PEPI: Manager, CFO Services (OPEN TO ALL US LOCATIONS)

Alvarez & Marsal - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The CFO Services Manager at A&M is responsible for working closely with private equity-held portfolio companies to provide strategic financial solutions that enhance value preservation and generation. The role focuses on improving transparency regarding key business drivers and performance metrics, ultimately supporting the increase of cash flow and EBITDA for clients. The manager will engage in hands-on involvement with clients' operations, ensuring that private equity firms have credible financial plans and the capability to execute them effectively. CFO Services encompasses several key areas, including Liquidity & Working Capital Optimization, Strategic Analytics & Planning, Performance Measurement & Management, and Business Transformation. Auxiliary services such as Accounting Remediation are also part of the offering. The manager will lead data collection, validation, and analysis efforts, guiding team members in their approach to information gathering and ensuring that all relevant sources are explored. This includes conducting client interviews, asking probing questions, and understanding the perspectives of various stakeholders. In addition to data analysis, the manager will identify key business challenges, forecast liquidity needs, and assess inefficiencies in financial and accounting processes. The role requires a strong understanding of accounting and finance process flows to ensure improvements and value creation. Project management skills are essential, as the manager will own and complete workstreams based on the CFO Services pillars, ensuring that project timelines and deliverables are logical and achievable. Leadership is a critical component of this role, as the manager will leverage their experience to guide and inspire team members, maximizing their contributions and fostering innovative thinking. Financial acumen is also necessary, as the manager will build and review financial models, provide insightful analysis, and evaluate accounting treatments to offer valuable recommendations to senior management and board members.

Responsibilities

• Guide team members in information gathering and ensure all relevant sources of information are pursued.
• Lead client interviews, asking inquisitive questions to understand different stakeholders' perspectives.
• Identify knowledge gaps and challenge the status quo to develop better assumptions.
• Identify key business challenges and forecast liquidity needs accurately.
• Pinpoint financial/accounting process inefficiencies and assess organizational design and roles.
• Present issues and opportunities clearly and concisely to stakeholders.
• Own and complete workstreams based on the CFO Services pillars.
• Set and communicate client expectations consistently throughout projects.
• Employ actionable plans to optimize working capital and improve transparency in processes.
• Identify risks and obstacles early, creating contingency plans and communicating with clients in a timely manner.
• Leverage previous experience to guide and promote innovative thinking within the team.
• Recognize and maximize the current skill set of team members, providing coaching and support.
• Build and review financial models, providing valuable financial analysis and insights to senior management.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited 4-year college/university with a concentration in accounting, finance, or economics preferred but not required.
• 7-10 years of experience in Accounting/Finance, Financial Due Diligence, Restructuring, Investment Banking, or Private Equity.
• Proficient in financial modeling, data analytics programs, and presentation skills.
• CPA, CFA, or Master's Degree preferred but not required.