Function: Human Capital

Search for CFO To Lead Funeral Home Expansion

Service Area: Human Capital

Client Type: Lower-Middle Market PE Firm

Service Provider Type: Finance Executive Search Firm

Industry: Retail

The Need
New CFO Amid Expansion

A lower-middle market PE firm needed to initiate a search for a new CFO for its portfolio company in the retail sector, focusing on funeral home and cremation services. This was prompted by the departure of the current CFO to a role with a larger company, leaving a gap in strategic financial leadership during a critical phase of expansion and acquisitions.

The Challenge
CFO with Industry-Specific and Transactional Experience

The firm sought a CFO with experience in managing multi-site service companies, ideally with a background in retail or similar sectors that involve consolidating family-owned businesses. The candidate needed to possess transactional experience to support the company’s aggressive acquisition strategy, aiming to close four to seven per year.

How BluWave Helped
Identifying a Specialized Finance Executive Search Firm

BluWave connected the PE firm with a finance executive search firm renowned for its expertise in the retail sector and specifically within the niche of funeral home and cremation services. This firm was chosen for its broad network, ability to present a wide array of candidates and experience with multi-site service companies undergoing consolidation.

The Result
Successful Placement of a CFO to Drive Future Growth

The search culminated in the successful recruitment of a CFO who not only met the criteria for industry experience and transactional expertise but also aligned with the company’s culture and growth objectives. This strategic hire positioned the company to continue its expansion and consolidation strategy effectively, with a strong leader at the helm of its financial operations.

Provided good summaries of each candidate. At or above what we are used to seeing. Was available and able to move quickly. Really liked working with them. Managed the process very well.

-SVP of PE Firm

Enhancing M&A, Financial Operations in Healthcare with Strategic Staffing

Service Area: Human Capital

Client Type: Portfolio Company

Service Provider Type: Temporary Staffing

Industry: Healthcare Services

The Need
Strategic Staffing for Financial Overhaul, M&A

A private-equity owned healthcare services provider, specializing in traumatic brain injury care, was gearing up for an eventual sale. They required highly skilled junior finance and accounting talent on a short-term or project basis to handle active M&A activities and internal projects, balancing manual data entry tasks with strategic financial operations.

The Challenge
Sourcing Versatile, Skilled Financial Talent Amid Growth

The main challenge was finding individuals with 3-5 years of experience in finance or accounting, preferably with a background in investment banking or accounting M&A. These professionals needed to be comfortable handling both strategic and manual aspects of financial projects, including M&A support, system integrations and exit preparation.

How BluWave Helped
Connecting Short List of Exact-Fit Candidates

BluWave utilized its network to connect a short list of candidates with the necessary skill set and flexibility. Emphasizing the need for familiarity with financial systems like NetSuite and Sage, and strong Excel skills, BluWave focused on professionals who could work remotely and adapt quickly to the company’s dynamic needs.

The Result
Streamlined M&A Processes, Efficient Financial System Management

The portfolio company selected the best fits from BluWave’s shortlist. They helped the company manage its M&A activities and internal financial projects. This temporary staff played a key role in preparing the company for a strategic sale, ensuring that financial systems were optimized and operational challenges were efficiently addressed.