Episode 123
21st September, 2026
ChatCFO Podcast
5 Things Every CFO Should Know Before Going Into Private Equity
Victoria Bell explains the ‘boardroom to basics’ discipline private equity CFOs need, and how to assess an opportunity, challenge investors and protect the finance team.
About Victoria Bell and her private equity experience
Victoria Bell has led finance functions through growth, turnaround and exit across demanding private equity environments throughout Europe. Her experience includes diagnosing underinvested finance functions, improving weak data and preparing businesses for exit while continuing to support day-to-day performance.
Victoria describes the role as ‘boardroom to basics’: moving quickly between strategy and granular financial detail. She also shares how she evaluates private equity opportunities, manages the CEO relationship, pushes back on fund demands and gives her team the support needed to perform without burning out.
Chat CFO gives you insight and real stories from the people behind the numbers.
We speak to the industry and finance leaders behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest, authentic conversations about what worked, what didn’t, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most.
Exclusively partnered with
Unity Advisory is a next-generation CFO advisory firm, grounded in experience and built to evolve. The firm supports complex, ambitious mid-market organisations with integrated, AI-enabled solutions across finance operations, tax, transactions, digital and transformation.
Free from audit conflicts and legacy constraints, Unity Advisory helps leadership teams move faster, scale with confidence and deliver sustainable enterprise value.
Have a story worth sharing?
If you’ve navigated tough decisions and want to join the conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
Watch or listen to our episodes here