Chief Financial Officer

Position Overview

Our client, a prominent European Private Equity firm, is seeking an accomplished Finance leader to oversee the financial functions of its portfolio companies, which typically generate revenues between €20 million and €600 million. This role collaborates closely with executive leadership within these companies to enhance financial performance, develop robust operating models, and identify key value creation opportunities throughout investment phases.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CEOs and CFOs of portfolio companies to craft and implement financial value creation strategies, linking these initiatives to EBITDA targets and measurable transformation metrics.
• Evaluate and enhance the finance operating frameworks, including organizational structure, processes, systems, and talent across the portfolio.
• Establish rigorous performance management disciplines such as KPI tracking, dashboard reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and conducting monthly reviews to support informed decision-making.
• Optimize cash flow, working capital, capital allocation, and debt oversight in partnership with the private equity fund.
• Lead finance preparation for key value events including initial 100-day post-acquisition plans, integration of bolt-on mergers and acquisitions, refinancing activities, and exit-related preparations such as vendor due diligence and audit readiness.
• Identify and execute opportunities for automation and enhanced operational insights within finance to improve accuracy, speed, and analytic capability.
• Drive cross-portfolio initiatives applying best practices and benchmarks to deliver measurable return on investment.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive leadership experience in finance, particularly as a CFO in a private equity-backed environment.
• Proven success in delivering value throughout the full investment lifecycle culminating in successful exits.
• Experience in scaling finance functions across various countries.
• Strong knowledge of mergers and acquisitions, refinancing, and exit processes.
• Familiarity with ERP, financial planning and analysis systems, as well as finance automation and AI tools.
• Prior experience in top-tier accounting firms, investment banking, or transaction services combined with operational CFO expertise is advantageous.
• Possession of a recognized accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, DEC, or equivalent).
• Excellent commercial acumen along with the resilience and interpersonal skills needed to build trust swiftly with portfolio company leaders and investment teams.

Opportunity Benefits

This is a distinguished role offering a chance to shape the financial success of multiple European enterprises, working closely with CEOs, CFOs, and investment professionals to focus on factors that drive enterprise value. Based out of one of the European offices in Paris or London, the position includes international travel across the portfolio companies.