Director, Strategic Finance

Director, Strategic Finance

Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.

Who We Are Seeking :

We are looking for a dynamic team leader for our Strategic Finance practice with a strong background in financial modeling, reporting and processes, ideally gained from a career in consulting, private equity or a similar environment.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in FP&A and have served as a strategic business partner to C-level executives in helping manage a company experiencing growth or a transition.

Prior experience in client services, particularly in Big 4 or a similar consulting firm, is highly desirable. This role is ideal for someone who combines technical financial expertise with leadership skills, and a proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.

About the Position :

As a Director, you will be a key player within our Office of the CFO practice, leading the Strategic Finance group. You will oversee teams delivering complex FP&A analyses, financial modeling, capital structure optimization, and other advisory services.

Engagement deliverables may include 13-week cash flow models, Annual Operating Plans (AOPs), and other Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) tools to provide key financial and operating information for decision-makers to improve their businesses.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead high-impact financial engagements, shape strategic business decisions, and play a vital role in our clients' success.

If you are a seasoned finance professional with a passion for leadership and client service, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities :

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of client engagements, guiding project teams with clear direction and maintaining consistent communication with clients.
• Lead the design and development of comprehensive work streams that involve complex quantitative analysis and detailed financial modeling.
• Oversee the execution of detailed financial analysis, synthesizing actionable insights from both structured and unstructured data sources.
• Manage the preparation and quality assurance of client deliverables, including financial models, KPI reports, gap analyses and other critical documentation.
• Lead change management activities and consult on changes to team structures, business processes, or information needs.
• Assist clients in integrating financial reports, processes, and other deliverables into their ongoing business operations.
• Provide hands-on technical training and support, when necessary, while maintaining a high-level strategic oversight.
• Facilitate client meetings, lead presentations, and guide discussions to communicate insights and recommendations effectively.
• Mentor and develop mid-level and junior team members, ensuring the quality of their work, guiding them to successful outcomes with clients and promoting their professional development.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and prospective clients participating in proposal development and identifying new opportunities for the firm.
• Contribute to Palm Tree’s thought leadership by publishing insights, speaking at industry events, and positioning yourself as an expert in strategic finance.

Qualifications & Requirements :

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field is required; a Master’s degree, such as MAC or MBA, is preferred.
• A minimum of 10+ years of relevant professional experience in middle-market FP&A, corporate finance, investment banking, restructuring, or private equity.
• Proven experience working in client services or across PE-backed portfolio companies, with a strong track record of managing multiple teams and engagements.
• Demonstrated ability and desire to build and maintain a book of business in the financial consulting space.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with strong technical skills and financial acumen.
• Experience in leading and developing teams, managing projects, and delivering high-quality client service.

Preferred Skills & Attributes :

• Strong commitment to delivering exceptional work products and consistently striving for excellence.
• Collaborative team player who supports teammates and learns from peers and leaders on each engagement.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Inquisitive nature, combining analytical and critical thinking skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, thriving in fast-paced, high-demand environments.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Highly organized, with strong project management capabilities and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Compensation :

The base salary for this position ranges from $200k-$225k and includes a competitive performance-based incentive bonus. The final title and compensation will be based on the candidate's experience and day-1 capabilities, as determined in the interview process.

In addition, Palm Tree offers medical, dental, and vision premium coverage, a competitive 401k program, an unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy (no formalized limits;

take as needed), a robust maternity / paternity leave program, and many other fringe benefits.

Palm Tree is a "Hybrid" work environment; this position requires 2+ days per week in the office. Palm Tree engagements can also require 25% - 50+% travel with the ability to work remotely and with offices in the L.

A., Chicago, Detroit, and Dallas markets.*

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Access

Our people are our greatest asset.

As skilled professionals faced with complex challenges, we value unique and creative ideas that help us grow stronger, smarter, and more adaptable for tomorrow.

At Palm Tree, we view inclusion, diversity, equity, and access as critical to achieving excellence and belonging to foster an authentic culture where creative solutions flourish.

We believe that our work for clients and the well-being of our company are strengthened by the diversity of our people. We recognize the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities, access, and representation for women and minorities in the financial services industry.

We are committed to developing a new paradigm to create a diverse and inclusive financial services firm of the future. We actively seek and welcome people of differences in background, from culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and age to gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, ability, neurodiversity, political views, veteran status, and more.

Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each team member.

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