Function: Deal Team

Interim CFOs – Why Use Them?

September 19, 2022 Leeanna Nelson

Interim CFOs are a powerful resource that can be used in a wide array of ways.

In this video, BluWave’s Founder & CEO, Sean Mooney, and Managing Director, Houston Slatton, discuss some of the most common uses of interim CFOs and the benefits to both the PE firm and the portfolio company.

You can learn more about the finance resources we have, including interim CFOs, FP&A experts, and more here.

Video Transcript

Sean Mooney, Founder & CEO: Hi, my name is Sean Mooney. I’m the founder and CEO of BluWave. I’m joined here today by my colleague, Houston Slatton. Today we’re going to discuss one of the most popular use cases in the BluWave toolbox, interim CFOs.

So Houston, how does your team know who’s really good and what’s needed for a private equity grade interim CFO to exceed the standards of a private equity firm?

Houston Slatton, Managing Director: Sure, yeah, it’s a great question, Sean.

First, we’ve got dedicated research teams that are constantly mapping these markets to know who’s really good, know where they’re really good, and know what their specialties are.

Secondly, we use frameworks that you developed over your time in private equity, Sean, to be able to assess them and rate them against particular skills and capabilities, but through thousands of iterations, we’ve been able to take those and take them to the next level and beyond (check out our post that covers the five things to consider when hiring an interim CFO here).

SM: I think you guys have done a great job at that. Candidly, I was pretty good at it. I could do it but I was the king of brute force and it was a craft project every single time, and so what I think you guys have done a great job is through seeing it and doing it over and over and over again, developing these tightly owned processes for assessing who’s really, really excellent at things. I think you’ve done a great job. What do you think about next in terms of other things that you do?

HS: One, we vet them specifically for every opportunity. We want them to give us the “heck, yes,” or “no,” which means really we want them to be self-aware and only tell us it’s a good fit if it really is if it’s a 10 out of 10 project. They’re proud to be in our network, so we get that honesty, but then we also hold them accountable as well, by working with our clients to collect that feedback along the way at the end of projects, to hold them accountable and make sure they’re great.

SM: I think that’s a really powerful part of what we do, is this whole circle of trust. People who are invited into this network are proud to be in it, and they do everything they can to be excellent over and over and over again because it supports their success, and our clients’ success, in this symbiotic fashion. That’s great.

Through what you’ve seen in our client base, Houston, what are some of the ways that people are using interim CFOs?

HS: Sure. I guess one of the top ones is just the unanticipated departure. When a CFO may leave for any number of reasons, it’s great to bring somebody in that can keep their hands on the wheel, keep things moving quickly and continue to make sure the company’s producing at an excellent level.

We also see a lot of groups that need somebody to come in once a deal closes to do what we call professionalize the finance function, get the right monthly reporting packages in place, make sure that the PE firm is getting the information it needs, do any conversions, transformations, things like that to make sure that the finance function of the portfolio company is really up to private equity grade.

SM: Yep, and I think that’s a great emerging use of this resource in that they not only can get things done faster with more speed and certainty, but they get to show, particularly newer CEOs and CFOs, what really good looks like at the private equity standard when a new deal kicks off? What about on the other side of the equation?

HS: As PE firms start to think about selling a company, CFOs have a lot on their plates already, and so we’ve had clients who will bring in an interim CEO or an FP&A resource that can help respond to diligence requests, assess data, pull reports, and allow the full-time employees of the company to keep things moving while keeping the sale process moving without delay.

SM: Yep. I think that is one of the other really surging use cases for interim CFOs or FP&A professionals. The modern-day M&A process is fast and furious, and the second you have to hit pause you can see valuations decline. Our best clients right now are using that so they can run at a really fast pace and not lose momentum during a sales process, so I think that’s another great thing to think about for this type of really excellent professional.

HS: Sure.

SM: I think those are some great insights around a tool that’s been around for a long time in private equity, but is being used in different ways. One of the things that I’ve learned probably most since moving from private equity to BluWave is that experience and velocity and laps around the track really, really matter. When I was in private equity, I would do things episodically and it was hard to become an expert at them.

At BluWave we’re doing things thousands and thousands of time for the very best private equity firms. We have the highest standards in the world and that helps us become increasingly better and better and better every day, and it’s gotten to the point where we’re trusted by more than 500 of the world’s top private equity firms to help connect them with the very best third parties, who we’re very proud to work with as well.

If you’d like to learn more about BluWave and how we can help you, please feel free to reach out to Houston or any member of the team or me, and we’d be happy to do anything we can to help give you just a little more excellence, a little more alpha with ease, in a way that’s supportive of your success. Thank you very much.

