Fund CFO

Discover how we help private equity firms secure strategic financial leadership to enhance operations and investor confidence.

CFO Search Private Equity | Fund

A middle-market private equity firm managing $800M in assets across multiple funds engaged us to recruit a CFO. The firm needed a financial leader to enhance financial processes, improve LP reporting, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations while supporting the upcoming fundraise.

Client Overview

The client, a private equity firm managing $800M in assets, sought a CFO to oversee fund finance and operations, enhance regulatory compliance, and serve as a strategic partner to the managing partners during a critical growth phase.

Financial Leadership

Providing strategic financial oversight to drive scalability and operational excellence.

Strategic Partnership

Collaborating with managing partners to enhance compliance and navigate critical growth phases.

Strategic Planning

1

Role Definition

Collaborated with managing partners to define the CFOs responsibilities, emphasizing fund-level operations, LP communication, and strategic insights.

2

Targeted Candidate Search

Focused on professionals with experience in private equity, venture capital, or real estate fund finance, prioritizing those with CPA qualifications and Big 4 accounting backgrounds.

3

Screening and Assessment

Evaluated expertise in fund operations, capital calls, distributions, and compliance. Conducted behavioral interviews to ensure the candidate could handle high-pressure demands and foster strong LP relationships.

4

Placement Timeliness

Delivered a shortlist of qualified candidates within six weeks to align with the firm time-line for its upcoming fundraise.

Key Challenges

Complex Financial Environment

Multi-fund structure requiring deep expertise in fund accounting and capital call management.

Regulatory Expertise

Ensuring compliance with SEC and tax regulations for private equity funds.

Fundraising Support

Needed a CFO to instill confidence in potential LPs through robust financial processes.

Strategic Leadership

Required operational insights and contributions to the firm overall strategy.

Outcome

CFO Placement

Hired a CFO with over 15 years of experience in private equity fund finance, including a tenure as CFO for a $1 billion multi-fund platform.

Immediate Impact

Fund Accounting System

Implemented robust system improving reporting accuracy and transparency

LP Reporting Framework

Established standardized framework enhancing investor confidence

Compliance Analysis

Conducted gap analysis addressing key regulatory risks pre-fundraise

Strategic Contributions

$500M

Successful fund close with comprehensive due diligence

30%

Reduction in audit preparation time

Enhanced Analytics

Improved portfolio performance reporting

Key Takeaways

This case highlights the transformative impact of a CFO with private equity expertise, who can transition a founder-led organization to a high-performing, professionally managed company. Building financial infrastructure, aligning with investor expectations, and achieving aggressive growth targets are all made possible with the right leadership.