Challenge
Learnlight and Synova were searching for two senior finance hires – a FP&A Director and a Group Finance Manager – to support an international, PE‑backed SaaS growth story. The brief called for finance leaders with prior PE‑backed experience, robust international reporting and consolidation exposure, strong tax understanding, and ACA audit training, combined with the drive and potential to scale within a fast‑changing environment rather than simply repeat a previous playbook.
Action
In parallel, the team was also recruiting for a Group Finance Manager. Vicki Barber entered the process on the second day of her search, was screened and introduced to Kelvin on Tuesday, interviewed on Thursday and Friday, and received an offer the following Monday. She brought exactly the blend of PE-backed, high-growth experience and outstanding references the client was seeking.
Impact
The result was a tightly coordinated dual hire: an FP&A Director able to operate autonomously while building out future capability; and a Group Finance Manager who strengthens group reporting, tax and controls for an international PE‑backed platform. Client and candidate feedback has been extremely positive, with both placements are already supporting Learnlight’s next phase of value creation under Synova’s ownership.
I was looking for the right opportunity in group finance and was particularly interested in a transformation environment. Finatal stood out because of the quality of opportunities and good communication, the process was smooth and fast. As a result, I secured a role as Group Finance Manager, where I’m now managing group reporting and tax, allowing me to improve systems and learn. I’d recommend Deno & Finatal to finance professionals looking for high-quality private equity opportunities.
— Vicki Barber MEng, ACA, BFP, Group Finance Manager at Learnlight
We were about to begin a search but were struggling to attract candidates with a fast-paced Private Equity background. Finatal engaged with us to pitch for the mandate, leveraging my prior experience working with them. As part of their pitch, they demonstrated a strong understanding of the brief and even introduced an example candidate, who ultimately became one of the hires. They quickly validated their capability by delivering two excellent candidates, both of whom we offered and who accepted. As a result, we made two hires into newly created roles, significantly strengthening our financial infrastructure to support Learnlight’s growth. I would highly recommend Finatal to Private Equity CFOs seeking high-calibre, PE-experienced senior finance leadership.
— Kelvin Barber, CFO, Learnlight
This search was led by Deno Nathan.