Director, Strategic Finance

The Director of Strategic Finance at Brightwheel is tasked with leading and managing the Finance & Strategy function for go-to-market operations. This includes managing topline forecasting, guiding strategic decision-making, building financial models, and preparing performance deep dives for the Executive team and the Board. In essence, you will take on a vital role in shaping the company's financial direction and operational success.

To be considered for the Director of Strategic Finance role at Brightwheel, candidates should have at least 10 years of finance experience, preferably in investment banking, venture capital, private equity, or technology operations. An MBA is highly favored, along with a strong background in financial modeling, analytical skills, and the ability to partner with senior management to drive strategic financial initiatives.

A typical day for the Director of Strategic Finance at Brightwheel would involve collaborating with various teams to gather financial data, developing performance metrics, and reviewing financial models. You will spend time partnering with leadership to guide investment decisions, leading team meetings to discuss operational insights, and preparing presentations for the Executive team to inform them of GTM performance.

The Director of Strategic Finance plays a crucial role in guiding strategic direction and investment for Brightwheel. By developing accurate forecasting, understanding ACV and ARR, and providing insights on the sales funnel and customer lifetime value, this position directly influences our capacity to allocate resources effectively, optimize marketing strategies, and ultimately drive sustainable growth for the company.

Important qualities for the Director of Strategic Finance at Brightwheel include strong analytical skills, the ability to communicate complex financial insights clearly, and a collaborative spirit to work with diverse teams. A strategic mindset, understanding of GAAP accounting, and a readiness to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment are also essential for success in this role.

To develop a financial model for evaluating a marketing campaign, I would start by defining the objectives of the campaign and the metrics for success. Next, I'd gather historical data on similar campaigns to create a base model. The key components would include estimated costs, expected returns, and timeframes for ROI. Finally, I would use this model to run various scenarios and sensitivity analyses to assess potential outcomes and inform strategic decisions.

In approaching headcount and quota capacity analysis for Brightwheel's sales team, I would first assess current sales productivity metrics, such as quota attainment and ACV generated per salesperson. Next, I would consider market factors and growth projections to determine optimal team size and structure. By comparing current capacity against projected targets, I could recommend adjustments to the team size or structure to align with growth goals effectively.

Creating a data-driven performance culture at Brightwheel involves first establishing clear performance metrics that align with strategic objectives. This could be achieved through regular training and workshops on data interpretation for employees across departments. Additionally, implementing dashboards for real-time performance monitoring and celebrating data-driven decision-making successes will encourage a culture where insights guide actions consistently.

When managing the Finance & Strategy function, I prioritize projects by assessing their alignment with the company's strategic goals and potential impact on operations. I would use a framework to weigh factors such as urgency, resource availability, and the overall business value. Regular communication with stakeholders also helps me understand their needs and adjust priorities dynamically.

In my previous role, I influenced a strategic decision by presenting a financial analysis that highlighted potential revenue growth opportunities through targeted customer segments. By effectively communicating the data and reinforcing it with modeling projections and market insights, I was able to gain consensus among the leadership team to pivot our sales strategy, which eventually led to a 20% increase in revenue.

For financial analysis, I find tools like Excel indispensable for building detailed models. Additionally, business intelligence software like Tableau or Looker provides robust data visualization capabilities, allowing for better insights into financial performance. I also leverage ERP systems for comprehensive data management and forecasting integration.

To assess potential investment opportunities for Brightwheel, I would conduct thorough market research to understand industry trends and customer needs. I would build financial models to analyze potential returns and risks. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather insights on operational implications would round out the evaluation process before making recommendations to the leadership team.

To ensure financial compliance and accuracy in reports, I regularly review and adhere to GAAP standards and other regulatory requirements. Implementing robust internal control processes, conducting periodic audits, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the finance team are essential practices to maintain accuracy in our financial reporting.

Communication is key in my approach as a Director of Strategic Finance. I aim to convey complex financial information in a clear, concise manner that resonates with non-financial stakeholders. Regular updates and open lines of communication foster collaboration and ensure everyone is aligned on financial objectives and performance tracking.

My experience with financial forecasting is extensive, as it’s critical for strategic planning at Brightwheel. I utilize historical data, market trends, and operational insights to create accurate forecasts. These forecasts guide resource allocation, inform investment decisions, and help the company adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring that we remain agile and focused on our mission of enhancing early education.