A recent Cherry Bekaert survey found that data integration is the top pain point for CFOs today. For private equity firms, that finding should resonate deeply—because data integration issues often surface at the moments that matter most: diligence, post-close, and exit.
The PE Reality: Fragmented Data Slows Value Creation
Many portfolio companies operate with a patchwork of ERP systems, legacy reporting tools, and siloed operational data. As a result:
- CFOs struggle to deliver timely, reliable reporting
- KPIs vary by business unit or acquisition
- Forecasting and cash visibility lack confidence
For PE sponsors, this creates friction in board reporting, delays strategic decisions, and complicates add-on integrations.
Why It Matters Post-Close
The CFO is central to executing the value creation plan. Without integrated data:
- Synergy tracking is manual and inconsistent
- Operational improvement initiatives are harder to measure
- Management teams spend time reconciling numbers instead of driving performance
In fast-moving environments, speed and clarity are competitive advantages—and data integration underpins both.
Data Integration as a Force Multiplier
Leading PE-backed CFOs are treating data integration as an enabler, not an IT project. The focus is on:
- Establishing a single source of truth across the portfolio company
- Standardizing metrics early in the hold period
- Creating scalable reporting that supports add-ons and exit readiness
The payoff? Faster insights, stronger governance, and a clearer equity story.
The Bottom Line
For private equity firms, the CFO’s top pain point is also an opportunity. Solving data integration early accelerates decision-making, strengthens execution, and ultimately supports higher-quality outcomes at exit.
Data integration isn’t just a finance issue—it’s a value creation lever.
Rounding out the other top concerns for CFOs include
- Optimize finance technology
- Streamline processes
- Establish and improve reporting
- Train existing talent
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Link to the CFO survey https://www.cbh.com/insights/reports/cfo-survey/
