Case study: Stabilising a mid-market PE-backed infrastructure fund with an interim FP&A leader

Executive summary

This case study outlines how Ruth Kemp supported a mid‑market PE‑backed infrastructure fund during a critical transaction preparation phase by placing an Interim FP&A Leader to enhance financial analysis and reporting. With the Finance Director under pressure to deliver detailed profitability insights, balance sheet scrutiny, and investor-ready outputs, the business needed an interim who could quickly structure fragmented data and provide advanced modelling in a fast-paced environment. Ruth delivered a targeted shortlist within 24 hours and completed a rigorous, multi-stage assessment process, securing a placement within one week. The interim FP&A Lead rapidly improved reporting clarity, strengthened financial insight, and supported deal and profitability analysis, enabling the business to present more structured, reliable financial information to investors and focus on successful transaction execution.

Our client was a mid-market private equity-backed infrastructure fund needing a Interim FP&A Leader.

A mid-market infrastructure business backed by a leading private equity investor was entering a transaction preparation phase. As the company prepared for a potential strategic transaction, the finance team required additional support to strengthen its analytical capability and improve the quality of financial data being presented to investors.

The Finance Director was managing a significant increase in workload related to transaction readiness, including detailed profitability analysis, balance sheet scrutiny and preparation of investor-ready financial outputs. The business required an experienced Interim FP&A Leader who could rapidly assess existing financial information, improve reporting clarity and support deal analysis in a complex and data-heavy environment.

The challenge

The assignment required a candidate who could:

• Operate effectively in a private equity-backed environment
• Quickly structure fragmented financial data
• Deliver advanced financial modelling and analysis
• Support transaction preparation and investor reporting
• Provide insights across deal profitability, operational performance and technology costs

In addition, the hiring timeline was extremely compressed due to the urgency of the transaction preparation phase.

Our recruitment approach

A rapid and highly structured recruitment process was designed to ensure technical capability while maintaining speed.

Step 1 – Candidate shortlist

A targeted shortlist of candidates with relevant interim FP&A and PE-backed experience was delivered within 24 hours. Candidates were assessed based on:

• Transaction readiness experience
• Advanced modelling capability
• Experience working with imperfect or manual data environments
• Ability to operate at pace in interim roles

Step 2 – Technical assessment

Shortlisted candidates completed a financial modelling test prior to their first interview. This ensured candidates could demonstrate:

• Advanced Excel modelling capability
• Structured analytical thinking
• Ability to interpret complex financial datasets

Step 3 – CFO interview

Candidates then met with the CFO for an initial interview focused on:

• FP&A technical capability
• Transaction readiness experience
• Data structuring and financial modelling
• Experience supporting investor or deal processes

Step 4 – Final interview

Final interviews were conducted with the Finance Director and Head of Commercial Finance, focusing on:

• Commercial understanding of deals and profitability analysis
• Stakeholder management within finance teams
• Balance sheet analysis and financial health
• Communication of insights to senior stakeholders

The outcome

The successful candidate was identified and onboarded within one week of the initial shortlist being presented. The appointed interim FP&A Lead supported the finance team across:

• Transaction readiness analysis
• Deal and project profitability modelling
• Balance sheet risk assessment
• Operational and utilisation analysis
• Improved financial reporting and presentation for investors

The engagement provided immediate analytical capacity during a critical stage in the company’s transaction timeline.

Key impact

• Rapid mobilisation of an interim finance leader within one week
• Strengthened financial insight and reporting quality
• Enabled the Finance Director to focus on transaction execution
• Improved the clarity and structure of financial outputs presented to stakeholders and investors

To find out more about similar interim leadership appointments, or to discuss how we can support your next strategic financial hire, please get in touch.