Private Equity Portfolio Finance Manager

East London / Remote / Hybrid
Senior Leadership Opportunity | Private Equity-Backed Growth Platform
Equity / Share Options Available

Build Your Finance Function. Partner with a Private Equity Group

An ambitious and rapidly growing Private Equity-backed group is seeking a commercially minded Private Equity Portfolio Finance Manager to build and lead a scalable, "accountancy practice style" finance function supporting a diverse portfolio of businesses.

This is a rare opportunity to create something significant from the ground up.

Initially, the function will provide accounting, finance, compliance, payroll, and advisory support the businesses within the group's investment portfolio, spanning multiple sectors.

Long term, the vision is even bigger.

The group plans to grow the finance function in line with the continued growth of existing, and acquisition of new business, and offering accounting advisory services to external businesses by leveraging the extensive network and commercial relationships of the Private Equity group and its senior partners.

This is an opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to help build a highly valuable business.

The opportunity

You will establish and lead a central finance and accounting function operating with the quality, structure, and commercial mindset of a modern accountancy practice.

The role combines:

• Commercial finance
• Operational management
• Client relationship management
• Team leadership
• Business development
• Strategic growth planning

You will work closely with senior stakeholders, investors, and portfolio leadership teams to create a scalable, high-performing finance capability capable of supporting rapid growth and future acquisitions.

The ideal individual will combine the credibility of a Big 4 or top-tier practice background with the commercial mindset required to operate within a fast-moving Private Equity environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations, workflows, and operational procedures
• Build scalable systems, controls, and service delivery processes
• Support senior partners with strategic planning, growth initiatives, financial targets, and KPI monitoring
• Drive continuous improvement across finance operations and client service delivery

Client & Portfolio Management

• Build strong relationships across the Private Equity portfolio
• Manage key commercial and technical queries
• Act as a trusted finance advisor to business leaders and stakeholders
• Liaise with clients, HMRC, external providers, and professional advisors

Financial Oversight & Compliance

• Manage WIP, billing, debtors, and practice performance metrics
• Ensure compliance across GDPR, AML, regulatory standards, and internal controls
• Prepare and review:
• Statutory accounts
• VAT returns
• Corporation tax returns
• CIS returns
• Payroll activities (local, bureau, outsourced)

About you

We are seeking a commercially minded and ambitious finance leader who wants to build something substantial.

You will likely be:

• A Chartered Accountant (ACA / ACCA or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years PQE
• Ideally from a Big 4 or top-tier accountancy practice background
• Experienced within practice leadership, advisory, or commercial finance environments
• Commercially strong and confident operating with senior stakeholders and investors
• Experienced in managing teams, workflows, and client relationships
• Must have demonstrable experience preparing and managing CIS returns
• Strong understanding of Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) regulations and compliance requirements

Exposure to Mergers & Acquisitions, due diligence, or acquisition integration would be highly desirable. Most importantly, you will have the ambition and mindset to help build a highly successful finance function.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to build and lead a scalable finance function
• Direct exposure to Private Equity leadership and investment strategy
• Support the group's growth strategy through involvement in acquisitions and financial integration projects
• Significant autonomy and influence
• Equity / share option potential
• Remote / hybrid flexibility
• Long-term growth and business-building opportunity rarely available in the market

Location

The role can be, hybrid, or office-based, with travel to East London & Nottingham.

Confidential Search

Due to the strategic nature of this appointment, this search is being conducted on a strictly confidential basis.

Further details will be shared with suitable candidates during the process.

If you are interested in building a modern finance practice within an ambitious Private Equity-backed environment, I would welcome a confidential discussion.

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Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.