Interim CFO: When and Why You Might Need One

September 16, 2022 Leeanna Nelson

When is an interim CFO needed?

Many businesses find themselves in a situation where they need to hire an interim CFO. This can be for a number of reasons, but it is most often due to a sudden change or growth in the company. If you are considering hiring an interim CFO, there are a few things you should know. In this blog post, we will discuss when and why you might need an interim chief financial officer, and we will also provide some tips on how to go about finding the right one for your business.

As your business grows, you will likely find yourself in need of more financial assistance. If your current chief financial officer is not able to keep up with the demands of the job, you may want to consider hiring an interim CFO. An interim CFO can help take some of the pressure off of your current team, and he or she can also provide valuable insights during a time of transition.

There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring an interim CFO. First, you will want to make sure that the individual has experience working with businesses that are similar to yours in size and scope. Additionally, you will want to find someone who is comfortable working on a short-term basis and who is open to being flexible with his or her schedule.

If you are considering hiring an interim CFO, we are here to help. We have a deep pool of interim CFO resources in our invitation-only network. We pride ourselves on our ability to match you with the exact-fit interim chief financial officer you need when you need them. You can learn more about our interim CFOs – including case studies, how-tos, videos, guides, and thought leadership here.

Key things to consider when hiring an interim CFO

  1. Flexibility: When hiring an interim CFO, it is important to remember that this is a short-term solution. As such, you will want to make sure that the individual you hire is someone who is comfortable working on a short-term basis and who is open to being flexible with his or her schedule.
  2. Speed: The head of finance is a mission-critical role for the business and it is a seat you do not want to leave open for any longer than you need. It is imperative that you find someone who can step into the role that aligns with your needs.
  3. Budget: There is a wide range of rates for interim finance executives. Find a resource that fits within your budget.
  4. Similar experience: You will want to find someone who has experience working with businesses that are similar to yours in size and scope.
  5. Cultural fit: Company culture is core to your business. Ensure this is accounted for in your interviewing process.

What about a fractional CFO?

If you are not sure where to start your search for an interim chief financial officer, you may want to consider using a fractional CFO service. Fractional CFO services can provide you with access to experienced professionals on a part-time basis. This can be a great option if you are not ready to commit to hiring a full-time CFO.

We connect you with the third-party resources you need

No matter what route you decide to take, it is important to remember that the goal is to find someone who can help your business during this time of transition. An experienced interim CFO can be a valuable asset to any business.

We connect you with the exact resource you need. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help if you feel like your company is in need. You can learn more about our interim CFO offering here or you can connect with a member of our team here to get started.

PE VP Forum Recap | September 2022

September 16, 2022 Delaney Walker

Every quarter we gather Vice Presidents in PE to discuss current industry topics and to offer these peers the chance to gather, share information, and decompress with one another. In our most recent event, we discussed how VPs are putting plans and resources in place in the face of a recession as well as how different firms are recruiting and optimizing associate talent.

These forums are invite-only and follow Chatham House Rules, so listed below are high-level takeaways only. If you are a private equity vice president and interested in joining fellow PE VPs during our next forum, you can register here.

Putting plans and resources in place in the face of a recession:

  • PE firms are looking inward at their portfolio to put together concrete gameplans that will help their portfolio companies not only survive but thrive as conditions change.
  • Gameplans vary depending on portco sectors and the stage of the hold period, but firms are ultimately looking for quick wins on their value creation roadmap.
  • PE firms are making strategic planning a priority with portcos.
  • Getting the right people in place remains a top priority. BluWave has seen this firsthand through clients’ increased need for organizational effectiveness groups & interim CFOs.
  • Add-ons are top of mind for PE firms, and they are staying prepared to pursue them if/when the opportunities arise.

Recruiting and optimizing associate talent:

  • Tight labor markets have made hiring PE associates difficult, so firms are shifting tactics to competitively recruit talent and implement training programs that will help them quickly become contributing investment professionals.
  • PE firms are starting to travel to meet candidates in their respective cities vs. relying on candidates to come to them.
  • PE firms are looking for innovative ways to accelerate and streamline the hiring cycle.
  • Some PE firms are experimenting with tapping non-traditional candidates outside of investment banking.

We thoroughly enjoyed getting to gather with PE VPs to discuss these current industry hot topics. We’d be happy to connect you to the PE-grade, exact-fit, third-party resources you need to assist you in this pressurized market, just contact us here.

