Accordion, a financial consulting firm that utilizes AI and data to help private equity-backed companies create value, has appointed three senior executives to lead its European operations. The new leadership team—Paul Reading, Andy Burgess, and Steve Jones—brings extensive experience as CFOs, operating partners, and finance leaders. Their backgrounds ensure that clients work with advisors who understand the real-world challenges of delivering results in private equity environments.
This expansion strengthens Accordion’s capabilities in CFO-led value creation, AI and data analytics, and tailored CFO solutions for the European market. It also reflects the firm’s rapid growth in the region and its established reputation in the United States as a trusted partner for driving performance through the Office of the CFO.
Paul Reading has been named Head of European Solutions. With a background as a private equity operating partner, he has built and scaled finance functions across portfolio companies, preparing them for sustainable growth and successful exits.
Andy Burgess will serve as London Office Lead. He has worked as both a CFO and consultant, and previously led the CFO practice at a Big 4 firm. His experience includes helping finance leaders in both private equity and corporate settings to create value, refine strategy, and accelerate growth.
Steve Jones joins as Managing Director of Data & Analytics. With more than 20 years in data and analytics strategy and over a decade working with PE-backed CFOs, he blends consulting expertise with hands-on operational insight. He focuses on delivering measurable outcomes by utilizing analytics and AI to enhance performance, increase visibility into key metrics, and foster long-term value.
Accordion launched its European operations earlier this year, establishing a London hub to serve private equity sponsors and portfolio CFOs across the continent. The firm has expanded into larger office space to accommodate its growing team. With over 1,500 professionals worldwide and more than 15 years of experience, Accordion supports clients through every stage of the private equity lifecycle—from core accounting and financial planning to technology enablement, analytics, and preparing for successful exits—combining scale, experience, and a practical, operator-focused approach.
KEY QUOTES:
“Accordion has consistently stood out as the firm built specifically for the Office of the CFO in private equity. Having served as an operating partner focused on finance function maturity and exit readiness, I know firsthand the challenges CFOs face across the investment lifecycle. I look forward to helping lead Accordion’s European expansion and bringing that operator perspective to support sponsors and portfolio CFOs in delivering measurable value.”
Paul Reading
“I’ve experienced how demanding and complex the CFO role has become in private equity. Today’s finance leaders are expected not only to manage the fundamentals, but also to drive value creation, challenge strategy, and leverage technologies such as AI to accelerate performance. Accordion’s focus on the Office of the CFO specific to PE-backed companies, combined with its proven track record in the U.S., uniquely positions the firm to support European CFOs at this pivotal moment.”
Andy Burgess
“CFOs today are expected to do far more than deliver the fundamentals. They are tasked with leading digital transformation, harnessing data for decision-making, and applying AI to generate tangible impact. Accordion meets CFOs where they are – whether building robust data foundations, implementing AI, or optimising existing systems. That hands-on, operator-led approach is what sets us apart and why Accordion is defining a new standard for CFO support in private equity.” Jones’ hire also strengthens Accordion’s dedicated AI and D&A capability for CFOs and portfolio companies.
Steve Jones
“At Accordion, our mission is to help CFOs turn pressure into performance. Europe’s private equity landscape is evolving rapidly, and CFOs are being asked to deliver more than ever. Paul, Andy, and Steve bring deep operator experience, technical expertise, and a proven ability to implement solutions that deliver measurable impact. Their appointments, along with the formalisation of an operating leadership layer, not only reinforce our position as the partner of choice for CFOs in Europe but also complement the strength of our established senior team in the United States. Together, this combined leadership will ensure Accordion sets the benchmark for supporting CFOs across Europe, helping sponsors and portfolio companies unlock value and navigate a complex market.”
Atul Aggarwal, President of Europe, Accordion
