What Makes a Top-Tier Private Equity CFO?

About This Episode

Stepping into a PE-backed CFO role? You're not just signing up for financial reporting; you're stepping onto a burning platform. 

Scott Engler, CEO & Co-Founder of Sync Executive Partners, sits down to discuss what separates “A-player” CFOs from the rest in the high-stakes world of private equity. 

Scott shares the mindset shifts, leadership capabilities, and stakeholder dynamics CFOs must master to drive transformation, align their teams, and quickly build investor confidence. 

Whether you're already in a PE-backed seat or looking to make this career shift, this episode provides a framework to lead with confidence and clarity. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• What makes a PE-backed CFO different from a public or VC-backed one 
• The #1 mindset shift you need: ownership of all outcomes 
• Why transformation, not just reporting, is now a CFO's responsibility 
• How top CFOs drive performance, alignment and strategic clarity 
• How to build credibility with stakeholders  

Episode Resources: 

• State of Strategic Finance 2025 Report [Vena] 
• The Bridge Between Finance and Strategy: How To Become a More Strategic CFO 
• Excelerate Finance Summit  
• 4 Data-Backed Tips for Finance Leaders in Times of Increasing Uncertainty 
• AI Buyer’s Guide for Finance: What To Look For, What To Ask and How To Get Buy-In 

Related Episodes: 

• Key Attributes of an A-Player Growth CFO 
• How Finance Teams Are Learning to Lead with AI 
• AI-Powered Finance: Developing Your Implementation Roadmap