Learn more about how we can specifically help Deal Quarterbacks here.

Instant solution for specific IT due diligence need

PE firm needs IT due diligence provider to assess target company

A managing director came to us with a critical need for an IT due diligence provider to assess a target company in the manufacturing industry. The portfolio company was a multi-site signage company focused on design, project management, and manufacturing. The managing director needed a provider located in the southeast who could assess scalability and risk with industry-specific technology while also having excelled in prior work with PE firms.

BluWave identifies IT diligence provider with specific manufacturing knowledge

Leveraging our founder’s 20 years in private equity, we have extensive frameworks for assessing PE-grade IT diligence needs. BluWave utilizes technology, data, and human ingenuity to pre-map, assess, monitor, and maintain deep pools of IT diligence providers that uniquely meet the private equity standard. We interviewed the PE firm to understand their specific key criteria, and then connected the client with the select pre-vetted service provider from our invitation-only Intelligent Network that fit their exacting needs.

Firm uses diligence provider to properly evaluate target company

Within less than 24 hours of the initial scoping call, the PE firm was introduced to the exact fit, PE-grade diligence provider that specialized in assessing manufacturing-related technology. The client engaged the provider we presented them with and was able to confidently evaluate the target company and gain the insights they needed.

How to find the right-fit interim CFO for your growing business

September 15, 2022 Sean Mooney

I get asked a lot of questions about how to build a business, and how to do it with as few headaches as possible. Not that I’ve totally figured it out, but I’ve certainly made my fair share of missteps and gratefully have learned something along the way. From investing, to hiring, to reducing headcount, to managing the ups and downs of an economic recovery period—one thing remains unchanged: leadership matters. And if you’re talking about key leadership positions, the one that companies most often get wrong is the CFO. 

Why? Well, the answers are as varied as the reasons they fail, but it generally has to do with asking the right questions from the beginning. In other words, the interview process is often to blame.  

I wrote an article for CFO Magazine about “hiring the right interim CFO” and how to ensure you set your company up for success when it comes to hiring one of the most important positions. Whether you are looking for an interim CFO (who can move into a full-time position) or looking for a full-time financial executive, here are some things you should know before you greenlight your new hire:

8 Things To Know Before Hiring An Interim CFO

 

  1. If you are a PE-owned company and need to bring in a short-term finance chief, find someone who has worked for a PE-backed company before. 
  2. The interim executive needs to have a track record of wins. That generally means a significant tenure at multiple companies. 
  3. Find someone with industry experience, because it’s much easier to stand at the finance helm of a manufacturing, healthcare, IT, or services company if you’ve done it before. 
  4. Similarly, the interim CFO should have experience working for a company of similar size and scale. 
  5. It’s not enough to understand the numbers (sales, revenue, overhead) — you need someone who understands what the numbers mean. 
  6. For the best results, find a pro who has a high IQ and a high EQ (emotional intelligence), because the interim CFO needs to quickly gain favor from others in the organization to gather information and build a story around the numbers.
  7. Be sure to have conversations with key stakeholders in a candidate’s prior roles. Choose the references; do not use the references the candidate gives. 
  8. While enthusiasm is a wonderful aspect of a new leader, a short-term executive should have a stabilizing effect, not a disruptive one.

For more details and to read the full article in CFO Magazine, click here. 

Interested in connecting with a CFO or interim CFO in our network? Contact our head of sales, Scott Bellinger, here.

Buyside M&A Advisory Firm Needed to Assess Target

VP needs buyside M&A advisory firm in healthcare sector

A LMM VP was looking to complete a critical buyside search and came to us looking for the top buyside M&A advisory firm. Having already explored their investment thesis for the past nearly nine months on a healthcare practice, they were looking for an expert in this sector. Their criteria included specific, deep PE experience and a preferable Midwest location. Since the PE firm was just beginning to fundraise, they were looking to begin working with this resource within the next week.

 

Measuring against specific criteria, BluWave identifies exact-fit M&A advisory firm

Leveraging our founder’s 20 years in private equity, we have extensive frameworks for assessing PE-grade buyside M&A needs. BluWave utilizes technology, data, and human ingenuity to pre-map, assess, monitor, and maintain deep pools of buyside M&A advisory firms that uniquely meet the private equity standard. We interviewed the PE firm to understand their specific key criteria, and then connected the client with the select BluWave-vetted buyside M&A advisory firm from our invitation-only Business Builders’ Network that fit their exacting needs.

