VP of Finance

Private Equity VP of Finance, Chicago

About the Role

The VP of Finance / Senior Finance & Operations Leader will serve as this Chicago-based firm's first dedicated finance hire, responsible for owning the back-office infrastructure and third-party service provider relationships while working in close partnership with portfolio company management teams on financial reporting and operational improvement. This is a high-ownership, build-it role at a lean, fast-growing investment firm with a team that is collaborative, low-ego, and deeply experienced in transportation and logistics investing. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in fund finance or accounting, is comfortable working without heavy infrastructure, and is energized by being the person who brings order and process to a growing platform. Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago area; in-office presence required.

Key Responsibilities

Fund Finance & Back-Office Management

• Oversee relationships with third-party fund administrator, fund accountant, tax advisors, and other back-office service providers, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and quality of all deliverables.
• Manage quarterly and annual LP reporting, capital call and distribution notices, and fund-level financial statements.
• Maintain organized records of fund economics, capital accounts, and co-investment structures.
• Coordinate with legal and compliance counsel on fund-level regulatory and reporting requirements.

Portfolio Company Finance Support

• Work directly with portfolio company management teams to review monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages.
• Identify gaps in financial controls, reporting cadence, or operational processes and support remediation efforts.
• Support financial due diligence on potential add-on acquisitions.
• Assist in preparation of board materials and investor updates related to portfolio performance.

Firm Operations & Initiatives

• Build and maintain the firm's internal financial and operational infrastructure as the team and portfolio grow.
• Support the Managing Partners on ad hoc financial analysis and operational projects.
• Contribute to firm-level budgeting, vendor management, and process documentation.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field required; CPA or CFA a plus.
• 3-6 years of experience in fund finance, accounting, or fund operations; private equity fund experience strongly preferred.
• Background in fund accounting, FP&A, or financial reporting at an investment firm, family office, or professional services firm serving PE clients.
• Experience managing or coordinating with third-party fund administrators and back-office service providers.
• Strong grasp of fund-level financial statements, LP reporting, and capital account mechanics.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple workstreams independently in a lean, unstructured environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago area; in-office presence in Evanston, IL required.

Compensation

• Total cash compensation: $275,000 (base + bonus) plus carry participation

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About Soul Equity Solutions

Soul Equity is a retained Executive Search firm dedicated exclusively to guiding Middle Market Private Equity Firms and their Portfolio Companies to best-in-class talent. We work exclusively with Middle Market Private Equity firms to grow their internal teams and transform their portfolio companies. Our boutique recruiting experience is highly bespoke and curated to our clients' needs.

This firm is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.