VP of Finance and Business Operations

Prep Network; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 112,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

A youth sports organization is seeking a Finance Leader to oversee financial operations and strategy. This role involves managing budgeting and financial reporting, while supporting M&A strategies. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in finance leadership, a strong understanding of GAAP, and proficiency in financial modeling. A vibrant culture and comprehensive benefits package are offered, with a competitive salary ranging from $150,000 to $175,000 based on experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

401k plan with Safe Harbor matching

Flexible work schedule

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a finance leadership or similar role.
• Deep understanding of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Experience working with private equity investors.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations and oversee budget management.
• Prepare financial reports and manage audit processes.
• Support M&A strategy through financial integration.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Proficiency in Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Acumatica

Velixo

Asana

Slack

Job description

Drive the financial strategy behind one of the fastest-growing brands in youth sports.

What You’ll Do

You will lead all finance functions as the organization’s primary financial executive—overseeing all financial operations while shaping how Prep Network plans, invests, and grows. You’ll partner with business unit leaders across events, media, marketing, and operations to build and manage budgets that keep the company disciplined and competitive. You’ll identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve margins, and support the continued expansion of our national event footprint and digital products.

You’ll prepare clear, data-driven financial reports for leadership and the board, translating performance into actionable insights and managing investor reporting requirements, including coordinating annual audits. You will support our M&A strategy by assessing acquisition opportunities, working with our private equity partners through due diligence, and leading the financial integration of acquired businesses into our systems and processes.

You will report to the CEO and oversee the Business Operations department, ensuring our internal processes scale with the pace of the business. You’ll also play a key role in navigating the complexity of operating across many states—ensuring payroll, tax reporting, and compliance processes stay accurate as we continue to scale nationally.

Who We Are

Prep Network is a sports company that connects high school athletes with college coaches. Through our nine brands, we publish over 4,000 articles each month and actively scout talented athletes across the U.S. We aim to discover and promote promising prospects who aspire to play at the collegiate level.

In addition to our content, Prep Network is the top event operator in the U.S., hosting 175+ tournaments annually. We offer a combination of top-tier competitions and extensive media exposure for attending teams. Our 300+ showcases each year provide a platform for over 10,000+ prospects to compete in front of colleges, scouts, and media outlets.

We’re pumped to have been named one of the Best Places to Work by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for four years running, and to land a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Prep Network isn’t your average sports company—we’re all about helping student-athletes succeed and creating an awesome workplace.

Core Responsibilities

• Establish and lead internal financial procedures, supervise day‑to‑day business operations, including HR and accounting, and ensure best practices are followed
• Create an annual budget and manage monthly forecast updates
• Work with business unit leaders to ensure adherence to departmental budgets and overall cost control
• Provide cash flow forecasting to manage the cash position across the business
• Create weekly and monthly reports that offer strategic insights and present recommendations for cost‑saving and profitability improvements
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements
• Manage financial reporting and audit processes required by investors, ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent communication
• Lead financial modeling, valuation analyses, and scenario planning for potential acquisitions, working closely with executive leadership and our private equity partner
• Build and manage financial integration plans for newly acquired businesses, aligning them to Prep Network’s budgeting, forecasting, accounting, HR, and reporting practices
• Assist an outside CPA firm with tax preparation
• Oversee the Business Operations function, which includes HR and accounting
• Partner with the People Operations Manager to verify W2 and 1099 payroll each month
• Ensure compliance with multi‑state payroll, tax, and reporting requirements as we operate and hire across numerous states

Must‑Haves in a Candidate

• 5+ years of experience in a finance leadership, FP&A, or similar role within a growing organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Deep understanding of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Experience working with private equity investors, including supporting board reporting, strategic initiatives, or value-creation plans.
• Direct involvement in M&A activities such as due diligence, financial modeling, or post‑acquisition integration.
• Experience overseeing operational functions and partnering closely with HR.
• Ability to build structure where needed and create scalable, repeatable processes.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate financial information for non‑financial audiences.
• Proficiency in Excel; comfortable with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Nice‑to‑Haves in a Candidate

• Experience with Acumatica (and Velixo)
• Familiarity with the EOS operational framework
• Experience using Asana, Slack, or similar workflow tools.
• Background in the small‑business and/or sports industry.
• CPA or CMA is a plus, but not required.

Work Eligibility

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship. Only U.S. citizens will be considered for this role at this time.

Benefits and Perks

At Prep Network, we take pride in our culture and commitment to creating an exceptional workplace environment. We offer a range of benefits designed to support your overall well‑being, including comprehensive health benefits, a 401k plan with Safe Harbor matching, long‑term disability coverage, Basic Life, and a flexible work schedule that promotes work‑life balance.

• Vibrant Culture. Prep Network has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for four years running, thanks to our vibrant and inclusive culture. We’re passionate about hiring curious, self‑motivated individuals who work hard and genuinely enjoy their work.
• Autonomy. We trust our team members to excel in their roles. Rather than micromanaging, we provide you with the tools and processes needed for success, allowing you the freedom to bring your role to life and make a meaningful impact.
• Professional Growth. We prioritize your professional development. We actively support and encourage you to invest in your personal and professional growth.
• Comprehensive Benefits. Prep Network offers a range of benefits designed to support your overall well‑being. These include comprehensive health benefits, a 401k plan with Safe Harbor matching, long‑term disability coverage, Basic Life, and a flexible work schedule that promotes work‑life balance.
• Compensation. The salary for this role ranges from $150,000 to $175,000, with additional earning potential through a bonus aligned with the company’s financial results. The final starting salary will be determined based on the relevant skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the position.

Join us at Prep Network and be part of a dynamic team that values your individuality, fosters personal growth, and offers a diverse range of benefits to enhance your professional and personal life. Discover a workplace where you can thrive, learn, and make a meaningful impact on our journey together.