Head of Finance - Planning and Analysis

Director - Strategic Finance Consulting

The Director Position

Director is a senior leadership role within Palm Tree’s Strategic Finance Consulting practice. Directors guide client engagements, oversee financial strategy initiatives, and maintain direct communication with private equity sponsors and executive leadership teams. The 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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