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.