Arun Sadhashivan

🚀 Big News in Private Equity! CVC Capital Partners is setting the stage to go public in Amsterdam this Friday, potentially valuing the firm at a whopping $16 billion! 📈 🌍 This isn't just another IPO! If successful, CVC could become the largest private equity firm to debut on the market since TPG in 2022. Plus, they're poised to rank as Europe’s second most valuable PE firm, right behind EQT Group. 💡 Why It Matters: The journey to this IPO hasn't been smooth—delays from geopolitical tensions have pushed back plans, but CVC is now ready to make waves. This listing could set a new benchmark for the industry and is a key indicator of market strength post-challenges. Stay tuned! 🌐 🔗 For more details on the IPO and CVC's market moves: https://lnkd.in/ey3GNxAe

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The role of a Chief Financial Officer is pivotal in steering a company through times of change and transformation. However, the daily demands of managing a finance function can be overwhelming, leaving little room for strategic thinking and value creation. This is where the concept of hiring an Interim Deputy CFO comes into play, offering a solution to the CFO conundrum. Read our blog to hear the key benefits of hiring an Interim Deputy CFO - https://lnkd.in/gVBCp3JG Jacinta Whelan Donna B. Alex Brown Pip Westhoff Suzanne Mulvihill Madeleine Stuart-Wright Lizzie Wynter #interimcfo #chieffinancialofficer #cfo #finance #interimexecutive #deputycfo #benefits

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These are the 4 key reasons why transfer pricing is a bigger challenge for scale-ups… When you find the right product for your market, and you have enough money to grow quickly, managing transfer pricing becomes more complex. These are the main sources: 1.    Limited resources  2.    Fast changing environment  3.    Operational framework  4.    Data landscape In the new blog, we will discuss these 4 reasons. By the end, you will also have learned how having a strong foundation that addresses these challenges can help you reduce their effects. Link to the blog in the comments 👇  

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⚖ Striking the Balance: The CFO's Dilemma of Speed vs. Accuracy In this article on CFO.University, I delve into a common dilemma faced by Chief Financial Officers (CFOs): the choice between speed and accuracy in decision-making. Let's break down the key points: 😕 The Dilemma: CFOs often find themselves torn between the need for timely decision-making to seize opportunities and the importance of ensuring accuracy to avoid costly mistakes. 🚀 Speed: Rapid decision-making is crucial in today's fast-paced business environment, where agility can provide a competitive edge. Quick responses enable CFOs to capitalize on market trends, seize opportunities, and navigate rapidly changing circumstances. 🎯 Accuracy: On the other hand, maintaining accuracy is essential for mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding the financial health of the organization. Rushed decisions can lead to errors, miscalculations, and unintended consequences that may have long-term repercussions. ⚖ Finding the Balance: Striking the right balance between speed and accuracy is key. CFOs must assess each situation individually, considering factors such as the level of risk, the impact of the decision, and the availability of reliable data. 💻 Technology's Role: Leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics can enhance both speed and accuracy in decision-making processes. Automation streamlines routine tasks, freeing up time for deeper analysis and strategic planning. 👐🏼 Collaboration: Engaging cross-functional teams and seeking input from subject matter experts can provide valuable insights and perspectives, helping CFOs make well-informed decisions more efficiently. This article underscores the critical importance of finding the right balance between speed and accuracy in decision-making for CFOs. By navigating this dilemma effectively, CFOs can drive agility, innovation, and sustainable 📈 growth within their organizations, while 🔒 safeguarding financial integrity and mitigating risks. Find 🔗🔗 links to the article, The CFOs Dilemma: Speed Or Accuracy?, and the Guide to Financial Process Redesign in the first Comment box below Fast. Innovation. Creates. Value. 📚 I am the Founder of and Chief Learning Officer at CFO.University 🏫 CFO.University is a professional development center for CFOs and aspiring CFOs. Our Mission:   Develop world changing finance leaders 🔔   To see more content ring the bell on my profile 🎬 Visit our CFO Talk video series with global experts transforming the role of the CFO, https://lnkd.in/gg6bdZx 📚 Learn more about CFO.University and subscribe to our Newsletter, The Balanced Digest here, https://lnkd.in/gDuvNAZ #cfo #CFOUniversity #SpeedorAccuracy #leadership #cfodevelopment #strategiccfo

