Case Study

Learn how we support CFOs in building high-performing finance teams for private equity-backed companies.

Financial Analyst CFO Building Out | Accounting Team

A private equity-backed SaaS company with $100 million in annual revenue engaged us to help its newly hired CFO build a finance and accounting team. The first priority was recruiting a Financial Analyst to support strategic initiatives such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling while improving internal reporting processes for private equity stakeholders.

Client Overview

The client, a PE-backed SaaS company, sought a Financial Analyst to assist a new CFO in building a finance team capable of meeting the demands of a fast-paced, growth-focused environment.

Growth-Focused Environment

Supporting a fast-paced and dynamic SaaS company's expansion goals.

Building the Finance Team

Assisting the new CFO in creating a robust finance function.

Strategic Planning

1

Collaborative Role Definition

Worked with the CFO to identify immediate and long-term priorities, emphasizing adaptability and technical skills such as financial modeling and reporting.

2

Candidate Sourcing

Targeted early-career finance professionals with experience in PE-backed or fast-growth companies, focusing on those with advanced Excel skills, financial modeling expertise, and forecasting experience.

3

Screening and Assessment

Evaluated candidate's technical and analytical capabilities, their ability to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders, and their cultural fit with the CFO's vision

4

Timely Placement

Delivered a shortlist of highly qualified candidates within three weeks to enable the team to begin driving results quickly.

Key Challenges

Team Expansion

Needed a Financial Analyst to adapt to an entrepreneurial, high-growth setting.

Technical Skills

Required expertise in financial modeling, variance analysis, and reporting tools like Tableau or Power BI.

Private Equity Experience

Needed an understanding of PE reporting standards and preparation of materials for board and LP meetings.

Cultural Fit

The candidate had to align with the CFO's vision of a high-performing and collaborative team.

Outcome

12+ Years of Private Equity Fund Excellence

Key Placement

Hired a Financial Analyst with three years of experience in a PE-backed e-commerce firm, demonstrating strong expertise in financial modeling, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.

Immediate Impact

  • Developed a detailed forecasting model to enhance visibility into cash flow and revenue trends
  • Created Tableau dashboards to improve reporting efficiency and provide real-time insights.
  • Supported the CFO in preparing board presentations, enhancing financial data clarity and quality for investors.

Long-Term Contributions

  • Implemented a structured process for budget-to-actual variance analysis, improving data accuracy.
  • Identified $1.2 million in cost-saving opportunities through detailed reviews and efficiency analyses.
  • Helped establish a rolling forecast process to align financial planning with strategic goals.

Key Takeaways

This case highlights the importance of a skilled Corporate Controller in maintaining financial stability and supporting strategic initiatives. Rapid identification and placement of the right leader ensured operational continuity and set the foundation for long-term success.