role by working closely with the CEO, members of the senior leadership team, and the PE house to make key decision‑making and lead the established finance team for future growth plans.

As CFO, you will take responsibility for the finance function through M&A, building and maintaining relationships across the company and PE house, creating and implementing a robust structure for further business growth, and key stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate:

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA), preferably chartered
• Experience in a PE‑backed business/leveraged environment, ideally in a multisite education, healthcare, consumer‑facing or related sector
• Experience with M&A (acquisitions and integration)
• A solid track record in a leadership role, with strong communication skills

Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.

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 https://www.markssattin.co.uk/privacy and https://uk.grafton-recruitment.com/en/privacy-policy-1 for our privacy policy.