Roles in Private Equity

As a direct result of private market growth, there is an increasing variation of roles open to talent in the financial market. 

Stepping foot in the financial world usually means you will join as an Analyst or Associate. However don’t put too much focus into the job title as this can vary from firm to firm and don’t always equate to the same job titles in other sectors. 

In order to be put forward for a specific role in the market you will need to hold strong academic achievements, analysis skills and strong acumen. Don’t be afraid to show this off throughout your written application as its genuinely the first piece potential employers will know of you. 

To help distinguish the right role for you, we have listed areas of career directions for you to decide on a sector that fits your skills and personality best. 

Analysts and Associates

The most common route to enter Private Equity is via an Analyst and/or Associate role who, essentially, form the foundation of a PE firm. These are entry level roles and the main responsibility is to manage many streams of work across the firm, usually supporting deal sourcing an execution in the process of buying new companies or selling portfolios. Skills required will range from firm to firm but specifically you will assist in raising funds from corporations, construct financial models, create presentations for stakeholders and analyse new investment opportunities. 

Vice Presidents 

A VP job title brings more responsibility in the areas of sourcing and deal execution, this is often the next step up from an analyst or associate. 

A Vice President will often lead a team of analysts and are expected to be responsible for the flow of new deals in and out of the equity firm. This type of role will require charisma and strong leadership skills due to the extra responsibility and technicality of the role. 

Financial Control, Accounting and Chief Financial Officers 

The finance team often includes a CFO, Finance Controller and a Funds Accountant. These roles offer challenging and lengthy careers for qualified accountants. Once you are at CFO level, you are the most senior non investment professional and will manage all finance and accounting matters. Following this career path, you can work your way up to become a Head of Investor Relations. 

Direct Investment 

Acquisitions, growth capital, buyouts, buy and build, start ups and seed capital make up the list of direct investment strategies. Being in the role as a Direct Investor you will act as a principle in venture capital, infra, real estate and private debt transaction. 

Commonly you will have success in building a direct investment career if you have experience from Mergers and Acquisitions, leveraged finance, lead advisory and transaction services. You will need to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, confident leadership and the ability to build and sustain relationships inside and outside of the fund to be successful within direct investment.

Human Resources 

Recently becoming established as a profession within private markets, there are good opportunities for progression within funds as they grow across private equity organisations. Ideal experience will be from a Human Resources background within financial services with knowledge and understanding on talent acquisition, compensation and demonstration of successful recruitment retention. 

Securing a role with Pearse Partners 

At Pearse Partners, it is our priority to ensure your application is being handled in a timely manner with a specialised consultant who thoroughly understands your skill set. To ensure a smooth process, we endeavour to follow the below:

• Consider your background against role specifications.
• We make the effort to call you to discuss what fit you are seeking and how you want to get the most value from your career 
• We will always ask for consent to represent you infront of a client. 
• Make all arrangements for your interview with tailored preparation for the role you are applying for. 
• Frequent follow up on your individual application, with honest feedback from the partnered client and our specialist recruitment team. 

Head to our jobs page for live positions; alternatively contact us at info@pearsepartners.com where we will put you in contact with a specialist who will successfully support your career search.