In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder discuss the dynamic intersection of private equity and financial planning & analysis (FP&A). With private equity firms increasingly focused on operational value creation over financial engineering, this discussion offers valuable insights into the evolving expectations for FP&A teams within PE-backed companies. The conversation covers everything from deal flow trends and building high-performing FP&A functions to the nuances of trust, alignment, and data in the PE environment.

Nate is a Senior Managing Director at Riveron Consulting, where he leads the private equity practice. With extensive experience supporting portfolio companies, Nate brings a sharp understanding of how to structure FP&A functions that drive value from early investment to exit. Jamie is Director of Financial Operations at Trivest Partners, a middle-market private equity fund. Jamie works closely with FP&A teams across Trivest’s portfolio, guiding companies through growth, transformation, and exit, with a clear focus on data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.

Expect to Learn:

• How private equity firms are shifting from financial engineering to operational value creation.
• Why FP&A is becoming a core strategic partner in PE-backed companies.
• The importance of early investment in data, tech stacks, and FP&A infrastructure.
• The difference between corporate FP&A and PE-backed FP&A environments.
• What skills and traits do PE firms value most when hiring FP&A professionals?

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Private equity used to be all about financial engineering; now it’s about operational value creation.” - Jamie Lukaszewski
• “The most successful FP&A teams are the ones that align financial and operational KPIs to tell a complete story.” - Nate Heeren
• "You're not going to win many races with your legs tied together; you've got to be set up for success." - Nate Heeren

Nate and Jamie shared thoughtful and practical insights into the evolving relationship between private equity and FP&A. They emphasized the growing importance of operational value creation, the foundational role of trust and alignment, and the need for robust data infrastructure to support strategic decision-making.

Get Certified with the FPAC Credential

Earn the only FP&A credential that proves your expertise and commitment to the profession.

Use TheFPAGuy-FPAC for $150 off the Exam

Use TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP for $100 off the Exam Prep Platform

Learn more: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certifications

AFP FP&A Forum: All insights. Zero spin.

March 23 – 25 in Indianapolis

This immersive, three-day event is built for financial professionals, by financial professionals, and it’s designed to help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of trends, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.

Learn more: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/events/meetings/afp-fp-a-forum

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Nate:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-heeren-91a1644/

Website - https://riveron.com/

Follow Jamie:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-lukaszewski-b1766119/

Website - https://www.trivest.com/team/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/

Website - https://onemomentintimenovel.com/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[02:11] - Guest Introduction

[02:58] - What Great FP&A Looks Like

[04:42] - PE Trends & Market Shifts

[07:31] - Early vs. Late Stage Projects

[12:02] - PE & FP&A: Building Trust

[17:32] - Corporate vs. PE FP&A

[22:24] - Hiring: What PE Firms Look For

[32:49] - Successful FP&A-PE Relationship

[41:57] - Final Advice & Wrap-Up