Director, Strategic Finance (Chicago)

This range is provided by Palm Tree LLC. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$200,000.00/yr - $225,000.00/yr

Additional compensation types

Annual Bonus

Director, Strategic Finance

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. We encourage you to apply if you are a seasoned finance professional with a passion for leadership and client service.

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 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.*

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance, Consulting, and Product Management
• Industries
• Business Consulting and Services, Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals, and Financial Services