At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a diverse portfolio of high-growth companies.
- Company: Join a top Private Equity firm known for its innovative investment approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package and the chance to work with industry leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving value creation.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA-qualified with extensive experience in finance and Private Equity.
- Other info: Contact Harry Turner at Harry.Turner@phippscameron.com for more details.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: London
Private Equity Competitive Package
We are partnering with a leading PE firm known for its hands-on, value-creation approach to investing in high-growth, complex businesses across multiple sectors and geographies. As part of its continued growth and focus on delivering exceptional returns to investors, the firm is seeking an accomplished and commercially minded CFO for Portfolio Operations to join its senior leadership team. This is a pivotal, high-impact role overseeing the financial performance and operational excellence of the fund’s portfolio companies. Acting as a strategic partner to the Investment Committee, Operating Partners, and portfolio company leadership teams, the CFO will ensure financial rigour, support value-creation initiatives, and drive consistent execution across a diverse and evolving portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing and executing the financial oversight strategy across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with the firm’s value-creation plans and exit objectives.
- Providing strategic financial insight and challenge to portfolio company management teams, supporting growth, operational improvement, and cash generation initiatives.
- Overseeing consolidated portfolio-level reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis, delivering clear insights to the Investment Committee and Limited Partners.
- Establishing and enforcing financial governance standards, controls, and best practices across portfolio companies.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to CEOs and CFOs of portfolio businesses, supporting budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation decisions.
- Leading due diligence and onboarding processes for new acquisitions, ensuring a smooth transition to operational ownership.
- Supporting exit planning and execution, including preparation for sale, vendor due diligence, and investor presentations.
- Building and leading a high-calibre team (as appropriate) to deliver robust portfolio financial management capabilities.
- Partnering with Operating Partners and investment teams to identify and execute value-creation levers, from cost optimisation to working capital management and margin expansion.
The Ideal Candidate:
- ACA-qualified (or equivalent) senior finance professional with a proven track record in Private Equity, portfolio operations, or a highly acquisitive corporate environment.
- Extensive experience in senior financial leadership roles overseeing multiple businesses or business units, ideally with international exposure.
- Deep understanding of value-creation in a Private Equity context, including operational improvement, cash management, M&A integration, and exit readiness.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence and challenge portfolio company management teams effectively.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the gravitas to engage credibly with investment committees, boards, and investors.
- Demonstrated ability to operate in a dynamic, high-pressure environment with multiple competing priorities.
- Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to dive into detail while maintaining a clear strategic perspective.
For more information, please apply for this role or contact Harry Turner at Harry.Turner@phippscameron.com.
Portfolio CFO employer: Phipps Cameron
Contact Detail:
Phipps Cameron Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio CFO
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Private Equity sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet key players and learn about their experiences. This can help you gain insights into what firms like ours are looking for in a CFO.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in portfolio operations and financial governance. Being well-versed in current market conditions and best practices will allow you to speak confidently about how you can add value to our firm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to drive financial performance and operational excellence. Highlighting your achievements in similar roles will make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and ability to build high-calibre teams. Be ready to share how you've successfully led teams in the past, as this is crucial for the role of CFO in our dynamic environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio CFO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial leadership roles, particularly in Private Equity or portfolio operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to oversee multiple businesses and drive value creation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the firm's objectives. Emphasise your strategic insight and experience in operational improvement and cash management.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that showcase your impact in previous roles. This could be successful exits, improved financial performance, or effective team leadership.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a CFO role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Phipps Cameron
✨Understand the Private Equity Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the private equity sector. Be prepared to discuss how these factors could impact portfolio companies and demonstrate your strategic thinking regarding value creation.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be ready to provide examples of your experience in financial oversight and governance. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully driven operational improvements or cash generation initiatives in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves significant interaction with investment committees and portfolio company leadership, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence and challenge management teams effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams. Emphasise your hands-on approach and ability to dive into details while maintaining a strategic perspective.