Private Equity Finance Careers: What You Need to Know Before Making the Move
About Private Equity Finance Roles
Private Equity-backed businesses demand finance leaders who can move fast, drive measurable value and thrive in high-accountability environments. If you’re a finance professional looking to break into PE — or progress within it — understanding the expectations, pace and requirements is crucial.
We support candidates into senior roles across PE Funds and portfolio companies, including:
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CFO
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Finance Director
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Group Financial Controller
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FP&A
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Commercial Finance
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M&A (buy-side and exit readiness)
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Financial & Statutory Accounting
Our focus is helping you navigate the PE landscape, understand what firms look for, and position yourself for success in high-growth, high-impact opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of finance roles are available in the Private Equity sector?
There are opportunities for CFOs, FDs, Financial Controllers, FP&A leaders, Commercial Finance managers, M&A specialists, Value Creation professionals and transformation-focused finance leaders.
2. What skills do I need to succeed in a PE-backed environment?
PE environments require:
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exceptional financial control and accuracy
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commercial mindset and ability to influence
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pace, resilience and comfort with ambiguity
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confidence handling board-level scrutiny
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experience delivering measurable value quickly
If you enjoy driving outcomes, PE is a strong fit.
3. How is working in a PE-backed company different from traditional finance roles?
Compared to corporate roles, PE careers offer:
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faster decision-making
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high visibility and accountability
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more influence on strategy
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urgent value creation targets
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exposure to M&A, growth, turnaround or exit cycles
It’s challenging — but highly rewarding and career-accelerating.
4. Do I need previous Private Equity experience to secure a PE role?
No. Many successful PE-backed finance leaders come from:
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high-growth SMEs
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FTSE/FMCG backgrounds
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audit and practice (especially Big 4)
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corporate finance
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transformation programmes
What matters most is mindset, pace and commerciality.
5. What do PE firms and portfolio companies look for in candidates?
The most valued qualities include:
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proven track record of delivering outcomes
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commercial decision-making
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leadership style that balances pace with control
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strong stakeholder management
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experience improving reporting, systems or processes
We can help you position your CV to highlight these strengths.
6. How can I prepare for interviews with PE-backed companies?
Preparation should include:
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understanding cash, working capital and value drivers
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being ready to talk ROI and metrics
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examples of transformation or improvement
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demonstrating pace, resilience and adaptability
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preparing questions around PE strategy, investment horizon and priorities
We offer tailored interview preparation to help you stand out.
7. How can Stanton House help me secure a role in Private Equity?
We work directly with:
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PE Funds hiring finance and value creation leaders
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Portfolio companies undergoing growth, transformation or exit preparation
We support you with:
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advice on CV positioning
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interview preparation
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insight into PE expectations
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exclusive access to high-impact roles