How do I Transition from Finance Director to CFO in a PE-Backed Business?
What are Private Equity investors looking for in a CFO? What experience should Finance Directors focus on? How can Finance Directors demonstrate CFO readiness? In our latest article, Pearse Professionals addresses the questions we hear most often from Finance Directors looking to make the move into a CFO role within a PE-backed business.
Considering a Private Equity CFO Role? Your Questions Answered
For many senior finance leaders, a move into a private equity-backed business can be one of the most rewarding steps in their career. We asked our team to answer some of the most common questions we hear from CFOs and Finance Directors considering a move into private equity.
5 Signs Your Portfolio Company Needs an Interim CFO
For PE and VC backed businesses, finance leadership needs can shift quickly during periods of growth, transformation or transaction activity. An Interim CFO can provide immediate strategic support and stability without the lead time of a permanent hire. Here are five signs your portfolio company may benefit from one.
More Than Just Filling Gaps - How Interim Finance Leaders Drive Change
There’s still a perception that interim hiring is mainly about covering gaps. A CFO leaves, someone goes on parental leave, a role needs holding until a permanent hire is found. That does happen, but it’s not why most interims are brought in.
Lessons from Senior Female Leaders for Emerging Talent
As organisations strengthen their C-suite, we’re seeing rising demand for senior female leaders in finance. Yet the path upward still comes with challenges: imposter syndrome, confidence barriers and unequal representation. To understand what truly supports women’s progression, we spoke with four exceptional senior leaders - here’s what they want aspiring female leaders to know.
Leaders in Consumer-Focused Tech: Q&A with Dominique Highfield
We’re delighted to speak with Dominique Highfield, CFO of Bloom & Wild. In this conversation, Dominique shares her insights on consumer trends for 2026, the unique opportunities and challenges of leading finance in a private equity backed business, her experiences as a female leader in senior finance roles, and advice for those looking to step into C-Suite roles.
Interim vs Permanent CFO | Which One Should You Hire?
Appointing the right CFO is one of the most important decisions a growing business can make. For PE and VC portfolio companies, the question is often not if you should hire a CFO, but whether you need an interim CFO, or a permanent CFO. This guide explains the differences, the benefits of each option, and how to decide which one is right for your business.
Leaders in Consumer Technology: A Conversation with Alexis Maule
We sat down with Alexis Maule, a global consumer executive whose career spans Morgan Stanley, Amazon, YOOX Net-a-Porter, and Reformation, where she led the UK and European business to drive nearly 20% of global revenue. Read on for her perspective on where the consumer landscape is headed and what it takes to lead at the forefront of change.
What to Look for in a Private Equity CFO
When it comes to driving value in a private equity investment, there are very few hires that are more critical than the CFO. A strong private equity CFO is a commercial strategist, an operational leader, and a trusted partner to both the CEO and the investors. So, what should you look for when hiring a CFO for a PE-backed business?
What is the Difference Between a Finance Director and a Chief Financial Officer?
When scaling companies come to us at Pearse Professionals, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: “Do we need a Finance Director, or a Chief Financial Officer?” The right hire depends on your business size, complexity, growth ambitions, and what you need from your finance leadership today and tomorrow. In this guide, we break down the key differences between a Finance Director and a Chief Financial Officer.