Role Overview
We are seeking a commercially minded Senior Finance Business Partner to join a fast-growing, private equity-backed education group. Reporting to the Head of Commercial Finance & CFO, this role will partner closely with operational and senior leadership teams to drive financial performance, support strategic decision-making, and deliver scalable financial insight across the organisation.
The successful candidate will combine strong financial analysis and business partnering capability with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, high-growth environment. Experience within education, multi-site operations, or PE-backed businesses is highly advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
Business Partnering & Commercial Support
- Partner with senior operational leaders to improve financial performance and support strategic initiatives.
- Provide meaningful financial insight, analysis, and challenge to support decision-making across the group.
- Develop strong relationships with stakeholders across finance and operations.
- Support pricing, resource planning, investment appraisals, and commercial initiatives.
- Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations for non-financial stakeholders.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes for designated business areas.
- Deliver monthly performance reporting, including variance analysis, KPI tracking, and commentary.
- Build and maintain financial models to support growth initiatives, acquisitions, and operational improvements.
- Analyse revenue streams, student metrics, staffing costs, utilisation, and profitability drivers.
- Support scenario planning and sensitivity analysis in a changing market environment.
Performance Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.
- Drive accountability for budget ownership and financial targets across the business.
- Support implementation of financial controls, reporting improvements, and process automation.
- Contribute to margin improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.
PE & Strategic Environment
- Support delivery of board packs, lender reporting, and investor-focused analysis.
- Assist with acquisition integration, due diligence, and strategic projects where required.
- Operate effectively within a fast-paced, results-oriented private equity environment.
- Help embed a data-driven performance culture across the organisation.
Candidate Profile
Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience in a Finance Business Partnering, FP&A, or commercial finance role.
- Experience within a private equity-backed, high-growth, or multi-site environment preferred.
- Education sector experience advantageous but not essential.
- Strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving commercial outcomes.
