Senior Finance Business Partner

  • Morgan McKinley
  • May 12, 2026
Full time Banking

Job Description

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 ResponsibilitiesBusiness 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 ProfileExperience
  • 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.