Case Study: Scaling Finance Leadership Across a Private Equity Portfolio

For a private equity firm investing in lower middle-market businesses, building strong finance and accounting teams across its portfolio was essential to supporting growth and operational performance. With companies spanning manufacturing, distribution and service industries, the firm faced ongoing recruiting needs driven by acquisitions, leadership transitions and strategic initiatives. Smith + Howard partnered with the firm’s operating team and portfolio company leadership to identify and place experienced financial professionals across multiple businesses.

The Challenge

Multiple portfolio companies needed finance and accounting talent to navigate leadership transitions, operational demands and continued growth.

The private equity firm managed investments across businesses with distinct operating environments and financial leadership needs. As portfolio companies underwent acquisitions, restructuring and scaling initiatives, the demand for qualified finance and accounting professionals extended across both executive and operational roles.

Each search required an understanding of the individual company’s industry, culture and business priorities. The firm needed a recruiting partner capable of identifying candidates with the right technical expertise while accounting for the specific challenges facing each organization.

In addition to permanent leadership placements, certain situations required interim support to maintain financial continuity while longer-term hiring decisions were underway.

Our Approach

Smith + Howard delivered a coordinated recruiting approach tailored to the financial leadership and accounting needs of individual portfolio companies.

The Search team worked closely with the private equity firm’s operating team and portfolio company leadership to understand the requirements of each position, including the organization’s industry, operating environment and cultural considerations.

Recruiting efforts focused on CFOs capable of leading finance functions and supporting long-term strategic initiatives, alongside Controllers and accounting professionals responsible for financial reporting, compliance and operational accuracy.

Where immediate needs arose during executive searches, the team also provided interim staffing options to help maintain continuity. This combination of executive search, professional recruiting and flexible talent solutions allowed Smith + Howard to support hiring needs across multiple companies and levels of responsibility.