FirmKey’s partners provide PE-backed CFO services, offering strategic financial leadership for growth, integration, and exit readiness.
What are private equity-backed CFO services
Private equity CFO services are designed to support portfolio companies with specialized finance leadership that understands the priorities of financial sponsors. Chief Financial Officers are expected to go beyond standard reporting and compliance—they should lead capital structuring, financial planning, M&A readiness, and more. FirmKey’s network includes seasoned professionals who have served as sponsor backed CFOs, portfolio company CFOs, and finance leaders across industries and capital structures.
Through FirmKey, companies can access fractional CFO services, controller support, tax strategy, and audit readiness—all tailored to meet the expectations of private equity sponsors. Services include:
- Fractional CFO & controller services
- Outsourced accounting & bookkeeping
- Tax strategy & compliance
- Audit & ERP implementation
- Fundraising & strategic advisory
- Each engagement is flexible—available on a fractional, project-based, or fully outsourced basis. Reach out to us today to find a finance leader who can support your business!
What a CFO of a PE-sponsored company does
A CFO of a private equity-sponsored company plays a critical role in driving performance, ensuring transparency, and aligning financial strategy with the investment thesis. This leader must bridge the gap between the portfolio company’s operations and the expectations of its sponsors, managing everything from daily financial operations to strategic value creation initiatives.
Some of the many tasks that experienced CFOs should provide may include:
Overseeing fractional and interim controller support to maintain timely, accurate financial reporting
Managing outsourced bookkeeping and accounting operations to support clean audits and data integrity
Directing tax planning and compliance, including structuring and preparation
Leading ERP implementation and accounting systems integration
Preparing for fundraising rounds through financial modeling and investor-ready packages
Running sell-side and buy-side quality of earnings analysis, including QofE light and red flag reviews
Coordinating financial due diligence and cash to accrual conversions
Performing net working capital analysis, 409a valuations, and building opening and closing balance sheets
Supporting post-transaction integration across systems, finance functions, and organizational teams
Delivering lender, investor, and board reporting, including comprehensive board packages
A strong finance leader brings hands-on financial leadership and the ability to coordinate across all functions – from finance and accounting to systems and operations – ensuring the business is always investor-ready. Our network has experienced finance leaders who can tackle these tasks – and more, so let’s talk to see how we can support your business.
Key benefits of CFO services for PE portfolio companies
FirmKey’s network professionals understand how to drive value creation in private equity-backed environments. CFO services for private equity focus on measurable improvements in cash flow, operational efficiency, and compliance. The benefits of CFO services for private equity firms include:
- Hands-on financial leadership and decision support
- M&A readiness and integration expertise
- Strategic forecasting, budgeting, and reporting
- Performance improvement and cost optimization
- Post-transaction integration and exit strategy planning
- Finance function transformation, including ERP and technology implementation
- Investor reporting and board communication
Why fractional CFOs benefit PE-sponsored companies
Private equity-backed businesses often face evolving financial needs across the investment lifecycle. A fractional CFO can provide high-impact financial leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire—making it an ideal solution for fast-moving portfolio companies.
Key benefits of working with a fractional CFO for private equity include:
- Cost efficiency – Engage experienced financial leaders only when needed, without committing to a full-time executive salary
- Speed and flexibility – Access specialized expertise quickly for time-sensitive initiatives like M&A, ERP rollouts, or audit prep
- Scalable support – Adjust the level of engagement based on the company’s growth stage, transaction timeline, or sponsor requirements
- Sponsor-aligned execution – Fractional CFOs with PE experience understand how to communicate with boards, manage KPIs, and drive value creation
- Interim coverage – Ideal for leadership transitions or gap periods between full-time hires
- FirmKey’s network includes fractional CFOs with proven experience in private equity-backed businesses—ready to lead key finance initiatives and support sponsor goals.
When to hire a CFO for a PE-backed business
Private equity firms often bring in a CFO early in the investment cycle. Whether your firm is acquiring a new portfolio company or preparing for an exit, FirmKey’s network includes CFOs and fractional CFOs who are ready to lead in these high-impact moments.
You may benefit from engaging a portfolio company head of finance if you need:
A finance leader with capital markets or M&A experience
CFO support for scaling operations through acquisition
A strategic partner for building financial infrastructure
Compliance and risk mitigation during periods of rapid change
Support for financial reporting and due diligence ahead of an exit
FirmKey matches companies with professionals who understand what it takes to succeed in sponsor-backed environments. Learn more about private equity accounting services or M&A accounting support through FirmKey’s curated partner network.
How a finance leader gets you ready to raise PE funding
Bringing in a finance leader before you raise private equity funding can be one of the smartest moves a company makes. Rather than relying solely on a strong business story, having a trusted finance partner in place ensures you show up to diligence with clean financials, credible projections, and a clear command of your numbers—exactly what private equity investors want to see.
Looking good during diligence not only increases your chances of successfully closing a transaction—it also sets the tone for the relationship post-close. Hitting your projections while the deal is in motion helps keep the investor engaged and confident that the company can execute on its plans. Missed forecasts or chaotic reporting, on the other hand, can lead to valuation adjustments, delayed timelines, or deals falling apart.
FirmKey’s network includes finance professionals who specialize in preparing businesses for private equity investment. These experts help you get investor-ready by:
- Preparing accurate and up-to-date financial statements
- Creating robust, defensible forecasts and operating models
- Identifying accounting gaps and leading cleanup or restatements
- Supporting tax structuring and compliance
- Conducting cash-to-accrual conversions and opening balance sheet prep
- Leading sell-side QofE (quality of earnings) reviews and red flag analysis
- Assembling polished board and investor reporting packages
Whether you’re targeting your first institutional round or gearing up for recapitalization, a seasoned finance leader from the FirmKey network can help you navigate the fundraising process with confidence and credibility.
How FirmKey matches you with the right PE-experienced CFO
FirmKey’s platform takes the guesswork out of finding the right Chief Financial Officer for a PE-backed business. Our network includes private equity finance leaders and fractional CFOs with a range of expertise—from strategic planning and FP&A to controller oversight and compliance.
We identify the right fit based on:
- Stage of investment and exit timeline
- Industry and complexity of operations
- Required service model (fractional, project-based, or outsourced)
- Specific priorities such as M&A readiness, ERP implementation, or investor reporting
Whether you’re looking for a fractional CFO or long-term strategic support, FirmKey’s matching process ensures alignment with your goals.
How to choose a CFO for a PE-backed company
Choosing a finance leader for a PE-backed company requires more than finance expertise. Here’s what to look for:
1.
Private equity experience – Look for candidates who understand leveraged environments, sponsor communication, and portfolio value creation
2.
Operational and strategic skills – The best CFOs act as business partners, not just financial stewards
3.
Proven integration and exit support – Ensure your Chief Financial Officer can manage post-transaction integration and exit strategy planning
Compliance and risk mitigation during periods of rapid change
4.
Flexible engagement model – Evaluate whether fractional, outsourced, or interim support makes the most sense for your business
5.
Strong leadership and communication – Your CFO must lead finance teams and collaborate across departments and with your board
FirmKey simplifies this process by offering access to a vetted network of CFOs and fractional finance leaders with private equity backgrounds, available on your terms.
Get started with PE-backed CFO services
Whether you’re scaling through acquisition, preparing for a financial audit, or optimizing your finance function, FirmKey’s network partners provide the strategic expertise your business needs. Connect with an experienced private equity CFO or fractional CFO today—on a fractional, project-based, or outsourced basis.