PE-Backed CFO - Multi-site Franchise Early Childhood Education Centers | Denver or Salt Lake City
Finatal has been exclusively retained by a private equity sponsor to appoint a Chief Financial Officer for a newly formed, PE-backed platform within the Primrose Schools system, one of the most established early childhood education brands in the U.S.
This is a ground-floor CFO opportunity. The platform is launching with an initial acquisition of three schools and a clearly defined growth plan spanning de novo development and targeted M&A, with and a long-term ambition of 50 locations.
You will partner directly with the CEO and sponsor to build the business from day one, initially as the sole finance leader, and design the financial, operational, and reporting infrastructure required to scale a multi-site, real-estate-intensive franchise platform.
The strategy is concentrated in high-growth, undersupplied markets, Denver and Salt Lake City, where demographic trends and government funding dynamics support strong demand for high-quality early education.
This role is best suited for a hands-on PE CFO who wants real ownership, influence, and the opportunity to build a finance function.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the first finance hire and core partner to the CEO in launching the platform
- Professionalize finance, reporting, controls, and KPIs from a standing start
- Lead financial underwriting for new school development, acquisitions, and real estate decisions
- Drive M&A execution and integration across franchise acquisitions
- Build PE-grade reporting, forecasting, and board materials
- Scale the finance organization over time as the platform grows
Requirements:
- Proven experience in PE-backed, multi-site businesses (required)
- Strong M&A and real estate experience (required)
- Background in franchise, education services, healthcare, behavioral health, or consumer services is a plus
- Exit experience is advantageous, but not required
- Salt Lake City or Denver-based preferred; flexibility for the right candidate - significant travel required for scouting development opportunities
