Director of Finance

Overview

A private equity-backed industrial and consumer portfolio is undergoing a strategic finance transformation, requiring a seasoned operational finance leader to establish and elevate standalone finance functions across multiple asset-intensive businesses. This role offers direct collaboration with investment teams and portfolio company executives, including opportunities to serve as interim CFO or Controller during critical carve-out and transition phases. Located within a firm managing complex corporate divestitures, this position demands expertise in treasury, controllership, budgeting, and liquidity management to drive financial discipline and operational clarity.

Title: Director of Finance
Industry: Conglomerate
Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Responsibilities

• Direct and enhance finance operations and financial health across a diverse private equity portfolio of manufacturing and real estate assets.
• Act as the primary liaison between investment professionals and portfolio company finance teams, ensuring alignment and transparency.
• Step into interim senior finance leadership roles such as CFO, Treasurer, or Controller at portfolio companies during transitional periods.
• Build and refine finance and accounting infrastructures within portfolio companies to support independent operations and compliance.
• Lead the development and management of budgets, forecasts, cash flow strategies, and liquidity planning to optimize financial performance.
• Implement and monitor key financial and operational metrics to provide actionable insights into portfolio company results.
• Coordinate with external advisors—including auditors, tax consultants, and lenders—to support acquisitions, divestitures, and ongoing financing activities.

Qualifications

• Must-Have:
  • 12+ years of progressive operational finance experience, with a strong background in controllership, FP&A, and treasury functions.
  • Proven track record managing corporate carve-outs, divestitures, or standalone company formations within private equity environments.
  • Experience supporting industrial or consumer businesses, particularly those with manufacturing operations or significant real estate holdings.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead finance teams and serve in interim CFO or Controller capacities during complex transitions.
  • Strong financial acumen with the capacity to quickly identify and resolve accounting, liquidity, and operational challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with CEOs, boards, lenders, and cross-functional teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel regularly to portfolio company locations as needed.
• Nice-to-Have:
  • Experience working within private equity operating teams or transaction-focused finance roles.
  • Familiarity with financial systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or similar ERP platforms.
  • Background in implementing internal controls, governance frameworks, and financial reporting standards (GAAP/IFRS).