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In the quest for corporate success, retaining top talent is not just a strategic advantage—it's a financial necessity. This is especially true in finance, where the costs of turnover can jeopardize the growth and scalability of a company. A recent report from the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) sheds light on talent retention strategies that transcend the accounting sector, offering valuable insights for any company looking to preserve its most valuable asset—its people. Dive into the findings and explore how holistic employee engagement can dramatically impact retention rates. #thedealershipcfo #TalentRetention #FinanceLeadership #Accounting #CPA #EmployeeEngagement #WorkLifeBalance #CorporateGrowth #HumanResources #PICPA #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessStrategy

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Is the CFO becoming the Chief VALUE Officer? ⁉️ Today, joining an offsite event with great finance professionals, I got to discuss the move from CFO (Chief Financial Officer) to CVO (Chief Value Officer). We discussed how the concept of value creation is broadening to cover a more holistic, triple bottom-line perspective. A wider perspective on corporate value creation is something for CFOs to drive and lead - not just a matter of "hushing and washing" as defined below. 🟢Green washing (Environment) Portraying a company’s products or services as more environmentally friendly than they actually are. 🔴Red washing (Social) Presenting a company as more socially responsible, in terms of human rights or social issues, than it truly is. 🔵Blue washing (Governance) Portraying a company as having great governance practices without introducing any real changes or reforms. Let's dare to view value creation more holistically! __ 🤝 We provide CFO Consulting & Interim services. 🆘 Need help in your finance team, reach out! 🔔 To see more of my content, ring the bell on my profile. 👨‍💼 I'm a partner at Business Partnering Institute. #Finance #FinanceBusinessPartner #CFO #FPandA #Controlling #FinancialAnalysis

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You do not become a CFO in a day, but the decisions you make today can save years on the timeline to get there. Are you actively shaping your career path or letting it meander? In today's dynamic business landscape, staying informed about the job market is crucial for ambitious finance professionals aiming for the C-suite. Here's why regularly reviewing opportunities is essential: Industry trends: Stay ahead of emerging skills and technologies in finance. Salary benchmarking: Ensure your compensation aligns with your value. Network expansion: Each application or interview is a chance to build connections. Skill gap identification: Discover areas for professional development. Career trajectory planning: Spot potential stepping stones to reach your CFO goal. Don't let complacency hold you back. The finance leaders of tomorrow are taking action today. What steps are you taking to accelerate your journey to the CFO chair? #CareerGrowth #FinanceLeadership #Accounting #Finance

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When your CFO leaves: relying on an interim CFO for financial stability The departure of a CFO can cause turbulence in a company, and until a new one is hired, it might make sense to bring in an interim CFO. Here is a brief article that discusses this topic. https://lnkd.in/gnpbHrfH

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Solving Private Equity Challenges with Executive Interim Management Private Equity firms encounter a significant hurdle in scaling portfolio company sales departments to drive revenue growth. This challenge demands efficient resource development and process optimization within a limited timeframe. Executive Interim Management emerges as a strategic solution to this dilemma. Key Challenges for Private Equity Firms: Diversification: Private equity firms strive for a predictable revenue stream, often diversifying their portfolios across sectors. However, the emergence of technology-driven businesses presents new opportunities for diversification, prompting PE firms to explore sectors like technology, software, and data. Strategic Partnerships and Profits: Traditionally, PE firms follow a buy-to-sell strategy, but this approach may lack efficiency. Flexible ownership strategies, wherein the firm holds onto a business to fuel growth, offer a more attractive alternative. This strategy appeals to investors and allows for greater control over business outcomes. Efficient Deal Processing: Private equity firms face the challenge of processing numerous deals swiftly and effectively. Leveraging private-equity software for automated customer onboarding, screening, and qualification streamlines the deal selection process. Due Diligence: Thorough due diligence is essential for evaluating investment opportunities and mitigating risks. Private equity firms must assess a target company's financial, legal, and management aspects meticulously. While competition among firms intensifies, maintaining diligence standards remains crucial for making informed investment decisions. Executive Interim Management presents a strategic approach for private equity firms to address challenges effectively. By leveraging interim management expertise, firms can optimize sales processes, navigate diversification opportunities, and conduct thorough due diligence, ultimately driving sustainable growth and maximizing returns on investment. #interimmanagement #executiveinterimmanagement #privateequity #businesstrategy    

