Director of Finance

Soul Equity Solutions • Chicago, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

A growing private equity firm is seeking a Director of Finance to join its internal team and serve as a financial resource and thought partner to the CFOs and finance leaders across its portfolio companies. Based in Evanston, this role operates at the intersection of firm-level strategy and portfolio-level execution, driving consistency in reporting, analysis, and financial operations across a diverse set of investments. The Director of Finance will work closely with the firm's senior leadership and operating partners, supporting portfolio company finance teams through periods of growth, operational improvement, and value creation. Candidates with direct operating experience at a portfolio company level are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in finance.
• Strong knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Proficiency in financial software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for senior audiences.
• Strong communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Self-starter with high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Nice To Haves

• CPA and MBA candidates encouraged.
• Prior experience at a private equity firm or in a finance leadership role at a PE-backed portfolio company strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with BI tools a plus.

Responsibilities

• Technical data management: financial modeling, big data analysis, deep analytical projects.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Analyze financial performance, identify trends, and provide recommendations for improvement and prioritization.
• Prepare detailed financial statements and understand details in support of those statements.
• Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget, ensuring it aligns with organizational goals.
• Conduct regular forecasting to advise on future financial outcomes and corrective actions as needed.
• Partner with portco leadership to prioritize growth initiatives and operational investment decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including lenders, ownership, and regulatory actors (e.g., auditors, tax accountants).
• Communicate financial performance, strategy, and recommendations to senior leadership and operational / functional leaders.
• Develop and implement the organization’s financial strategy, aligning with overall business objectives.
• Provide financial insights and guidance to the executive team to support business decisions.
• Lead the finance department, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring financial health and liquidity.
• Owns compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax laws.
• Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Drive process improvements within the finance function, leveraging technology and automation where appropriate.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging financial technologies, and best practices to improve the organization’s financial operations.

Benefits

• This firm is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director