Senior Finance Specialist - Finance Business Partnership

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS. Senior Finance Specialist - Finance Business Partnership in the Enterprise will… Seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner to join our Chicago office as a Senior Specialist. This finance professional will serve as a strategic finance advisor to business leaders, providing financial insight, analytical rigor, and proactive guidance to support commercial decision‑making, profitability, and sustainable growth. This role partners closely with senior stakeholders to translate financial data into actionable recommendations, ensure strong financial governance, and drive continuous improvement across planning, forecasting, and performance management activities. Responsibilities: Act as a trusted finance partner to senior business leaders, supporting account, practice, or portfolio‑level decision‑making with clear financial insights and perspectives Influence commercial outcomes by proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and trade‑offs related to revenue, margin, investment, and resource allocation. Directly support pricing, deal structuring, and commercial evaluations, ensuring alignment with firm financial objectives and risk thresholds. Lead forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis processes to support short‑and‑long‑term business planning Monitor financial performance versus plan, identify variances, and provide clear explanations and recommendations to leadership. Develop and deliver meaningful management reporting, including P&L analysis, margin drivers, and investment tracking. Serve as a mentor and coach to junior Finance Business Partners and analysts, responsible for helping them develop their technical skills, business acumen, and confidence in stakeholder engagement. Ensure strong financial hygiene across project and account‑level reporting, including forecast accuracy, committed spend visibility, and financial controls. Partner with cross‑functional teams to support procurement, investment tracking, and compliance with finance processes. Support month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close activities, ensuring data integrity and timeliness. Serve as a subject‑matter expert within Finance Business Partnering, supporting best practices, training, and knowledge‑sharing. Actively contribute to continuous improvement of finance tools, processes, and reporting standards. Act as a role model for effective business partnership, professionalism, and financial rigor, helping raise the overall maturity and effectiveness of the team. What you’ll bring: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA/CPA, other designations a plus, but not required. 7–9 years of progressive experience in commercial finance, corporate finance, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), consulting, or similar finance business partnering role. 1‑3 years of direct people/team management and development experience Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, forecasting, variance analysis, and commercial modeling. Proven experience partnering with and presenting to senior stakeholders in order to influence decision‑making. Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and PowerPoint and financial analysis skills; strong proficiency in financial systems and reporting tools. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, business‑relevant insights and recommendations. Sound judgment to constructively challenge stakeholders while also supporting business needs; highly motivated with a strong work ethic, ownership, and personal initiative. Excellent organizational and task management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks. Fluency in English Client‑first mentality Intense work ethic Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach How you’ll grow: Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions Perks & Benefits: At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in the United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS. Hybrid working model: We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections. Travel: Travel is a requirement at ZS for client‑facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures. Considering applying? At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive. ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An online application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered. NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE. Find Out More At: #J-18808-Ljbffr Zs Associates