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The Strategic Role of Executive Interim Management in Private Equity Private Equity owners often engage Executive Interim Managers when a portfolio company stands before a major transformation. Often, the existing management lacks the necessary skills for the transformation and in these cases, Executive Interim Managers are crucial for implementing operational improvements and aligning management interests with those of shareholders. An interim professional guide the management to adapt to the owner’s vision, identifying shortcomings and opportunities. They enhance financial systems, marketing, operations, and technology, driving organizational change and opening new market opportunities. The Private Equity-sector has evolved from being financially driven to be specialized on strategic investments. With the additional expertise, that Executive Interim Management bring, Private Equity firms can better assess markets and create value. Interims play a pivotal role throughout the investment cycle - from transaction assessment and due diligence to post-deal stabilization and successful exits. Investment in Expertise Interim management is a strategic investment, not just a cost. Professional Interim Managers provide significant value during the preliminary study and implementation phases, as well as during a transformation. They are integrated into the organization, unlike external consultants, and take operational control while retaining crucial knowledge within the business. Ensuring Stability and unbiased leadership Professional Interim Managers bring tested expertise, structure, and clear communication. They embed stability during change, planning for smooth transitions to permanent leadership. Interim Managers can make tough decisions without emotional attachments. Their primary focus is delivering successful outcomes, which builds their reputation and future employment prospects. Flexible Leadership Solutions Executive Interim Managers allow organizations to define and refine leadership roles without committing long-term. As they help onboard permanent managers, they provide continuity and stability during transitions. Executive Interim Managers play a critical role in the Private Equity landscape, offering strategic expertise and operational leadership during pivotal transitions. They enable portfolio companies to navigate complex changes, enhance organizational capabilities, and achieve alignment with shareholder goals. As the Private Equity sector continues to evolve towards strategic investment, the value brought by these interim professionals becomes increasingly indispensable. Investing in Executive Interim Management is not merely a cost but a strategic move that drives growth, stability, and long-term success.   #interimmanagement #privateequity #bestadvice

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🌟 Top 5 Priorities for CFOs in 2024 🌟 Gartner’s latest CFO priorities for 2024 are spot on! Looking forward to discussing these key areas with the finance community and my team in the next few weeks. Leading Transformation Efforts: With 70% of finance transformations moving slower than expected, it's crucial for us to steer these initiatives effectively. Evaluating or Improving Finance Strategy and Design: Over 40% of finance roles will be new or significantly reshaped by 2025. Enhancing Finance Metrics, Insights, and Storytelling: We must improve how finance communicates its impact. Driving Change Management: Successful transformation relies heavily on effective change management. Optimizing Costs: Despite increased focus on cost management, 81% of CFOs plan to boost technology investment. Points 1 and 2 didn't surprise me at all. Point 3 was a pleasant surprise - "Self-knowledge is the first step to improvement". I also have high hopes for point 4. Point 5 made me laugh. Are you surprised by any of the points? Which point is your favorite? Is it also point 3? Or are you opting for option 5 and requiring your colleagues to reduce expenditure? Sandra Küst Maurice Henry Büttgenbach Andrej Jurga Jana Vetrichová I'm excited to see what stories we can tell .... #CFO #FinanceLeadership #DigitalTransformation #FinanceStrategy #CostOptimization #GartnerFinance

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Executive Edge Issue Five: 'The FP&A Hire' In this edition, Harry Hewson explores how FP&A professionals are an essential hire for private equity portfolio companies. "FP&A professionals play a crucial role in driving growth, unlocking value and shaping the company’s narrative,". ---------------- If you're a #cfo currently working in private equity, venture capital (or other investor types), or, you're a business seeking to hire transformational finance talent Camino Search specialises in head-hunting & consulting for investor-backed tech businesses. Globally. #fd #saas #pe #vc

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#KLM #ZeroAvia KLM and electric aviation solutions startup ZeroAvia announced plans for a zero-emissions demonstration flight using hydrogen-electric engines powered by liquid hydrogen. The test flight plans come as a series of initiatives are underway to target rapid aviation sector decarbonization, such as electrified propulsion or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Hydrogen, however, is viewed by some in the industry as a more promising long-term solution, given its potential to be produced through carbon-free methods, and its energy attributes. https://lnkd.in/dSZtA6CF

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#KLM #ZeroAvia KLM and electric aviation solutions startup ZeroAvia announced plans for a zero-emissions demonstration flight using hydrogen-electric engines powered by liquid hydrogen. The test flight plans come as a series of initiatives are underway to target rapid aviation sector decarbonization, such as electrified propulsion or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Hydrogen, however, is viewed by some in the industry as a more promising long-term solution, given its potential to be produced through carbon-free methods, and its energy attributes. https://lnkd.in/dSZtA6CF

