Private Equity - Portfolio Finance - Technology

The firm have over 20 active investments, with over £120m deployed, and a good runway for additional investmetns - their focus is heavily within Technology, specifically early stage, high growth entities

The investment team are hands-on with the portfolio businesses, and this approach fosters a collaborative and high performing environment to ensure value is created and maximised. This role will form an integral part of the team, working closely with the relevant Investment Directors providing them with relevant data and financial insights to ensure that financial MI  is up-to-date as well as acting as a proactive sounding board both internally as well as for the portfolio. 

The person in this role will have the opportunity to input into investment selection and diligence, will work with portfolio CFO/FDs to develop robust finance functions with strong systems use and KPI management, and will hold a network of bank and lending relationships for support of the portfolio when appropriate.

The right person for this role will be an excellent communicator, be details oriented, have clear views on how financial reporting can best be used to steer quality decision making, be adept at systems and expert at Excel. 

Role and Responsibilities:

Pre-investment and at the point of investment

• Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the finance functions within potential investments to ensure that the growth plans include realistic capital allocations to the ongoing development of the finance team.
• Working with the transaction lead and investee management team to agree and implement KPI reporting for the business, and the tracking of these through appropriate MI.

Post investment

• Work with portfolio company finance functions to guide them through typical scale-up challenges (when and what to outsource / insource, systems, personnel etc).
• Monitor monthly management accounts from a financial perspective, with a pro-active and assertive approach to driving change where necessary.
• Retain a particular focus on current and projected cash levels at portfolio companies, being proactive and assertive where cash planning is unrealistic and protective measures or fundraising plans need to be put in place.

Portfolio Monitoring

• Run the internal reporting framework for relevant portfolio companies, in order to allow rapid decision making and a clear view of portfolio company performance versus plan, bringing a passion for clear communication (through words, analysis and visualisation).
• Work with portfolio company finance teams to continually upgrade MI. This is focussed on helping management (and us) take strategic decisions, and on building value within portfolio companies.

Experience Sought

• Recognised accounting qualification with a minimum of 5/6 years relevant PQE
• Comfort with systems use, with a passion for data analysis and the presentation of that analysis to support decision making
• Experience at a reputable professional services firm, working with SaaS and technology businesses
• Experience within a SaaS or technology business in a mainstream finance or FP&A role, with a clear view of the cash management nuances generated by an ARR focussed business
• Experience at developing and improving the structure and format of management information, with a focus on the clear presentation of data to support strategic decision making. 
• Forensic approach to management account scrutiny with a strong focus on cash management
• Excellent communication skills including formal report writing and an adaptable conversational manner (engaging with FCs, FDs and CFOs across a wide range of company sizes and sectors)
• Collaborative, open approach, with a desire to contribute to wider team success and be an integral part of a high-performance business unit