VP of FP&A

Ascension Search Partners has been engaged by a well regarded middle-market private equity firm in the search for a VP of FP&A for their growing portfolio company to help with mergers and acquisitions due diligence and all financial matters. This individual will report to a strong CFO and serve as the financial quarterback of the team. Serving in this high profile role, the VP will have regular interaction with the PE sponsor, CEO, CFO, lenders, and Board of Directors as well as other senior leadership across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have started their career in investment banking and moved into industry serving a private equity backed organization doing M&A and other financial functions.

Job Summary:

The VP of FP&A will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and implementing acquisitions which support the company's global strategic growth initiative. This position will lead transactions from identification, initiation, and due diligence through to closure. In addition, the Director will be responsible for in-depth financial analysis, and constant communication with all parties.

Primary Duties
• Develop and execute the M&A strategy to accelerate the company strategic priorities including the development of a systemized approach to M&A.
• Build and leverage relationships with investment banks and other relevant firms.
• Work with leadership team to identify acquisitions, structure transactions, direct due diligence and negotiate and close acquisitions.
• Gather important information regarding risks and opportunities for impending and ongoing M&A activities, translating this information into fact-based and well-reasoned insights on the valuation and structural impact of the merger or acquisition.
• Work with business unit leaders and functional specialists to develop and/or update market assessments to support the investment thesis underpinning a transaction.
• Take ownership of all aspects of a deal including significant interaction with senior executives and the investment committee including creation of a business case and valuation model for each potential transaction.
• Lead multiple aspects of acquisition including business analysis, transaction structuring and negotiation of agreements.
• Provide analysis and recommendations on corporate financial implications and the range of strategic alternatives to include preparing materials for Board of Director review.
• Leads merger and acquisition transactions through the cross-functional due diligence process including gathering and leveraging integration planning inputs in order to support successful integration.
• Interact regularly with third-party advisors (legal, financial, tax, consultants).
• Perform capital markets, refinancings, and other corporate finance needs to support growth initiatives.

Educational/Experience Level:
• Bachelor degree from a leading university, preferably in a scientific discipline. MBA preferred from a leading graduate business school.
• 5-8 years of results-oriented work experience in similar role including corporate development, strategy, investment banking or private equity.
• Experience and ability to model and synthesize complex financial analysis, operational and KPI data into concise presentations and decision framework, on a regular basis.
• Proven experience in financial modeling and valuation and presenting to an investment committee.
• Strong Board presentation skills including the development of PowerPoint presentations creation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.