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To find the best VP Controllers, CFOs NEED to listen to the Market.  This story explains why: A late-stage startup approached me with a VP Controller search. However there was a slightly unusual reporting structure The VP Controller would report to the Head of Finance instead of the CFO. So I warned them it might present a challenge. (In my experience, VP Controller candidates with more experience want a direct line to the CFO) We agreed to give it a try and see how the market reacted… The first batch of candidates was fine with the reporting structure. But they all proved to be too junior for the role. When I spoke to more senior candidates, they all agreed that the reporting structure was a dealbreaker. So, the CFO had a choice. > Listen to the market, adjust the reporting structure, and quickly hire a great VP Controller. > Ignore the market and be forced to settle for a more junior candidate or wait a long time for somebody more senior. They decided to take the first route. Hiring Managers never make decisions in a vacuum. Listen to what the market is telling you, and listen to your recruitment partner’s guidance about where to compromise (and where to stand firm). If you need some advice, I’m always happy to share my two cents.

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I know a bunch of CFOs who have been CFO for a private-equity backed portfolio company. It's exhilarating, pays well, and frequently gives you an extra bonus if the PE group exits at a good profit. I don't see it as often, but I really think a part-time CFO should be sufficient for a PE-portfolio company, many of which are in the $10-100 million revenue range. In my opinion, anything a full-time CFO can do, a part-time CFO plus a good Controller can do better - or at least as good. Given the challenge of finding good CFOs in this country, do you think we might see a trend toward part-time CFOs in PE-backed portfolio companies?

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10 characteristics of a Modern CFO :

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The Value of a Strong Finance Partner: More Than Numbers In every successful business, behind every big decision, and at the heart of every growth story, there’s a strong finance partner driving strategy and enabling execution. For me, the most rewarding part of being a finance leader is not just managing the numbers but driving the story behind them. Finance is the backbone of every great strategy, and a trusted partner is invaluable in turning vision into reality. Why having a strategic finance partner is essential: 🔍 Turning Data Into Insights: * A great finance leader doesn’t just track numbers—they interpret them. They provide clarity on what’s working, what isn’t, and where to focus resources for maximum impact. 🚀 Fueling Growth Responsibly: * Growth without financial discipline can lead to disaster. A strong finance partner ensures the business scales sustainably, balancing ambition with cash flow and profitability. 🎯 Strategic Decision-Making: * Whether it’s pricing strategies, capital investments, or market expansion, finance plays a critical role in modeling outcomes, assessing risks, and guiding the leadership team to the best decisions. 🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration: * Finance touches every part of the business—from sales to operations to product. A strong finance partner fosters alignment, ensuring every team works toward shared goals with clear visibility into the financial implications. 🛡️ Resilience in Uncertainty: * Markets are volatile, and challenges are inevitable. A strategic finance partner helps businesses navigate uncertainty with scenario planning, risk management, and financial agility. Finance isn’t just about spreadsheets and budgets—it’s about empowering the business to achieve its full potential. How has a strong finance partner made a difference in your business? Let’s share experiences! #FinanceLeadership #BusinessStrategy #Growth #Collaboration #Leadership #BusinessPartner #Finance #Strategy

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CEO's using fractional CFOs from some of the market leading CFO consultancies might be surprised to learn that in some cases they add more than a 60% margin to what they pay the CFO when billing you (i.e. you get to cover all their marketing, admin, profit and brand costs). I have an alternative proposition. If you are currently using one of these high cost fractional CFO services (and currently pay for at least four days a month), come and have a conversation with me. In most cases, for the same monthly cost, I could offer you at least 6 days a month for the same overall cost as the 4 days you are currently getting (likely more if you are at the upper end of their fee schedule). The additional 2 days a month would then cover my getting up to speed with your business (4 days over 2 months), streamlining and automating key finance processes, MI and reporting (say 6 days), and subsequently becoming an active member of the management team - e.g. getting involved in company projects to streamline and automate wider business processes, improve regulatory compliance, getting involved in commercial decision making (contract reviews, new products, pricing, etc.) and working closely with the senior leadership team on wider strategic initiatives, fundraising projects, exit preparation, etc. I am primarily interested in initially engaging with CEOs who are currently paying for at least four days a month, as this makes the overall proposition commercially viable even if it then takes me time to sign up further clients. I am very open to structuring the engagement as a part time employment role, rather than a contract if this better serves your needs (e.g. you are a fintech who needs your CFO to be approved by the FCA).  I have extensive experience in the following sectors - tech, fintech, financial services and professional services (e.g. consultancy companies). If you are a CEO who is interested in discussing this further, please send me a connection request referencing your interest in discussing fractional CFO services with me. #ceo #VentureCapital #Startups

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