Case Study

Learn how we help private equity firms secure top-tier fund finance talent to support growth and operational excellence.

Fund Controller Search for a Private Equity Firm

A private equity firm managing $2 billion in assets across multiple funds engaged us to identify a Fund Controller to support the CFO. With an upcoming fundraise and growing demands from LPs, the firm needed a highly skilled professional to oversee fund accounting, streamline reporting, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Client Overview

The client, a private equity firm managing $2 billion in assets, sought a Fund Controller to enhance fund-level accounting and reporting, support scalability, and serve as a trusted partner to the CFO and senior leadership.

Fund Management

Enhancing fund-level accounting and reporting for a $2 billion PE firm.

Strategic Partnership

Supporting scalability and serving as a trusted advisor to the CFO and leadership team.

Strategic Planning

1

Role Definition

Collaborated with the CFO to define priorities for fund accounting, reporting, and investor relations. Clarified technical requirements, including proficiency in Investran, GAAP, and IFRS.

2

Targeted Search

Focused on candidates with private equity or venture capital experience, prioritizing CPA-qualified professionals with backgrounds in fund administration or Big 4 accounting.

3

Screening and Evaluation

Evaluated technical expertise in capital calls, financial statements, and audits, as well as cultural alignment with the firm's collaborative environment

4

Placement Timeliness

Delivered a shortlist of top candidates within five weeks to align with the firm's fundraising timeline.

Key Challenges

Technical Expertise

Required in-depth knowledge of fund accounting, waterfall calculations, and capital calls.

Regulatory Compliance

Needed expertise in SEC regulations, partnership tax reporting, and international fund structures.

Scalability Needs

Sought a professional capable of implementing scalable systems and processes to support growth.

Cultural Fit

Required a collaborative candidate who could manage relationships with LPs and auditors while aligning with the firm's dynamic culture

Outcome

12+ Years of Private Equity Fund Excellence

Placement

Hired a CPA with over 12 years of experience in private equity fund finance, including a tenure as Senior Fund Controller for a $3 billion multi-fund platform.

Immediate Impact

  • Streamlined capital call and distribution processes, reducing cycle times by 20%.
  • Enhanced fund-level reporting accuracy with new accounting policies and procedures.
  • Prepared financial statements that met institutional LP standards and satisfied external auditors.

Long-Term Contributions

  • Led financial preparation for a $750 million fundraise, delivering detailed LP reports and managing due diligence requests.
  • Improved audit timelines by 25%, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
  • Partnered with the CFO to implement an automated fund accounting system, supporting scalability goals.

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.