Role Overview for Head of FP&A with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner exclusively with a premier, growth-oriented Private Equity group in their search for a strategic and results-driven Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). Based in the vibrant financial hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, our client is a distinguished middle-market firm with a multi-billion dollar portfolio and a track record of success in transforming businesses across various sectors. This is a newly created position, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), designed to build a world-class FP&A function that will serve as a critical pillar for value creation across both the management company and its diverse portfolio companies.
The Head of FP&A will be more than a traditional finance leader; they will be a strategic business partner to the firm’s investment professionals, portfolio company leadership, and senior management. This individual will be instrumental in driving financial discipline, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making through insightful analysis, robust forecasting, and sophisticated financial modeling. You will have the unique opportunity to build the function from the ground up, establishing the processes, systems, and team necessary to provide actionable intelligence that directly impacts investment outcomes. This role requires a dynamic leader who can seamlessly transition between high-level strategic discussions with partners and hands-on, detailed analytical work. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the private equity landscape, a passion for driving performance, and the executive presence to influence key stakeholders. This is a career-defining opportunity to make a significant impact within a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating, and highly rewarding environment.
Key Responsibilities of Head of FP&A with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
The Head of FP&A will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities are categorized below:
Portfolio Company Performance & Oversight:
- Act as the primary finance liaison between the PE firm and its portfolio companies, fostering strong relationships with portfolio CFOs and their teams.
- Standardize and enhance financial reporting frameworks across the portfolio, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timeliness of data for monthly and quarterly performance reviews.
- Lead the annual budgeting and long-range strategic planning processes for all portfolio companies, challenging assumptions and driving for ambitious yet achievable targets.
- Develop and implement a robust set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor operational and financial health, providing deep-dive analysis on variances and trends.
- Partner with deal teams and portfolio leadership to identify and execute on value creation opportunities, including operational improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and strategic capital allocation.
- Analyze portfolio company cash flow forecasts, liquidity, and debt covenants to ensure financial stability and support strategic growth initiatives.
Firm-Level & Fund Financial Management:
- Develop, manage, and own the annual budget, quarterly forecasts, and long-term financial model for the private equity management company itself.
- Provide insightful analysis on firm profitability, operational expenses, and resource allocation to the firm’s senior partners.
- Collaborate with the fund accounting team to develop and maintain sophisticated fund-level models, forecasting capital calls, distributions, and overall fund performance metrics (IRR, MOIC, DPI).
- Support investor relations and fundraising activities by providing detailed financial analysis, performance attribution, and data for investor reporting and marketing materials.
New Investment Support & Due Diligence:
- Collaborate closely with the investment team during the due diligence process for potential acquisitions, providing rigorous analysis of target company financial models, quality of earnings, and growth projections.
- Assist in the creation of complex Leveraged Buyout (LBO) models and valuation analyses to support investment decisions.
- Play a key role in post-acquisition integration, helping to establish the financial reporting and planning infrastructure for newly acquired portfolio companies.
Leadership, Systems & Process Improvement:
- Recruit, train, and mentor a high-caliber FP&A team, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and collaborative partnership.
- Lead the evaluation and implementation of cutting-edge financial planning and business intelligence (BI) tools to enhance analytical capabilities and drive efficiency.
- Champion the use of data analytics to uncover insights and promote best-in-class value creation strategies across the portfolio.
- Continuously refine and document FP&A processes and methodologies to ensure scalability and best practices.
Requirements for the Head of FP&A with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of success in demanding, high-growth environments. The qualifications below are essential for success in this role:
Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in finance, with a significant portion (5+ years) spent in a leadership role within financial planning and analysis.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience working within a private equity firm is mandatory. Additional experience as a finance leader within a PE-backed portfolio company is highly advantageous.
Technical Skills
Expert-level proficiency in complex financial modeling, including three-statement models, LBOs, discounted cash flow (DCF), and returns analysis. Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills are required.
Analytical Acumen
A deep understanding of corporate finance, GAAP accounting principles, and financial statement analysis. Must possess an exceptional ability to distill complex financial data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for an executive audience.
Leadership & Communication
Proven experience building and leading high-performing teams. Must have outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the executive presence to effectively advise and influence senior partners, deal teams, and portfolio company management.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and commercially, connecting financial details to the broader business objectives and market dynamics.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related quantitative field is required. An MBA from a top-tier business school and/or professional certifications such as CFA or CPA are strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Highly Competitive Compensation
A compelling package including a significant base salary and a performance-based annual bonus structure that reflects individual and firm success.
Long-Term Incentive
Meaningful participation in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing a direct stake in the success of the funds.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and comprehensive parental leave.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and continuing education courses.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Charlotte area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a driven and experienced FP&A leader with a passion for private equity and a desire to make a tangible impact, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.
For more information about roles like this, please visit the JRG Partners’ Accounting & Finance practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
