Finance Operating Partner

Index Search Group; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Index Search Group is seeking a Finance Operating Partner to lead finance across portfolio companies. You will work closely with CFOs and investment teams to drive controllership, FP&A, and cash flow improvements.

The role requires strong PE experience, ERP expertise, and a hands-on leadership style to implement scalable financial solutions across multiple businesses.

Qualifications

• Seasoned finance leader with private equity-backed experience.
• Proven track record in accounting, controllership and reporting.
• Experience leading finance transformations and ERP projects.

Responsibilities

• Partner with portfolio company CFOs to strengthen accounting, controllership, FP&A, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Lead finance transformation initiatives, improving close processes, reporting accuracy, internal controls, and visibility.
• Drive ERP strategy, implementation, and standardization across portfolio companies.
• Identify and implement AI and automation opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiency.
• Support M&A activity, including due diligence, QOE reviews, and integration.
• Evaluate, coach, and develop portfolio company CFOs and finance leadership teams.
• Partner with investment and operations teams to identify financial risks and value creation.

Skills

10+ years finance leadership

Private equity experience

Accounting & controllership

Finance transformation

ERP implementations

M&A due diligence

Finance automation / AI

Cross-portfolio advisory

Multi‑business experience

Education

CPA or MBA

Public accounting background

Tools

ERP platforms (Epicor)

ERP platforms (NetSuite)

ERP platforms (Microsoft Dynamics)

Job description

We are partnering with a growing, well-established private equity firm seeking an experienced Finance Operating Partner to join its Operations Team.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned finance executive to make a meaningful impact across a portfolio of lower-middle-market businesses. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in controllership, financial transformation, and private equity, with the ability to work directly with portfolio company CFOs and investment teams to drive financial and operational improvements.

This is not a traditional CFO role. We are looking for a hands-on finance leader who can assess businesses, identify opportunities for improvement, and help implement scalable solutions across multiple companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with portfolio company CFOs to strengthen accounting, controllership, FP&A, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Lead finance transformation initiatives, improving financial close processes, reporting accuracy, internal controls, and overall financial visibility.
• Drive ERP strategy, implementation, and standardization across portfolio companies.
• Identify and implement AI and automation opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiency.
• Support M&A activity, including financial due diligence, quality of earnings reviews, and post-acquisition integration.
• Evaluate, coach, and develop portfolio company CFOs and finance leadership teams.
• Partner with investment and operations teams to identify financial risks, improve performance, and support value creation initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including CFO, VP of Finance, or comparable senior leadership roles.
• Private equity-backed company experience required, ideally within lower-middle-market businesses.
• Strong foundation in accounting and controllership, with demonstrated experience improving financial reporting, close processes, and financial controls.
• Proven track record of leading finance transformation initiatives, including ERP implementations and process improvements.
• Experience with financial due diligence, M&A transactions, and integration activities.
• Practical experience implementing or supporting finance automation and AI initiatives.
• Ability to influence and advise senior finance leaders without direct reporting authority.
• Experience working across multiple businesses, acquisitions, or complex operating environments.

Preferred Experience

• Prior Finance Operating Partner or financial advisory experience.
• Manufacturing or industrial sector experience.
• Background with a leading consulting or accounting advisory firm.
• CPA, MBA, or public accounting background.
• Experience with ERP platforms such as Epicor, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside an experienced private equity investment and operations team, directly influencing the financial performance and growth of multiple businesses.

You'll have the ability to shape finance strategy, modernize systems, develop executive talent, and contribute to value creation throughout the investment lifecycle.

The opportunity includes a competitive executive compensation package and a meaningful long-term equity incentive program tied to portfolio performance.