PE‑Backed CFO | Multi‑Site Education Platform
Finatal is partnering with a private equity sponsor to appoint a Chief Financial Officer for a scaled, multi‑unit education and training business. The business has grown rapidly from approximately <$50M to $100M+ of revenue over the past five years, driven by strong organic performance and multiple acquisitions, and is entering the final phase of ownership with an anticipated exit in the next 12-18 months.
Backed by a highly reputable sponsor, the company operates a multi‑campus, regulated operating model with a strong customer and outcomes‑driven focus. The platform combines recurring and seasonal revenue streams and serves a diverse student and customer base across multiple locations. With continued organic momentum and the potential for more acquisitions during the remainder of the hold period, the business is focused on professionalizing infrastructure and positioning for a successful transaction in the next 12-18 months.
This is an opportunity for a private‑equity‑experienced CFO to step into a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role. The CFO will partner closely with the CEO, COO, Board, and sponsor to lead financial operations, support transaction readiness, and act as the financial face of the business through diligence, quality of earnings, and management presentations. Importantly, the incoming CFO will be expected to remain in role beyond the current exit into the next ownership phase.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and scale the finance function across a multi‑unit operating platform
- Own financial reporting, forecasting, cash management, and internal controls, ensuring readiness for audit, diligence, and transaction execution
- Serve as the primary finance lead for private equity ownership, Board reporting, and external advisors
- Lead and coordinate sell‑side transaction preparation, including quality of earnings, data room management, and management presentations
- Support buy‑side M&A activity, including diligence, integration planning, and post‑acquisition reporting
- Enhance FP&A capabilities, forecasting models, and cross‑functional reporting infrastructure
- Drive continued improvement in financial systems and tools, leveraging existing ERP and analytics platforms
- Partner closely with site‑level and functional leaders to improve visibility into performance drivers, retention, and unit economics
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a CFO in a private equity‑backed business
- Background in multi‑site, consumer service‑based businesses such as education/training, consumer services, healthcare, or retail‑adjacent models
- Track record of successfully navigating sell‑side exits, ideally as the lead CFO
- Hands‑on experience supporting both buy‑side and sell‑side M&A
- Strong customer and operating mindset, with the ability to partner closely with non‑finance leaders
- Experience professionalizing finance teams and processes in growing organizations
- Willingness to work in a hybrid, role with periodic travel to operating locations (approximately 10-15%)
