Hiring senior finance leaders for private equity-backed growth

Private equity-backed businesses across Europe, especially in the Netherlands, are scaling rapidly.

In 2024, the deal value of private equity in the Netherlands grew 67% higher than the year before. According to McKinsey and EY, deal value continued to surge in 2025 – reaching record highs in Q3 as firms leaned into M&A opportunities and began deploying capital more aggressively.

Sectors such as SaaS, healthcare, financial services and energy transition tech are leading the charge, with Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Finance Director hiring rebounding across high-growth portfolio companies.

Hiring the right finance leaders fast, whether it’s a Finance Director, Financial Controller or CFO, can make or break a portfolio company’s success.

Trends shaping senior finance recruitment

Several macro and micro trends are influencing how PE-backed businesses hire senior finance leaders:

• AI and automation: The rise of AI is reshaping Financial Controller roles, automating routine tasks and increasing the need for strategic thinking
• Outsourcing and offshoring: Finance functions are increasingly outsourced, raising questions about control, risk and talent retention
• Transformation success factors: Understanding what drives successful finance transformation is key – especially in complex, fast-growing organisations
• Women in finance leadership: There’s growing momentum around increasing female representation in senior finance roles, particularly in PE environments
• Global economic shifts: Tariff changes, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty are impacting financial strategy and hiring priorities
• SaaS and tech growth: High-performing finance teams in SaaS businesses are in demand, especially those with a track record in fundraising, mergers and operational excellence

Why finance leaders are pivotal in PE-backed growth

PE-backed companies operate in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Unlike large corporates, they often lack the internal infrastructure to support complex hiring processes. Senior financial leaders in these settings must be hands-on, commercially minded and transformation-ready.

Their role extends beyond financial reporting; they are expected to:

• Drive strategic decision-making and value creation
• Manage investor relations and stakeholders
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
• Navigate organisational complexity and streamline operations
• Oversee cash flow, liquidity and profitability

These professionals are instrumental in helping private equity firms realise growth targets and maximise returns.

Common hiring challenges in private equity-backed companies

Hiring senior finance talent in PE-backed businesses comes with unique challenges:

1. Limited internal TA capability: Portfolio companies often lack dedicated talent acquisition teams, making it difficult to run senior-level searches effectively

2. Dutch-speaking talent shortages: In the Netherlands, finding Dutch-speaking Financial Controllers and Finance Directors can be particularly challenging, especially for roles requiring local compliance expertise

3. Budget constraints: PE-backed firms often operate under tight budgets, requiring a careful balance between cost and quality. Salary benchmarking and negotiation support are essential

4. Speed vs quality: Growth timelines are aggressive but rushing a hire can lead to misalignment and high turnover. Employers need realistic expectations around hiring speed and flexibility

5. Role clarity and progression: Candidates want to understand how a finance role fits into their career trajectory, especially if it’s a stepping stone to a CFO or Vice President position

Building a strategic hiring plan

To hire effectively in private equity-backed environments, employers should:

• Define the role clearly: Align responsibilities with business goals and growth plans
• Benchmark salaries: Use market data to set competitive compensation packages
• Engage a specialist partner: Work with recruiters like Brewer Morris who understand the PE landscape and have access to top-tier talent
• Focus on candidate experience: Ensure a smooth, transparent and engaging hiring process
• Plan for long-term success: Consider how the role fits into broader organisational transformation and leadership development

What top finance professionals are looking for

Senior finance professionals with five to ten years of experience are in demand. To attract them, employers must understand their priorities:

• Career progression: Clear pathways to CFO or Managing Director roles are a major draw
• Transformation exposure: Candidates want to lead or contribute to finance transformation initiatives
• Work-life balance: Flexibility in contract type (interim vs permanent) and working arrangements matters 
• Market insight: Salary transparency and benchmarking help candidates make informed decisions
• Networking opportunities: Many candidates value access to peer networks and industry events

How we support PE-backed hiring

At Brewer Morris, we’re strategic advisors – not just recruiters. Here’s how we help private equity-backed companies hire senior finance leaders:

1. Executive search and market benchmarking: We provide up-to-date salary data and market trends across Europe, helping employers set realistic expectations and attract top talent

2. Senior finance network in the Netherlands: Our curated network connects high-potential candidates with growth-focused roles. We actively engage professionals with five to ten years of experience through LinkedIn, events and targeted content

3. Consultative hiring support: From scoping the role to offer negotiation, we guide employers through every step of the hiring process

4. PE and VC expertise: We leverage relationships with private equity and venture capital firms globally to identify candidates with relevant experience

5. Dutch market knowledge: Our team brings local insight and connections to help navigate language and compliance challenges

Hiring senior finance leaders for PE-backed growth is about securing the strategic leadership needed to scale successfully. With the right approach and support, portfolio companies can access the top 25% of the candidate market and build finance functions that drive value and sustainability.

At Brewer Morris, we combine market insight, local expertise and global networks to help private equity-backed businesses hire with confidence. Whether you’re hiring your first Finance Director or building out a leadership team, we’re here to support your growth journey.

Get in touch today.