Interim Senior Manager, Strategic Finance (FP&A)

Interim Senior Manager, Strategic Finance (FP&A) - PE Portfolio Company

Contract Duration: 6 months

Hours Per Week: 40

Compensation: $100-$120/hour

Location: 2-3 days a week in Tinley Park, Illinois

I'm working with one of my favorite clients, a Private Equity backed services/technology company, to hire a Interim Senior Manager, Strategic Finance (FP&A) to lead their growing team. This is a leadership role who will work side the executive team.

You'll serve as a key strategic partner and right hand to the Director, Strategic Finance (FP&A) & the CFO, driving financial planning, deal readiness, reporting, and analysis to support the company’s growth and value creation objectives. The Director will influence cross-functional leaders and play a pivotal role in building scalable FP&A capabilities for the business.

This role is highly visible across the organization and with private equity stakeholders.

The PE firm:

I work with this PE firm across several portfolio companies, and have gotten to know them personally over the years:

• I can personally tell you that they are the brightest, most humble, and best leaders around - somehow, they defy all the negative PE stereo-types but exhibit all the positive ones (they are great strategic partners to their operators, they are hardworking, roll up their sleeves and take care of their people).
• If you are successful at one portfolio company, the entire network of other PortCos are there for your next promotion.
• This role is a fast track feeder role for Portfolio Operations /VP, Finance & CFO roles across the portfolio.

More about the role:

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the company’s annual operating plan, quarterly forecasts, and long-range planning processes.
• Partner with the CFO to develop financial strategies that align with business objectives and value creation goals.
• Need to be very strong in Financial Modeling

Business Partnership & Insights

• Right hand to CFO, providing data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Collaborate with operations, commercial, and functional leaders to evaluate performance drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Support pricing, margin analysis, and cost optimization initiatives.

Board & Investor Reporting

• Prepare executive-level reporting packages and presentations for the Board, private equity sponsors, and lenders.
• Translate financial performance into clear narratives that inform strategic decisions.
• Interact with PE owners on a daily basis.

M&A & Strategic Initiatives

• Support due diligence, financial modeling, and integration of acquisitions.
• Track synergies and monitor post-acquisition performance.

Process & Systems Enhancement

• Enhance FP&A processes, tools, and financial systems to improve scalability, accuracy, and timeliness of reporting.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data across multiple systems and sources, establishing reliable processes for consolidation and reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial modeling and data visualization capabilities.

Governance & Controls

• Ensure financial data integrity and alignment with accounting policies and internal controls.
• Partner with the CFO and Controller to maintain strong governance practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA, CPA, or CFA a plus.
• 5–10 years of progressive Finance experience , ideally with a start in Investment Banking or Private Equity and the transitioned to FP&A/Strategic Finance at a PE Portfolio Company - or some similar combo.
• Advanced financial modeling and analysis skills; strong command of Excel and proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI).
• Experience with ERP/financial systems (Acumatica).
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage senior executives, Board members, and investors.
• Track record of partnering with business leaders to drive insights, efficiencies, and performance improvements.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with competing priorities.