Expert advice on interim finance appointments in Private Equity
Roles in accountancy and finance are incredibly diverse – and that variety only increases when you consider the different industries and sectors they operate in. At Investigo, our Accountancy & Finance team has built a vast network of finance professionals, placing exceptional talent across all industries.
It’s an exciting time for the team as we continue to grow our Private Equity and Venture Capital practice, expanding the support we offer to clients and candidates alike.
Covering both permanent and interim appointments, we spoke with two of our experts to learn more about the areas they specialise in, the key trends shaping the market, the challenges companies face in hiring senior finance leaders, and their advice for portfolio companies seeking successful appointments.
Here, Principal Consultant James Sealey shares his insights into the interim senior finance market. You can read Daniel McGuire’s perspective on permanent recruitment here.
Can you tell us more about your role within Investigo’s Accountancy & Finance team and how does it differ from traditional finance recruitment?
My role is focused on supporting CFOs in Private Equity and Venture Capital backed businesses by connecting them with high calibre interim finance professionals. The key difference compared to traditional finance recruitment is the pace and complexity of these environments. CFOs in investor backed businesses are under intense pressure to deliver change quickly, so they need interims who can add value from day one. It’s not about simply filling a vacancy, it’s about finding someone who can solve a problem or unlock performance straight away.
What are some of the key trends you’re currently seeing in the Private Equity and Venture Capital market when it comes to senior finance appointments?
There’s been a noticeable rise in CFOs leaning on interim support. Rather than just using interims to plug gaps, they’re using them to drive transformation, professionalise reporting, and get the business investor ready, whether that’s for a refinancing, bolt-on acquisition or an exit. Another trend is the demand for finance professionals who combine technical skill with strong commercial acumen. CFOs want people who can partner with the business, not just produce numbers.
What challenges do investors and portfolio companies typically face when hiring senior finance professionals?
Speed is often the biggest challenge. When you’reoperating in a high-growth or turnaround situation, you can’t afford a lengthy hiring process. Getting the wrong person in can slow down delivery and put more pressure on the CFO. Another challenge is credibility. Senior Interim hires need to win over investors and boards quickly, and not everyone has the confidence or experience to do that.
How can the right interim finance leader add value to a fast-growing, investor-backed business?
The right interim can provide immediate relief and impact. They can take ownership of key projects, strengthen reporting, and free up the CFO to focus on strategy and the board. They can also bring in best practice from other PE environments, which is hugely valuable when a business is scaling quickly or facing a change event.
What skills or qualities do PE and VC investors value most in finance leaders today?
Agility is crucial. Businesses in this space move quickly, so interims need to adapt without losing momentum. Strong stakeholder management is another. Being able to communicate with CEOs, investors and lenders in a clear and confident way is just as important as the technical finance skills. And increasingly, CFOs are looking for people with strong data and systems skills, so they can get better insight and drive performance.
Why should Private Equity and Venture Capital-backed businesses partner with Investigo when building their finance leadership teams?
Because we understand the environment they operate in. We know the demands of investor backed businesses and we know what good looks like in that setting. That means we can deliver people who have the right technical skillset, the right temperament, and the experience to deliver in a high-pressure environment. We also move quickly, which is exactly what CFOs need.
Do you have any advice for investors and portfolio companies on what makes for a successful interim appointment?
Be clear about what success looks like. Interims work best when there’s a defined brief and measurable outcomes. Also, give them access to the right forums, whether that’s the board pack, investor calls or senior leadership meetings, so they can make an impact quickly. Finally, think about legacy. The best interims don’t just fix a problem in the short term; they leave behind processes and structures that support the business well after they’ve gone.
At Investigo, we understand the unique pressures of investor-backed environments and the critical role finance leaders play in driving performance. If you’re a Private Equity or Venture Capital-backed business looking to strengthen your finance leadership team, our specialists are here to help you find the right talent quickly and effectively.Contact the team today.
