Accelerate Portfolio Company Performance with Strategic Financial Leadership

Transforming Recent Acquisitions into High-Performing Assets

From acquisition to rapid value creation, we deploy immediate financial expertise to unlock growth

30-Day Operational Insights Discovery
90-Day Financial Infrastructure Upgrade
Immediate Executive-Level Strategic Support
Enhanced PE Reporting & Visibility
Monthly Financial Reporting for Lender Covenants and PE Board

Mature & Strategic Leadership

Immediately inject executive-level financial expertise into your portfolio companies. Our seasoned CFOs become trusted advisors to CEOs, helping shape growth narratives, guide strategic decisions, and provide the financial leadership needed to navigate rapid expansion.

Immediate Growth Acceleration

Deploy operational finance expertise within days, not months. Our team quickly identifies growth levers, analyzes product/customer profitability, and implements metrics-driven management systems to drive immediate traction toward the Rule of 40.

Working Capital Optimization

Release trapped cash through comprehensive working capital strategies. We systematically reduce DSO, optimize inventory levels, and extend DPO while maintaining vendor relationships, creating immediate liquidity for growth initiatives.

Improved Forecast Accuracy & Optimized Systems

Transform financial reporting from backward-looking statements to forward-looking decision frameworks. We build customized dashboards connecting operational metrics to financial outcomes, creating accountability and transparency.

EBITDA Expansion Strategy

Identify and implement margin enhancement opportunities through data-driven analysis. Our team develops pricing strategies, customer/product profitability assessments, and cost structure optimizations that drive meaningful EBITDA growth.

Scalable Financial Infrastructure

Build systems and processes that scale with growth. We implement right-sized financial controls, reporting cadences, and forecasting methodologies that support rapid scaling without administrative friction.

Case Study:

Nordic Cold Chain Solutions

How we transformed our client’s financial capabilities, improved forecast accuracy, and optimized their internal systems

Challenge
Nordic Ice was experiencing rapid growth but lacked the financial infrastructure to support it or maximize valuation. As a manufacturer of temperature-controlled packaging solutions, their accounting systems were tracking basic financials but not providing strategic insights around product margin, inventory optimization, or capital allocation. When the CEO decided to explore a sale, the company’s financial presentation was inadequate for sophisticated buyers like Endeavour Capital.
Solution
Ascent CFO deployed a two-person team:
- A fractional CFO (2 days/week) focused on financial strategy and buyer preparation
- A controller (3 days/week) focused on systems and process improvement
Key initiatives included:
- Complete recalculation of standard inventory costs across product lines, revealing previously unknown margin variations by product category
- Implementation of full accrual accounting, bringing financial statements in line with buyer expectations
- Development of customized CapEx analysis showing historical ROI on equipment investments
- Creation of an integrated financial model connecting operations to financial outcomes, demonstrating growth levers for potential acquirers
- Restructuring of management reporting to highlight KPIs most valued in the cold chain logistics sector

Discuss Your Portfolio Companies

Our Portfolio Acceleration Process

A proven methodology for rapidly improving financial performance

Rapid Performance Assessment
Week 1-2
We conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of your portfolio company’s financial function, identifying immediate opportunities for growth acceleration, margin enhancement, and working capital optimization. This assessment quantifies the gap between current state and Rule of 40 potential.
KPI Development & Dashboard Implementation
Week 3-5
We establish core operational and financial metrics aligned with your investment thesis, implementing real-time dashboard reporting that provides visibility into performance drivers. This creates immediate accountability and aligns team efforts with value creation.
Financial Model Development
Week 4-8
We build sophisticated financial models that connect operational inputs to financial outcomes, allowing for scenario planning and sensitivity analysis. These models become the foundation for strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
Profitability Enhancement Execution
Month 2-4
We implement targeted initiatives to improve gross margins and operational efficiency, including product/customer profitability analysis, pricing strategy optimization, and cost structure improvements.
Working Capital Optimization
Month 3-5
We execute systematic improvements in accounts receivable, inventory management, and accounts payable processes, releasing trapped cash to fund growth initiatives.
Growth Infrastructure Scaling
Month 4+
We build financial systems and processes that scale with growth, ensuring your portfolio company can double or triple in size without administrative bottlenecks. This includes implementing appropriate controls, reporting cadences, and financial planning methodologies.

Flexible Engagement Models for PE Portfolio Companies

Fractional CFO

Strategic financial leadership from 1-3 days per week, ideal for companies with solid accounting functions but needing higher-level financial strategy. Our fractional CFOs focus on growth initiatives, margin enhancement, and operational KPI development.

Interim CFO

Full-time financial leadership during critical transition periods, available for 3-12 month engagements. Our interim CFOs provide continuity during leadership changes, acquisitions, or rapid growth phases, ensuring no loss of financial momentum.

Financial Transformation Team

Comprehensive team deployment including CFO, controller, and analysts for rapid financial transformation. This model is ideal for portfolio companies requiring significant financial infrastructure development or preparation for exit.

FP&A Function Development

Specialized focus on building financial planning and analysis capabilities, including development of forecasting methodologies, scenario planning tools, and management reporting frameworks that drive strategic decision-making.

Board & Investment Committee Support

Expert financial representation at board meetings and investment committees, providing transparent reporting on financial performance and progress against value creation plans. Includes preparation of board materials and KPI tracking.