What Every PE Leader Should Know About Finance Talent in 2025

Key Insights 

• Demand for skilled Controllers in PE-backed companies far exceeds supply.  

• Finance leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver results fast.  

• Private equity firms are no longer just looking for PE experience.  

• CFO turnover is expected to rise.  

• Hiring finance leaders in PE has become hyper-nuanced.  

The hiring landscape in private equity-backed companies has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years. Expectations for finance talent—particularly Controllers and CFOs—have become significantly more nuanced, with an emphasis on both speed and specialization.  

Todd Shiner, Accounting & Finance Practice Leader at BrainWorks, has seen firsthand how dramatically these roles have evolved—and what today’s PE firms and portfolio companies are truly looking for.  

The Most In-Demand Role Right Now 

Among all roles in accounting and finance within PE-backed companies, Controllers are in the highest demand. The market for skilled PortCo Controllers is extremely tight. In most cases, candidates are juggling multiple opportunities, and their value has risen sharply—reflected in far more aggressive compensation packages than even a year or two ago. 

This shift highlights how critical the Controller role has become. They’re no longer seen as back-office operators—they’re viewed as key contributors to value creation, reporting accuracy, and operational control.  

CFOs are Eyeing the Exit 

COVID-era overvaluations created unrealistic exit expectations for many PE-backed companies. Now, several years later, exits have stalled and so has CFO confidence in long-term payoff.  

As a result, many CFOs are reassessing their positions. If an exit seems unlikely, leaders are increasingly open to making a move—especially if another opportunity offers greater alignment with long-term outcomes.  

Firms that aren’t proactively planning for CFO succession may find themselves reacting to turnover rather than preparing for it.  

A Generic PE Background Isn’t Enough Anymore 

In the past, having private equity experience was often enough to secure a top finance role. Today, that alone won’t get a candidate to the final round. Searches are increasingly precise, down to the tools, systems, and sectors candidates have worked with.  

Firms are now prioritizing:  

• Deep industry-specific experience  

• Proficiency in tools like AI, automation platforms, and ERPs 

• A track record of data transformation and strategic decision-making  

• Experience leading operational transformation  

• The ability to make fast, informed decisions in high-pressure environments  

The bar has risen significantly. Companies want leaders who can step into highly specific roles and make an immediate impact.  

Faster Results Equals Faster Hiring

Speed has always mattered in private equity, but expectations have accelerated dramatically.  

Portfolio companies are now expected to deliver results in weeks, not months, and that mindset has extended into hiring. Many firms are asking recruiters for top-tier candidates within 72 hours.  

The firms that succeed are those working with partners who already know the market and have access to proven talent. At BrainWorks, search processes are designed for speed without sacrificing precision—a key advantage in today’s ultra-competitive hiring environment, as BrainWorks is able to head into the market faster than competitors.  

Today’s Finance Leaders Need More Than Numbers 

The modern CFO or Controller is no longer just a technical expert—they’re expected to be strategists, change agents, and cross-functional leaders.  

PE firms are specifically prioritizing candidates who can:  

• Implement AI-driven processes to accelerate insights  

• Lead teams through financial and operational transformations 

• Drive faster reporting and forecasting cycles  

• Manage cost reduction while improving performance  

• Build culture and lead teams with a high-performance mindset  

In many cases, industry acumen has become a higher priority than other wish list items. If a candidate has relevant sector experience, firms are often willing to compromise elsewhere. 

The accounting and finance landscape in PE-backed companies is more demanding, and more competitive, than ever. Demand for talent far exceeds supply, and the firms that win are those that move quickly, set precise expectations, and work with partners who understand the nuance of private equity.  

Todd Shiner and his team at BrainWorks have a front row seat to these shifts. With deep specialization in accounting and finance recruiting across PE-backed businesses, BrainWorks delivers the speed, precision, and industry understanding that today’s environment requires. Connect with Todd Shiner to drive results fast.