Let’s talk about the CFO role and how much it’s changed.

If you’re a senior finance leader either already in Private Equity or thinking about making that move, you’ve probably noticed it too. The expectations are different now. PE firms are looking for something more.

It’s not just about controlling costs or tightening reporting lines anymore. The CFO is now expected to drive real transformation. The kind that increases EBITDA, sets a business up for scale, and ultimately supports a clean and profitable exit.

In short, many of the CFOs I speak to are being asked to operate more like CTOs. And this shift is happening fast.

So what’s really driving this change?

Well, deal timelines are stretched. Exits are trickier to pull off. And value creation has moved from financial engineering to genuine operational improvement.

That’s where you come in.

Private Equity firms want CFOs who can lead ERP rollouts. Who understand automation. Who know what it takes to build a finance function that’s fit for purpose in a business that’s scaling.

And it’s not just about knowing the tools. It’s about using them to make better decisions, faster.

You’ll be expected to translate data into action. Lead through complexity. Be commercially-minded and tech-savvy. But just as important, you’ll need to bring the people with you.

What I’m hearing from PE firms right now

Many of the investors and portfolio CEOs I work with are saying things like:

“We need someone who’s done this before, who’s implemented systems, not just managed spreadsheets.”

“We want a finance leader who’s thinking about how tech can speed up reporting, unlock insights, and support growth.”

“We don’t have time for a learning curve. We need someone who’s been in the trenches, who can hit the ground running.”

If this sounds like you, you’re in a great place to add serious value. And if it doesn’t sound like you yet, but you’re keen to move in this direction, there are steps you can take.

So if you’re exploring a move into PE-backed business

First, think about the tech and transformation story you can tell.

Have you led or supported an ERP implementation? Have you worked closely with operations or sales to make budgeting more agile? Have you used data to influence board-level decisions?

These are the kinds of experiences PE investors want to hear about. They want to know you understand how finance can enable scale, not just control spend.

If you’ve got experience improving cash flow, managing post-deal integration, or helping prepare for an exit, that’s going to resonate too.

Final thoughts

The best CFOs I’m working with right now are the ones who balance the technical with the commercial. They understand systems and data but they also know how to build trust with founders, align with investors, and lead teams through change.

Private Equity wants leaders who can take the pressure, manage complexity, and create clarity. If that sounds like your kind of challenge, I’d love to chat.

Drop me a message or email me directly at lawrence.moroney@stantonhouse.com. Even if you’re just starting to think about a move, it’s worth having the conversation.

Download our Private Equity Salary Guide

Inside, you’ll discover:

2025 Predictions: We offer insights into trends shaping the market for senior finance professionals within Private Equity, including deal flow and exists, skills in demand, and diversity hiring.

Candidate & Employer Insights: We explore the changing priorities of both candidates and employers within Private Equity, covering everything from transitioning into the sector, salary expectations, and landing a senior role.

Salary Tables: Annual base salary ranges for permanent and FTC roles, as well as day-rate ranges for interim positions, according to company size.