This specific role, the Operating Partner will generally concentrate their efforts on one or more portfolio companies at a time, where they function as vital finance partners, taking on the responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer ( CFO ). However, the firm maintains flexibility in deploying its professional resources across its most critical endeavors...The ideal candidate will be responsible for financial strategy, financial planning and analysis, financial reports, company audits, compliance, and bank relationships. They will collaborate with the CEO and the executive team to make decisions regarding company's financial strategy and operations. The candidate will possess a strong background in finance and management.
MUST HAVE:
- Stand-alone CFO experience in a Private Equity backed portfolio co's. AND/OR Operating Partner experience within portfolio companies at the sponsor level.
- Size of companies --- $250MM - $1B+ Rev.
- Multiple turns taking company through a transaction (strategic, PE to PE, or IPO etc.) as CFO or Operating Partner / Financial Operations team within a PE sponsor.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with deal teams, board of directors and senior management to drive strategic initiatives and ability to digest and execute on the 100-Day plan.
- Repeatable approach to identifying the processes, talent, and tools required to implement the initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to optimize process and enhance financial reporting while possessing a strong foundational understanding of GAAP.
- Uses seasoned judgement and critical thinking to recognize and address complex issues.
- Supports the successful implementation of financial infrastructure, including sourcing and managing any 3rd parties.
- Evaluation, upgrading and onboarding of portfolio company executive and finance talent as needed.
Build Partnerships
- Displays a we first mindset, looking for ways to support and help management teams.
- Fosters an inclusive environment and welcomes feedback from others (management team, operations team, deal teams) with stakeholders by showing openness to different perspectives and actively listening.
- Adapt style and communication to best influence portfolio management teams.
- Serve as a coach and mentor to portfolio company CEOs, controllers, FP&A, and other key leaders.
- Build credibility as a trusted resource for the deal team.
- Demonstrate deep understanding of the PE industry (financial levers, terminology). Experience building financial monthly reporting packages.
- Proven experience building budgets, EBITDA forecasts, and cash forecasts to guide and support executive management decision making experience with management reporting dashboards is a plus.
- Communicate succinctly with the investment teams, in both written and verbal communication.
- Apt at translating recommendations and outcomes into financial impact.
Lead Change
- Articulates a compelling case for change; helps people understand the positive aspects of change (conveys the so what ).
- Projects confidence and the leadership courage to take stands, without coming across as authoritative.
- Communicates in a compelling and effective manner; is succinct, clear, and impactful with messaging.
- Picks their battles, knows when to lean in and when to pull back with leadership teams.
- High-level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation
- Highly communicative with deal teams
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 15-20+ years of progressive and upwardly mobile finance experience, including 5+ years of recent leadership experience at the CFO level.
- Experience as CFO of a private equity-backed, middle market company, with prior experience executing 100-day plan initiatives.
- Experience leading the finance organization of a founder-led/family-owned business is a plus.
- Early career experience working in FP&A is preferred but not required.
- Ability to work across multiple industries.
- Consulting or Operating Partner experience is a plus.