In private equity, the CFO role is a pressure point. The person in that seat determines how quickly a portfolio company can turn plans into measurable results. A strong CFO builds systems that produce accurate data, uses that data to make sound decisions, and keeps both the CEO and investors aligned on what’s next. When that seat turns over, the impact is immediate. Most CFOs in PE-backed companies leave by 18 months. A search for a permanent replacement can take months, leaving the business...

A fractional CFO is an experienced chief financial officer who works part-time – typically a few hours to days per week – providing strategic finance leadership, cash-flow oversight, and investor-level reporting at a fraction of the cost of a full-time executive. The fractional CFO has become an increasingly popular option for businesses seeking experienced financial leadership without the commitment of a full-time executive. But how does this role compare to an interim CFO, and which makes the...

Why might a good company fail? It’s often as simple as running out of cash. That’s why it’s so important that business leaders not only understand what cash flow is but also keep a close eye on it. BluWave CEO and founder Sean Mooney touched on this topic with Gabe Mesanza, partner at Huron Capital, on the Karma School of Business podcast. Let’s take a closer look at what Mooney and Mesanza had to say about the importance of cash flow, and how private equity firms think about this crucial...

At the heart of every thriving business lies meticulous bookkeeping. As businesses strive for operational efficiency, they increasingly turn to outsourced bookkeeping services. This strategic shift allows them to tap into a wealth of expertise not readily available in-house and to free themselves from the time-consuming complexities of financial management. In the face of a rapidly evolving business landscape, maintaining a competitive edge is key. Outsourced bookkeeping strengthens your...

Efficient B2B debt collection practices are essential for maintaining a healthy cash flow and ensuring the growth of a business. In today’s competitive market, many organizations offer generous terms on accounts payable to win over customers. This approach, however, may not always be sustainable, especially given changing trends and future concerns. Let’s talk about the importance of B2B debt collection strategies and how partnering with a specialized consultant can lead to improved cash flow...

Machinery Finance: Process From a high-level point of view, there are four steps to the machine tool financing process. 1. Apply You apply for financing from an institution. Whether you’re seeking a few thousand dollars, or millions upon millions, this is the first step. 2. Get Approved After the financial institution reviews your application, hopefully you’re approved to receive the funds. Some banks allow for pre-approval, which speeds the process. 3. Review and Sign Finance Agreement After...

Manufacturing pricing strategies are top of mind for businesses in this transitionary economy. Industrial pricing has becoming more competitive than ever as margins shrink and supply chain problems persist. “BluWave is seeing an increased number of resources allocated to competitive pricing analysis from our private equity clients and their portfolio companies,” BluWave co-head of operations Keenan Kolinsky says. “Specifically in the manufacturing and industrial spaces, companies are running...

What is Sales Data? Knowing how to analyze sales data is a valuable skill that can be used to improve sales results. By tracking and analyzing sales data – concrete information about how your products or services are selling – you can identify trends, patterns and opportunities that can help you close more deals and increase revenue. For example, you might see that your sales cycle is longer for certain types of customers. This could be because you need to do more research on them or because...

What is AP Automation Software? Accounts payable (AP) automation software is a multifunctional tool that assists businesses in optimizing and automating their accounts payable operations. This can involve activities such as processing invoices, matching purchase orders, and reconciling payments. AP automation software has the potential to reduce risk, increase precision, and save time and money for businesses. AP automation software typically comes equipped with the following functionalities:...

What is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)? Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software streamlines business processes by coordinating data flow across an organization. It provides a single source of truth and optimizes operations. They are used to manage everyday business activities such as finance functions, compliance, risk management, retail, supply chain and HR. How To Extract Data from ERP Systems Integrate API Endpoints One way to extract data from ERP systems is by connecting your...

By evaluating the technology, processes, and people within the finance function of their portcos, private equity firms can make informed decisions that can lead to improved financial performance and increased profitability. Here are a few ways they’re already doing so: Technology: After an acquisition, portfolio companies incur debt that they need to measure against for the duration of the hold period. To effectively measure financial goals like these, companies need a robust, PE-grade...

As part of an ongoing series, we’re sharing real-time trending topics we are hearing from our 500+ PE fund clients. In our most recent installment, our consulting manager, Keenan Kolinsky, talks about the impacts of inflation he is hearing across our clients. We are hearing this manifest in two primary ways: A surge in leveraging specialized pricing experts to help adjust portfolio company pricing structures The increased need for sourcing and procurement resources to identify and secure...