Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance

As the Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance, you'll be responsible for leading our global FP&A function, driving long-term financial planning, and delivering high-quality financial insights that inform strategic decision-making. You'll also oversee financial reporting, manage a talented team, and act as a key partner to senior executives to align financial strategies with our ambitious growth objectives.

To qualify for the Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance role, candidates should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics, while an MBA, CFA, or CPA is preferred. Additionally, 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate finance or strategic finance roles, including at least 3 years in a leadership capacity, is essential.

The Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance plays a crucial role in the decision-making process by providing in-depth financial insights and analysis that drive strategic initiatives. This includes developing and maintaining robust financial models, delivering high-quality reporting to leadership, and actively participating in discussions with the CFO and other senior executives to shape the company's strategic direction.

The salary range for the Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance position typically falls between $165,000 to $220,000 per year. In addition, this role may be eligible for short- and long-term incentive programs, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and generous paid time off.

A successful Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance should possess exceptional analytical and modeling skills, strong stakeholder management capabilities, and effective communication abilities to build trust with senior-level executives. A resilient character who thrives in a fast-paced environment, along with a strong desire to understand business details, is also essential for driving process change and enhancing decision-making efficiency.

In my previous roles, I've developed extensive financial models that track performance metrics and forecast future revenue streams. For the Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance position, my ability to create and interpret these models will be crucial in guiding strategic decisions and aligning financial plans with company objectives.

Effective prioritization involves understanding key business objectives and aligning team activities accordingly. I focus on establishing clear communication channels and regularly reviewing progress against goals, ensuring my team is engaged and accountable in their roles to meet both individual and organizational targets.

When communicating with non-financial stakeholders, I concentrate on simplifying complex financial concepts into straightforward, actionable insights. Using visuals and narrative storytelling helps to convey the impact of financial data on strategic decisions, ensuring clarity and engagement.

At my last position, I identified inefficiencies in our budgeting process, which resulted in prolonged cycles. By implementing an innovative financial planning tool and streamlining workflows, I reduced the budgeting time by 30%, allowing for more time to focus on strategic analysis to inform executive decisions.

Risk management is integral to effective financial planning. I adopt a proactive approach by continually assessing potential financial risks, using scenario analysis to evaluate various outcomes, and preparing contingency plans to mitigate identified risks, ensuring the organization is well-equipped to navigate uncertainties.

Technology will play an increasingly vital role in financial planning and analysis by providing advanced analytics, automation of routine tasks, and enhancing data integrity. As Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance, I anticipate leveraging these technologies to gain deeper insights and improve decision-making efficiency.

Managing tight deadlines requires a strong emphasis on efficiency combined with a rigorous review process. I prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and utilize tools that streamline data gathering and analysis, ensuring that despite the pressure, accuracy and quality in financial reporting is maintained.

My experience with M&A includes conducting thorough due diligence, valuation assessments, and analyzing strategic fit with existing operations. I utilize financial models to forecast the impact of potential acquisitions, ensuring alignment with our long-term financial objectives and risk management framework.

To improve FP&A processes, I would focus on enhancing collaboration between finance and operational teams, automating repetitive tasks to increase efficiency, and introducing robust data analytics tools to support quicker and more informed decision-making, always striving for continuous improvement.

Ensuring financial alignment with growth objectives involves regular collaboration with senior management to understand business strategies. This entails translating these objectives into tangible financial plans, regularly assessing performance against KPI benchmarks, and adapting strategies as necessary to remain on target.