Head of FP&A

SUMMARY

A private equity–backed healthcare and education platform seeks a strategic Head of FP&A to drive financial modeling, forecasting, and execution of value creation initiatives. This role serves as a key strategic partner to the CFO, supporting enrollment growth planning, operational excellence, and financial infrastructure development across a complex, multi-entity, international organization.

OVERVIEW

The Head of FP&A will own the organization’s long-term operating model, lead variance and performance analysis, and provide analytical support for major strategic initiatives including new campus development, program expansion, and operational optimization. The role requires advanced Excel-based financial modeling expertise, strong GAAP knowledge, and the ability to convert complex financial data into actionable insights for executive leadership and private equity stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Long-Term Financial Planning & Modeling

Own and maintain a comprehensive long-term operating model in Excel, incorporating enrollment projections across multiple operating entities.
Develop and manage rolling three-statement forecasts with standardized GL groupings aligned to monthly reporting packages
Build detailed financial models for new campus and program launches, including enrollment ramps, capital expenditures, and full P&L projections
Support scenario planning and sensitivity analysis for board-level presentations and value creation planning

Performance Analysis & Variance Management

Lead monthly variance analysis comparing actual results to budget and forecast across all entities
Partner with the accounting team to analyze monthly results within an accelerated close and management review cycle
Identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities across revenue, operating expenses, and margin performance
Prepare executive-level insights and financial commentary for leadership and board reporting

Value Creation & Strategic Initiative Support

Analyze enrollment growth initiatives, including class size optimization, geographic diversification, and international student mix
Support analysis of marketing and admissions funnel metrics to evaluate spend efficiency and conversion performance
Evaluate new academic and non-academic program opportunities through detailed P&L and ROI analysis
Model revenue diversification initiatives such as grants, ancillary services, and real estate or housing-related opportunities

Operational Excellence & Efficiency Analysis

Partner with the CFO to assess mature programs and identify margin improvement opportunities through cost rationalization and operational optimization
Benchmark program-level economics and identify best practices across the broader portfolio
Perform ad hoc financial analyses to support strategic decision-making and process improvement initiatives

Systems & Financial Infrastructure

Collaborate with the accounting and systems teams on ERP implementation and upgrades to ensure FP&A reporting and forecasting requirements are met
Develop standardized reporting packages, dashboards, and KPIs to enhance executive visibility and decision-making

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA or CPA strongly preferred
5+ years of progressive FP&A experience, ideally within private equity–backed, healthcare, education, or other complex, multi-entity environments
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining sophisticated financial models supporting long-term planning and strategic initiatives

Technical Skills

Advanced Excel expertise required, including complex formulas, pivot tables, scenario modeling, data validation, and dynamic financial statement modeling
Strong working knowledge of GAAP, financial statement analysis, and multi-entity consolidation
Experience with ERP systems; familiarity with education or student information systems is a plus
Proficiency with data visualization and BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar) preferred

Core Competencies

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Strong business acumen with the ability to translate financial analysis into strategic recommendations
Excellent communication skills and comfort presenting to senior leadership and investor stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Collaborative, service-oriented mindset when partnering with internal stakeholder