Director, Strategic Finance

Director -  Strategic Finance Consulting

About Palm Tree

Palm Tree is a modern M&A value creation firm that integrates financial consulting, operational consulting, and investment banking services. Founded in 2010, Palm Tree partners with private equity firms, business operators, and management teams through strategic events including acquisitions, carve-outs, recapitalizations, restructurings, integrations, and performance improvement initiatives.

The Strategic Finance Consulting team works alongside sponsors and executive leadership to strengthen financial visibility, improve forecasting rigor, and drive enterprise value creation within middle-market portfolio companies.

The Director Position

The Director is a senior leadership role within Palm Tree’s Strategic Finance Consulting practice. Directors are responsible for guiding client engagements, overseeing financial strategy initiatives, and maintaining direct communication with private equity sponsors and executive leadership teams.

This role requires deep financial expertise, strong commercial judgment, and the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable strategic recommendations. Directors serve as both technical leaders and client relationship stewards, ensuring engagements deliver measurable value creation outcomes.

Unlike Accounting Advisory, which centers on historical reporting and technical accounting matters, Strategic Finance Consulting focuses on forward-looking financial planning, liquidity management, performance optimization, and operational transformation within sponsor-backed environments.

Directors are expected to operate as trusted advisors to CFOs and sponsors while simultaneously leading internal teams and contributing to firm growth.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Guide project teams and oversee engagement execution across multiple concurrent clients

• Maintain consistent communication with private equity sponsors and executive stakeholders

• Ensure deliverables are commercially sound, actionable, and aligned with value creation objectives

• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex financial or operational issues

Financial Expertise

• Lead the design and execution of integrated 3-statement financial models

• Oversee development of 13-week cash flow models and rolling 12-week liquidity forecasts

• Direct AOP, budgeting, and forecasting processes within portfolio companies

• Guide scenario planning, covenant modeling, and capital structure analysis

• Perform and supervise advanced quantitative and performance analyses

Client Engagement

• Facilitate executive-level working sessions and board presentations

• Present financial insights and performance updates to sponsors and management teams

• Provide actionable recommendations tied to EBITDA growth, cash flow optimization, and valuation impact

• Develop long-term client relationships and serve as a trusted strategic advisor

Change Management & Operational Improvement

• Advise on restructuring team processes, FP&A infrastructure, and reporting cadence

• Support organizational design improvements and finance function build-outs

• Drive 100-day plans and ongoing performance tracking initiatives

• Identify operational inefficiencies and margin improvement opportunities

Team Development

• Mentor and develop Associates, Senior Associates, and Vice Presidents

• Provide structured feedback and performance coaching

• Foster a culture of accountability, rigor, and intellectual curiosity

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and prospective clients

• Support proposal development and pitch efforts

• Contribute to expanding Palm Tree’s Strategic Finance platform

Thought Leadership

• Publish insights on strategic finance, liquidity management, and value creation

• Represent Palm Tree at industry events and conferences

• Contribute to firm-level intellectual capital and market positioning

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, investment banking, restructuring, or private equity

• Proven track record in client services or private equity-backed portfolio company environments

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and client relationships

• Advanced financial modeling expertise, including liquidity forecasting and scenario analysis

• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, and AOP processes in complex environments

• Strong executive communication and presentation skills

• Ability to operate in fast-paced, sponsor-driven environments

CPA, CFA, or MBA credentials are viewed favorably but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range of $200,000–$225,000, plus performance-based incentive bonus.

• Medical, dental, and vision premium coverage.

• Competitive 401(k) program.

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO).

• Robust maternity and paternity leave program.

• Travel: 25%–50% travel may be required depending on client engagements.

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What to Expect When Applying

Whether this is your first time applying to Palm Tree or you’ve connected with us before, you are welcome to use this portal to submit an updated résumé, cover letter, or other materials. Our recruiting team will thoughtfully incorporate your most recent information into your existing application profile. And yes—we do read cover letters. In fact, the cover letter is a great place to demonstrate why you're qualified for a position, even if you do not meet all requirements.

Application Confirmation
After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming that we’ve received your materials.

Initial Review
Once your application has been reviewed and added to our active candidate database, you will receive a second confirmation email. Timing for this step can vary based on current hiring needs and priorities, so we appreciate your patience.

Note: If a role is marked as an “immediate” opening, the posting will typically outline specific timelines for each stage of the process, including a potential start date.

Screening
If and when a suitable opportunity arises, a member of our hiring team will reach out to schedule an introductory conversation. The timing of this step is demand-driven and can vary.

Interviews
Qualified candidates will be invited into a formal interview process. As with earlier stages, timing may vary depending on hiring priorities and role requirements.

While we do carefully review every application, we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates due to application volume. We value transparency and sincerely appreciate your understanding.

Important Notice
Palm Tree is not currently engaging outside recruiters or headhunters for this search. Unsolicited résumé submissions from third parties may inadvertently disqualify a candidate. All interested and qualified candidates should apply directly through this portal.