Managing Director, Strategic Finance
About Palm Tree
Palm Tree is a modern M&A advisor, founded in 2010, offering integrated investment banking and financial consulting services. The firm enables businesses to better prepare for and execute transactions, transitions, and transformations. Palm Tree fosters a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, providing accelerated career growth opportunities and exposure to high-impact M&A projects. The Strategic Finance practice is at the core of Palm Tree’s mission, delivering Office of the CFO services to private equity firms and their portfolio companies.
Position Overview
The Managing Director, Strategic Finance will lead Palm Tree’s Strategic Finance practice, overseeing the group’s operations, client engagements, and business growth. This individual will provide strategic leadership to private equity clients and C-level executives, focusing on financial transformations, growth strategies, and operational improvements. The role includes responsibility for the P&L of the Strategic Finance line of business, ensuring successful client outcomes and driving the growth of the practice. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Palm Tree’s Strategic Finance offering while delivering impactful financial advisory services.
Key Deliverables
- Client Deliverables: High-quality financial models, FP&A reports, working capital optimization strategies, and capital structure advisory.
- Business Development: Expansion of the Strategic Finance practice through new client relationships and service offerings.
- Operational Oversight: Strategic direction on service offerings, hiring plans, and financial performance of the Strategic Finance group.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership for Clients: Oversee multiple client engagements, providing clear direction and maintaining communication with senior executives. Lead the development and implementation of financial processes, reporting structures, and growth strategies for clients experiencing transitions.
- Team Oversight: Manage several teams delivering FP&A, financial modeling, and capital structure optimization services. Ensure projects are completed at the highest standard and within deadlines.
- Client Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with private equity firms and their portfolio company C-suites, advising on strategic financial decisions and identifying opportunities for growth and operational improvements.
- Business Development: Actively pursuing new business opportunities, expanding Palm Tree’s footprint in financial consulting, and growing the Strategic Finance practice.
- Thought Leadership: Publish white papers, speak at industry events, and position Palm Tree as a thought leader in Strategic Finance.
- Mentorship and Development: Mentor senior leaders and junior team members, guiding their professional growth and ensuring the quality of their work.
- Operational Oversight: Lead the performance, development, and growth of the Strategic Finance line of business, including financial performance, service offerings, and client relationships.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related fields required.
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred but not required.
Experience
- 15+ years of relevant professional experience in financial consulting, FP&A, private equity, or investment banking.
- Proven experience leading multiple teams and large-scale financial engagements, particularly in private equity-backed portfolio companies or similar environments.
- Demonstrated ability to drive business growth and develop a strong book of business in financial consulting.
- Experience managing P&L and taking responsibility for financial performance of a business unit.
Skills
- Expertise in financial modeling, capital structure optimization, and strategic planning.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial reporting tools.
- Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
- Experience working with C-suite executives and advising on complex financial strategies.
Attributes
- Dedication to delivering high-quality work products.
- Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a commitment to mentoring and professional development.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and results-driven approach.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail.
- Ability to thrive under pressure in fast-paced environments.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $250k–$300k, with performance-based incentives.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Competitive premium coverage provided.
- 401(k) Program: Competitive offering with employer contributions.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Unlimited PTO policy.
- Work Flexibility: Hybrid work environment with access to offices in L.A., Chicago, Detroit, and Dallas.
- Travel Requirements: 25%–50% travel may be required.
Why This Role is Exciting
This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing Strategic Finance practice, shape the future of Palm Tree’s financial consulting services, and deliver impactful results for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. With its innovative approach, collaborative culture, and commitment to professional growth, Palm Tree provides an ideal environment for seasoned finance professionals to thrive.
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Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Access
Our people are our greatest asset.
As skilled professionals faced with complex challenges, we value unique and creative ideas that help us grow stronger, smarter, and more adaptable for tomorrow. At Palm Tree, we view inclusion, diversity, equity, and access as critical to achieving excellence and belonging to foster an authentic culture where creative solutions flourish.
We believe that the diversity of our people strengthens our work for clients and the well-being of our company. We recognize the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities, access, and representation for women and minorities in the financial services industry. We are committed to developing a new paradigm to create a diverse and inclusive financial services firm of the future. We actively seek and welcome people of different backgrounds, from culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and age to gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, ability, neurodiversity, political views, veteran status, and more.
Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each team member.
***PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE ARE NOT PRESENTLY ENGAGING OUTSIDE RECRUITERS OR HEADHUNTERS FOR THIS SEARCH.***
An unsolicited resume submission could inadvertently disqualify a candidate's application. Qualified candidates should apply directly through this portal.