The SaaS sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with companies developing solutions for both the Indian and global markets. There are more then 20 unicorns and a few publicly listed companies in this space. Given the rapid expansion of SaaS businesses, having a finance professional who can effectively guide the company through its growth journey is essential. The role of CFO/Head of Finance has been a key priority for the board, investors, and founders.

Key parameters to consider when hiring a CFO/Head of Finance

There are several essential questions to consider when hiring a CFO or Head of Finance

• Which industries should  candidates come from?
• What functional backgrounds are best suited for different stages of growth?
• What level of experience is ideal?
• Which academic qualifications are most suitable?
• Which key competencies should be prioritised?
• How can one determine a good cultural fit?

To gain deeper insights, we analysed the profiles of finance leaders in VC/PE-backed SaaS companies across India.

Additionally, we engaged with many finance leaders from SaaS firms to understand their main areas of focus within their roles.