Today’s Private Equity CFO: Shifting the Focus from Technology to Data

This article is part of ACG’s series for executives at private equity-backed companies, sponsored by RSM US LLP, a leading accounting, tax and advisory firm dedicated to the middle market. The article originally appeared on RSM’s website.

Never lose sight of the PE’s value proposition, which is all-around the numbers. As the CFO, you have to get at the information that allows you to analyze and measure, and do it quickly. Having trusted, reliable data is the most important thing.

Shari Franklin
Director, RSM

During the pandemic, the chief financial officer’s office has been integral to business survival—holding the line on costs amid increasingly tightening margins. Faced with cash flow and liquidity challenges, CFOs in private equity portfolio companies became laser-focused on tightening their belts while helping to pivot the business to navigate the rapidly changing economic landscape.