About the Company
Our client is a private equity-backed, multi-site education business currently generating £8m in revenue across 10 sites. As part of an exciting phase of strategic growth, the company is poised to embark on an acquisitive journey, targeting a revenue increase to £40m within the next few years. Following this growth, the business intends to undergo a sale process, either through a trade sale or a secondary buyout. With a strong leadership team and solid financial backing, the company is well-positioned for significant expansion.
Role Overview
The Finance Director will play a crucial role in the next stage of the business’s growth. This individual will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management and strategy, working closely with the senior leadership team to ensure the company’s financial health and successful execution of its ambitious growth plans. The ideal candidate will bring substantial financial expertise, ideally within private equity-backed businesses or high-growth environments, and possess the commercial acumen to navigate the complexities of an acquisitive growth strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, reporting, and compliance across the business.
- Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board, helping to shape business decisions and drive growth initiatives.
- Play a lead role in developing and executing the company’s acquisition strategy, including financial due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition financial management.
- Prepare robust financial models, forecasting, and scenario planning to support the business’s ambitious growth targets.
- Oversee the financial performance of all sites, ensuring efficient management of resources and timely reporting of financial results.
- Develop and implement financial strategies to support the scale-up of operations, including funding strategies for acquisitions.
- Manage cash flow and working capital, ensuring liquidity is maintained during periods of rapid expansion.
- Support the preparation of financial reporting for private equity investors, including quarterly updates and annual accounts.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, ensuring they are equipped to support the business’s growth journey.
- Ensure readiness for the eventual exit process, including preparing the business for a smooth transition during a trade sale or secondary buyout.
Key Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in finance leadership roles.
- Proven track record of working in private equity-backed businesses or high-growth, multi-site environments.
- Strong experience in mergers and acquisitions, including financial due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
- Excellent financial modelling skills and the ability to interpret complex financial data to inform strategic decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a finance team, as well as work effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to balance financial controls with growth objectives.
- Experience preparing businesses for a sale process, with an understanding of the requirements of both trade sales and secondary buyouts.
- Strong communication skills, able to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and navigate the complexities of rapid expansion.
