Time-Critical Finance: Steering PE Planning Through a Year-End Crunch

Client Overview

Our client is a private equity firm with over $3.5 billion in assets under management, focused on partnering with exceptional teams to build market-leading essential services businesses. With a long-term investment philosophy and operationally focused approach, the firm supports strong, resilient companies in sectors like infrastructure services, industrial services, and business services. Known for its collaborative, hands-on partnership style, the firm provides both capital and strategic guidance to accelerate growth and enhance long-term enterprise value across its portfolio.

The Challenge / Mandate

One of our client’s newly acquired portfolio companies required an Interim FP&A resource to lead the annual planning and budgeting process through year-end. The engagement focused on supporting the CEO by building the FY24 budget model, managing scenario planning, and preparing Board-facing presentation materials. The role required immediate start and fast ramp-up due to a compressed timeline heading into the holiday season.

Search Strategy

The search targeted experienced FP&A professionals with a track record of success in private equity-backed environments. Key criteria included:
FP&A Expertise: Proven ability to design and build integrated financial models, lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, and synthesize insights into actionable plans.

• Private Equity Experience: Strong understanding of the reporting cadence, performance metrics, and stakeholder expectations typical in sponsor-backed settings.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to work directly with CEOs and Boards, translating financial data into strategic recommendations.
• Speed & Adaptability: A self-starter with the ability to operate independently and ramp up quickly in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Technical Skills: Advanced Excel and modeling proficiency, experience with Board-level reporting, and comfort managing multiple planning scenarios.

The search prioritized candidates with strong communication skills, executive presence, and a hands-on orientation toward solving problems and driving performance.

The Placement

The selected consultant is a seasoned corporate finance and FP&A leader with extensive experience in planning, budgeting, and strategy support. With a background in Big 4 public accounting and corporate FP&A, he brings a balance of technical rigor and business insight. He is known for his strong analytical thinking, discretion, and ability to manage deadlines across diverse stakeholders. His experience spans multiple industries, with a focus on creating decision-ready insights for executive teams. In recent years, he has worked as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, building financial models, leading budget processes, and enhancing investor communications.

The Outcome

The consultant quickly integrated with the management team and delivered immediate value. He built a robust budgeting model, managed scenario analyses, and collaborated with the CEO to finalize the fiscal year plan. His work helped prepare the company for Board review and ensured a smooth planning process heading into year-end. The engagement closed with strong sponsor feedback and set the foundation for further FP&A enhancements in the new fiscal year.