PEPI: Senior Associate, 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 Senior Associate position within the CFO Services team at Alvarez & Marsal focuses on providing strategic financial solutions to private equity-held portfolio companies. The primary objective of this role is to enhance transparency regarding key business drivers and performance metrics, ultimately supporting the growth of cash flow and EBITDA for our clients. The Senior Associate 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 critical areas, including Liquidity & Working Capital Optimization, Strategic Analytics & Planning, Performance Measurement & Management, Business Transformation, and Auxiliary Services such as Accounting Remediation. The role requires a strong emphasis on data collection, validation, and analysis, where the Senior Associate will develop tailored information requests based on specific project scopes. Leading client interviews and asking insightful questions to gather meaningful data is essential, as is the ability to identify information gaps through trend analysis and pattern recognition. In addition to data analysis, the Senior Associate will be responsible for project management and implementation. This includes reviewing and providing input on all work products, ensuring that client deliverables are presented logically and accurately, and setting reasonable timelines that align with client expectations. The role also involves developing financial models, such as three-statement forecasts and liquidity forecasts, and creating client presentations independently. Teamwork is a vital aspect of this position, as the Senior Associate will promote an environment where diverse ideas and opinions are encouraged. Sharing knowledge and providing coaching to teammates is expected, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Financial acumen is crucial, as the Senior Associate must build various financial models and provide insightful analyses, understanding the impacts on profit and balance sheets stemming from key operating levers.

Responsibilities

• Collect, validate, and analyze data to support project objectives.
• Develop information requests based on specific project scopes.
• Lead client interviews to gather meaningful data and insights.
• Identify information gaps through trend analysis and pattern recognition.
• Challenge preconceived beliefs with fact-based analytics.
• Deep dive into relevant data to improve management reporting and forecasting.
• Develop storyline messages using supporting facts and analyses for presentations.
• Review and provide inputs to all work products, ensuring logical and accurate client deliverables.
• Set reasonable timelines and expectations aligned with client needs.
• Develop financial models and client presentations independently and accurately.
• Create bespoke solutions during unprecedented times.
• Promote a team environment that encourages diverse ideas and opinions.
• Share knowledge and experience, providing coaching to teammates.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited 4-year college/university with a concentration in accounting, finance, or economics preferred but not required.
• 3-7 years of experience in Accounting/Finance, Financial Due Diligence, Restructuring, Investment Banking, or Private Equity.
• Experience in building integrated financial models and strong Excel/PowerPoint skills.