PE-Backed Portfolio Companies
Finance professionalization
for the hold period.
Most PE-backed portfolio companies need a senior finance leader immediately after acquisition. A full-time CFO hire takes 6 to 12 months. ClearPoint fills that gap — operational within days, purpose-built for the PE operating model.
The Problem
Every PE acquisition creates the same finance gap
The seller ran a lean operation. The PE firm needs institutional-grade finance infrastructure. The gap between those two states has to be closed quickly — and it cannot wait for a full-time hire.
The 100-day clock is already running
Post-acquisition, the finance function needs to be operational before the first board meeting. Most portfolio companies do not have the infrastructure in place.
No management reporting exists
The seller ran the business off QuickBooks and a spreadsheet. The PE firm needs KPI dashboards, board packages, and lender covenant tracking — none of which exist.
The full-time CFO hire is 6 to 12 months away
Recruiting a full-time CFO at the right level takes time. In the interim, the finance function cannot be left unmanaged.
The operator does not have bandwidth
The operating partner or deal team member cannot run the finance function alongside their other portfolio responsibilities. They need a dedicated resource.
Why Fractional
The right model for the hold period
A fractional CFO is not a compromise. For most portfolio companies in the $5M to $50M revenue range, it is the correct operating model for the first 12 to 24 months post-acquisition.
Immediate availability
A fractional CFO can be engaged and operational within days, not months. No recruiting process, no onboarding lag.
PE-native experience
Built for the PE operating model — board reporting, lender relationships, value creation plan alignment, and exit preparation.
Right-sized cost
At $8,000 to $15,000 per month, a fractional CFO costs a fraction of a full-time hire and can be scaled up or down as the company grows.
Transition-ready
When the company is ready for a full-time CFO, the fractional CFO has already built the infrastructure and can support a clean handoff.
What Gets Built
The 100-day finance build
Every engagement starts with a structured 100-day plan. Here is what gets delivered.
Finance function assessment and quick wins
- Audit of existing accounting, reporting, and controls infrastructure
- Identification of immediate gaps and risks
- Relationship established with the accounting team and external accountants
- First management report delivered to the board
Reporting infrastructure build
- KPI dashboard designed and populated with historical data
- Monthly close process standardized and documented
- Board package template built and delivered
- Lender covenant tracking established if applicable
Strategic finance integration
- Annual operating plan or budget process initiated
- Cash flow forecasting model built
- Value creation plan financial model aligned with PE firm's thesis
- Full-time CFO search criteria defined and search initiated if needed
Who This Is For
The right fit for this engagement
Strong fit
- PE-backed portfolio company at $5M to $75M revenue
- Post-acquisition, within the first 12 months of the hold period
- Finance function needs to be built or professionalized
- Full-time CFO hire is 6 to 18 months away
- Operating partner or deal team needs a reliable finance resource
- Board reporting and lender covenant tracking are immediate needs
Not the right fit
- Companies below $2M revenue without institutional backing
- Situations where a full-time CFO is already in place
- Short-term project work without ongoing engagement potential
- Companies that need a bookkeeper or controller, not a CFO
Next Step
Start with the Acquisition Roadmap
The Acquisition Roadmap is a diagnostic that evaluates the finance function across 7 dimensions and delivers a prioritized build plan within 48 hours. It is the fastest way to assess fit and scope before committing to an engagement.
Reviewed personally by Eric. Delivered within 48 hours.