Expert advice on permanent 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 Daniel McGuire shares his insights into the permanent senior finance market. You can read James Sealey’s perspective on interim 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?
I specialise in placing qualified, permanent finance leaders into PE and VC-backed businesses (typically under £250m revenue) across sectors including SaaS, EdTech, HealthTech, real estate, and telecoms. Unlike traditional finance recruitment, my focus is exclusively on investor-backed companies, where the finance function is central to value creation and exit readiness.
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?
PE/VC investors are prioritising finance leaders who can drive operational value creation, margin expansion, and EBITDA growth – not just deliver standard budgeting and reporting.
A major trend, particularly in SaaS, is demand for hands-on FP&A/Commercial leaders with deep experience in developing SaaS metrics. These leaders are often supported by direct reports with advanced data skills – not always qualified accountants, but finance analysts skilled in SQL and BI tools.
What challenges do investors and portfolio companies typically face when hiring senior finance professionals?
One of the biggest challenges is the scarcity of candidates who combine transaction experience (M&A, debt, exits) with operational finance skills – and who also have the personal traits needed to thrive in fast-paced, investor-led environments.
Timing is another challenge. Hiring decisions are often affected by factors outside the company’s control, such as budget sign-off delays or internal role changes. This can result in businesses only considering candidates who have short notice periods or are immediately available, filtering out much of the permanent talent pool.
How can the right permanent finance leader add value to a fast-growing, investor-backed business?
The right finance leader can make a transformative impact by:
Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO, enabling them to focus on the bigger picture.
Driving profitability and commercial growth.
Setting the business up to scale through robust controls, processes, and systems (professionalising the finance function).
Acting as a bridge between management and investors through clear, consistent communication.
Leading buy-side and sell-side due diligence.
Fostering a culture of accountability and high performance across finance.
What skills or qualities do PE and VC investors value most in finance leaders today?
Investors are increasingly looking for leaders who demonstrate:
Commercial acumen.
A focus on value creation and ROI.
Investor relations expertise.
M&A experience.
People leadership and the ability to act as a culture champion.
Why should Private Equity and Venture Capital-backed businesses partner with Investigo when building their finance leadership teams?
Our Accountancy & Finance practice has been building networks for over 20 years, and our dedicated PE/VC division provides unrivalled access to scarce talent. From part-qualified to C-Suite, our consultants deliver end-to-end hiring solutions that help investors and portfolio businesses build the right finance leadership teams.
Do you have any advice for investors and portfolio companies on what makes for a successful permanent hiring process?
My advice would be to:
Plan the hire well in advance.
Partner exclusively with one trusted search firm and hold them accountable for a thorough market search.
Agree must-haves vs. nice-to-haves at the outset.
Lock in interview stages, timelines, and panel availability upfront.
Develop a strong EVP document showcasing the benefits of joining your business.
Benchmark base, bonus, and equity to market standards.
Ensure background checks and contracts can be turned around quickly.
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.
