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. Their ability to guide the business through rapid growth, transformation, and eventual exit is essential to the success of a PE-backed company.
So, what should you look for when hiring a CFO for a PE-backed business?
In this article, our Consultant Krupali Gore, shares some of the key things to consider when hiring a CFO for a PE-backed business, helping you make the right choice for what your business needs.
1. Commercial and strategic insight
Unlike traditional corporate environments, a CFO in a PE-backed company must look beyond the numbers. They need to understand how finance shapes strategy, market positioning, and ultimately, exit value.
What to look for:
A track record of delivering revenue growth, margin improvement, and EBITDA expansion
The ability to challenge assumptions and offer data led insight
A commercial mindset aligned to value creation and investor expectations
2. Hands-on with the numbers
CFOs often operate with lean teams and high expectations. They must be comfortable rolling up their sleeves. For example, building reporting dashboards, improving controls, or refining financial models.
What to look for:
Experience implementing new systems, controls, and reporting processes
Capability to scale finance functions from early stage to exit
Confidence operating at both detail level and board level
3. Private Equity experience
While this is not essential, experience within a PE-backed environment or working closely with private equity investors can bring a strong commercial edge.
What to look for:
First hand experience of a private equity deal or investment lifecycle
Familiarity with debt structures, covenants, and stakeholder reporting
Deep understanding of metrics that drive value in PE (cash conversion, ROIC, etc.)
4. Change and transformation leadership
PE-backed companies often undergo fast and fundamental change, with acquisition and restructuring to new markets or product launches. A CFO in this space needs to be a proven leader through transformation.
What to look for:
Demonstrated ability to lead during scale-up or turnaround phases
Experience with M&A integration or carve-outs
Resilience under pressure and a solutions oriented mindset
5. Boardroom presence and investor confidence
The CFO in a PE-backed company plays an important role in board meetings, investor reporting, and exit planning. Their communication skills and credibility in the boardroom can heavily influence outcomes.
What to look for:
Confident and clear communicator, both verbally and in writing
Experience presenting to boards, PE investors, and lenders
Gravitas to engage with auditors, banks, and potential buyers
Bonus: Exit experience
Whether you’re planning a trade sale, IPO, or secondary buyout, a CFO who’s successfully navigated an exit before brings invaluable knowledge and foresight.
What to look for:
Previous experience managing the business through a successful exit
Deep involvement in due diligence, deal structuring, and data room prep
Strategic understanding of how to maximise value at exit
Why the right Private Equity CFO matters
The right CFO for a PE-backed company can make or break an investment. The best candidates are commercially minded, hands-on, and bring the leadership needed to turn strategy into value. Not only do they run the numbers, but they drive the business forward.
At Pearse Professionals, we specialise in placing experienced CFOs into private equity-backed businesses across a wide range of sectors and investment stages.
Looking to hire a Private Equity CFO?
Whether you're hiring a CFO for a new acquisition or replacing an existing finance leader, we can connect you with proven talent who understand the unique demands of private equity.
Email us at: info@pearseprofessionals.com for more information.