Operational Synergy: Financial Leadership in Aligning Manufacturing Systems Post-Acquisition

Client Overview

Our client is a leading middle-market private equity firm known for its operational focus and long-term investment philosophy. With over two decades of experience and more than $2 billion in executed transactions, the firm takes a hands-on approach to value creation. It partners closely with exceptional management teams to build market-leading businesses, often in entrepreneur-owned or corporate carve-out scenarios. The firm’s principals and in-house operating executives work as one team, bringing deep industry expertise and a successful track record of investing across sectors, including business services, retail, and diversified industrials.

The Challenge / Mandate

Following an add-on acquisition to one of its portfolio companies, the firm required an Interim Controller to support post-merger financial integration. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Interim Controller was tasked with converting the acquired entity’s accounting from cash to accrual basis, professionalizing the accounting function, and merging financial reporting across both companies. The need was urgent due to ongoing integration activities, with the potential for the role to transition into a permanent full-time position. Some on-site presence was required near Atlanta, Georgia.

Search Strategy

The search focused on identifying a finance leader with:

• Controller-Level Experience: Proven ability to lead accounting functions at companies under $20M in revenue
• Post-Merger Integration: Demonstrated success managing financial consolidation and reporting after acquisitions
• Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience converting accounting practices from cash to accrual
• Industry Knowledge: Deep familiarity with manufacturing and distribution environments
• Location Flexibility: Willingness and ability to be partially onsite in the Atlanta, GA area

Keywords such as “Controller,” “Integration,” and “Manufacturing” were critical to sourcing candidates with the right functional and domain expertise.

The Placement

The selected candidate brought over 20 years of finance experience spanning accounting, audit, tax, and IT across sectors including Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Distribution, Real Estate, and Construction. He had previously served as Controller at multiple sub-$20M revenue businesses and had hands-on experience converting accounting systems from cash to accrual.

His background included strategic accounting support for organizations undergoing rapid change, with a specialization in identifying and implementing process improvements that impact the bottom line. He also had direct experience supporting post-acquisition financial reporting and consolidation, including within manufacturing environments such as inline production, beverage, and food processing operations.

The Outcome

The Interim Controller quickly stepped into the integration process, leading the successful transition of the acquired entity to accrual accounting and aligning financial reporting systems. His expertise helped professionalize the accounting function, enhance internal controls, and streamline consolidation with the parent company. His performance positioned him as a potential candidate for the permanent Controller role while providing immediate value during a critical post-acquisition period.