Private equity investors expect institutional-quality reporting, financial discipline, and a finance function that can withstand scrutiny. A fractional CFO with PE experience builds that function without the permanent hire.
When a PE firm invests in your business, the finance function comes under a level of scrutiny most SME management teams have not experienced before. Monthly reporting, covenant compliance, cash forecasting, and KPI dashboards need to operate at a standard that satisfies both the board and the fund.
Most portfolio companies at the lower end of the market do not have a CFO capable of delivering that on day one. That gap is expensive — it slows decision-making, creates friction with the fund, and puts the business at risk of missing covenants or reporting deadlines.
Board packs with management accounts, variance analysis, and KPIs delivered on time every month. Not a P&L summary — a full reporting pack.
A rolling 13-week cash forecast as standard. Covenant headroom tracked and reported before each testing date. No surprises to the fund.
A team, processes, and systems that can handle growth, add-on acquisitions, and an eventual exit without breaking down under the pressure.
I operate as your CFO for the days per month the business needs. This is not an advisory relationship where I review numbers and send a report. I sit inside the business, run the finance function, and own the outcomes — the same way a full-time CFO would.
For PE-backed businesses, I bring specific experience in fund reporting standards, covenant management, and building finance functions that satisfy institutional expectations. I have worked alongside PE sponsors and understand what the fund needs, and when they need it.
Book a discovery callScope for PE-backed businesses
Monthly retainer, minimum 3 months. Scope confirmed before work begins. See all services →
The fund has just closed. The existing finance team cannot deliver what the board now needs. A fractional CFO comes in, sets the standard, and builds the function from the ground up.
The full-time CFO has left or is being replaced. The business cannot go without finance leadership during the search. A fractional CFO covers the function and keeps reporting on track.
The fund is executing a bolt-on. The target's finance function needs to be assessed, integrated, and brought up to the group standard. A fractional CFO leads the finance workstream.
The fund is preparing for a sale or recapitalisation. The data room needs to be built, the model needs to be clean, and due diligence needs to be managed. A fractional CFO owns the finance side of the exit.
A 30-minute call will make it clear whether there is a fit. No commitment required.
Book a discovery call