Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Private Equity–Backed Platform Company
Duration: 6–12 months (with potential extension or conversion)
Compensation: Competitive interim rate (weekly or monthly retainer) + performance-based incentive (deal / milestone driven)
Role Overview
Our client is a newly formed private equity–backed platform company entering a critical execution phase driven by add-on acquisitions, operational build-out, and rapid scale. The organization is seeking an Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to step in immediately and provide hands-on financial leadership during this high-impact stage of the investment lifecycle.
This Interim CFO will act as the financial architect and execution leader—stabilizing and professionalizing the finance function, leading acquisition diligence and integrations, and establishing institutional-grade reporting, controls, and operating cadence. The role is highly collaborative, working closely with the CEO, PE sponsor, and operating partners.
This is an execution-oriented assignment designed to create value quickly, de-risk growth, and prepare the platform for its next phase—whether that is continued M&A velocity, refinancing, or a transition to a permanent CFO.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Finance & Sponsor Partnership
- Serve as the primary financial partner to the CEO and PE sponsor during the platform build phase
- Translate the PE investment thesis into actionable financial priorities, KPIs, and operating discipline
- Lead board-level reporting, monthly operating reviews, and investor updates
- Provide clear financial narratives around performance, risks, and value-creation initiatives
M&A Execution & Integration
- Lead financial diligence for add-on acquisitions, including QoE review, working capital analysis, and deal modeling
- Support valuation, purchase agreement structures, and post-close financial considerations
- Own post-close integration across accounting, reporting, controls, and systems
- Establish a repeatable M&A and integration playbook to support ongoing acquisition cadence
- Drive synergy realization, cost optimization, and margin expansion initiatives
Finance Function Stabilization & Build-Out
- Stand up and professionalize core finance functions: accounting, FP&A, treasury, tax, and controls
- Implement or optimize ERP, reporting tools, and dashboards as needed
- Establish disciplined monthly close, forecasting, and budgeting processes
- Ensure GAAP compliance, audit readiness, and lender / investor reporting standards
- Assess current team capabilities and make recommendations for permanent hires or outsourced support
Cash Flow, Liquidity & Performance Management
- Lead cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and working capital optimization
- Monitor debt covenants and lender reporting requirements
- Build KPI dashboards tied to operational and financial performance
- Partner with operations to improve unit economics, pricing strategy, and cost structure
- Support leadership with data-driven decision-making across the platform
Exit & Transition Readiness
- Prepare the business for future exit or recapitalization by improving data quality, reporting maturity, and transparency
- Support sell-side readiness activities, including financial normalization and data room preparation
- Coordinate with external advisors (audit, tax, QoE, banking) as needed
- Create a clean handoff plan and documentation for a future permanent CFO
Ideal Interim CFO Profile
- Proven Interim or Full-Time CFO experience in private equity–backed platform companies
- Hands-on leadership of M&A diligence and post-close integration
- Strong background in finance function build-out within high-growth or carve-out environments
- Deep expertise across GAAP accounting, FP&A, cash management, and deal finance
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with limited infrastructure
- Trusted partner to CEOs, boards, and PE investment teams
- Execution-first mindset with the ability to move seamlessly between strategy and tactical delivery
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required
- CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred
Why This Interim Role
- Immediate impact role during a critical platform-build phase
- High visibility with the PE sponsor and executive leadership
- Opportunity to shape the financial foundation of a growing portfolio company
- Defined mandate focused on execution, value creation, and risk mitigation
- Potential path to extended engagement or permanent CFO placement