 

Firm engages with the PE-grade, industry specific provider

Within the same day of the request, the PE firm was introduced to a buyside M&A advisor firm that was an exact-fit service provider. Specializing in healthcare, this service provider had deep sector and PE experience. The client engaged with the provider and they were able to complete a market study on the target, in addition to advising the client on their investment thesis.

 

Voice of Customer diligence needed for acquisition target

Managing director needs Voice of Customer research for target company

A middle-market PE firm Managing Director needed to perform Voice of Customer (VoC) research on an acquisition target that specialized in the SaaS space. Having just signed exclusivity on the potential new platform, time was of the essence and the firm wanted to quickly engage a consultant that specialized in B2B aggregate customer feedback. The PE firm had two weeks to complete this diligence work due to the LOI timeline.

BluWave identifies two pre-vetted, PE-grade providers

Leveraging our founder’s 20 years in private equity, we have extensive frameworks for assessing PE-grade VoC needs. BluWave utilizes technology, data, and human ingenuity to pre-map, assess, monitor, and maintain deep pools of VoC consultants that uniquely meet the private equity standard. We interviewed the PE firm to understand their specific key criteria, and then connected the client with the select BluWave-vetted VoC consultants from our invitation-only Intelligent Marketplace that fit their exacting needs.

Connecting to an exact-fit VoC Consultant, the research could begin immediately

On the same day the PE firm initially reached out, they were introduced to two exact-fit, BluWave-vetted VoC consultants that we had identified in meeting their exact PE, SaaS, and B2B experience criteria. The client selected their ideal choice and was able to immediately begin the VoC work with identifying which customers to interview, ensuring it represented a broad spectrum, and advising on the customer interview questions. The service provider was able complete the VoC research within the PE firm’s tight deadline.

Immediate HR diligence provider needed

PE firm has critical need for HR diligence provider for target company

A middle market PE firm partner approached us with an immediate HR diligence need for a software-based portfolio company that they had under LOI. The PE firm wanted to take their typical HR diligence efforts to the next level and were looking for a group that could look at the available HR information in the target’s data room, summarize weaknesses and gaps, identify any existing employment issues, and more. There was no formal HR team currently in place, and the PE firm was eager to have a team not only dig around and make recommendations pre-close, but also be able to come in and fix the gaps they identified post-close.

BluWave identifies PE-grade diligence group specialized in software companies

Leveraging our founder’s 20 years in private equity, we have extensive frameworks for assessing PE-grade HR diligence needs. BluWave utilizes technology, data, and human ingenuity to pre-map, assess, monitor, and maintain deep pools of providers that uniquely meet the private equity standard. We interviewed the PE firm to understand their specific key criteria, and then connected the client with the select BluWave-vetted specialized HR diligence providers from our invitation-only Intelligent Marketplace that fit their exacting needs.

Firm confidently engages with provider, gaining insight into target company

Within 48 hours of the request, we introduced the PE firm to an exact-fit service provider that specialized in performing HR diligence for PE firms evaluating software companies. The client quickly engaged the provider who was able to begin the diligence work within the next week. Thanks to their exact-fit background, the service provider was able to quickly gain meaningful insight into the company’s HR practices that gave the PE firm the information they needed to be confident in moving forward with the transaction.

Big Data Analytics Consultant Critically Needed

Urgent data analysis needed to evaluate portfolio company

A LMM VP came to us with an urgent big data analytics need for a technology-focused portfolio company that they were evaluating. The PE firm recently retained access to some of the target’s transactional data sets and the size of them was overwhelming. They needed an expert with a strong analytics and B2B background that could take the data and create cohort analyses from it. With LOIs due in one week, they urgently needed a consultant that they could connect with pre-LOI so the consultant could then hit the ground running post-LOI.

BluWave has pre-vetted analytics consultant specialized in diligence

Leveraging our founder’s 20 years in private equity, we have extensive frameworks for assessing PE-grade big data and analytics needs. BluWave utilizes technology, data, and human ingenuity to pre-map, assess, monitor, and maintain deep pools of analytics consultants that uniquely meet the private equity standard. We interviewed the PE firm to understand their specific key criteria, and then connected the client with the select pre-vetted specialized consultant from our invitation-only Business Builders’ Network that fit their exacting needs.

Firm engages exact-fit data analytics consultant to immediately start project

Within the same day of the request, the PE firm was introduced to an exact-fit provider that specializes in analytics consulting during diligence. The client was engaged and was able to start the project immediately post-LOI. The provider was able to dedicate their resources to create a systematic method of creating meaningful analyses from the data sets and ultimately provide the client with the exact insight they needed.