Director, Strategic M&A, Finance

Harman Becker Automotive Systems Manufacturing Kft • Northridge, CA

22d • Hybrid

About The Position

HARMAN drives growth through organic development, strategic partnerships, and targeted acquisitions in adjacent markets and emerging technologies. In this role, you will lead and advance strategic projects that support the long-term growth and evolution of the Lifestyle business. You will identify and develop new business opportunities and models through comprehensive market and investment analyses. Additionally, you will manage financial due diligence, evaluate potential transactions, and ensure seamless post-close financial integration for large-scale M&A activities within a global organization. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in corporate finance, financial analysis, and project management to successfully drive strategic initiatives and create long-term organizational value. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Finance, HR, Digital, Legal, and Business Operations, to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and realize financial synergies across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field
• 10+ years’ experience in finance, accounting, or M&A integration with a global scope
• Proven track record in leading financial integration of large complex M&A transactions or large transformational projects within and across multiple functions
• Proficient in market data analysis and competitive intelligence, including hands-on experience in leveraging analytical tools and methods
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, tax, treasury, and accounting principles.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple integration or transformational workstreams.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to influence across different levels.
• Experienced in legal entity structure optimization, including elimination, mergers, and carve-outs, considering legal, financial, HR, and tax considerations.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proficient in financial systems (i.e. SAP) and data analytics tools.
• You are willing to travel, if necessary, 25% domestic and/or international travel.
• Be open to working in the Northridge, CA office (hybrid option available; flexibility to come into the office on short notice when needed is appreciated).
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

Nice To Haves

• MBA or CPA

Responsibilities

• Strategic Analysis, M&A & Due Diligence Partner with Lifestyle division business leaders to develop the current and future business portfolio strategy that drives an above-market rate of growth.
• Lead & coordinate the financial evaluation of potential strategic opportunities in collaboration with HARMAN’s M&A / Strategy group, including financial modeling, valuation analysis, and synergy assessments based on a comprehensive analysis of market data.
• Oversee and manage financial due diligence processes, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders for Lifestyle.
• Analyze financial statements, identify key risks, and assess the financial health of target companies.
• Focus on synergy realization opportunities for Lifestyle and risk mitigation between potential targets and HARMAN Lifestyle.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership on deal structures and financial terms.
• Transaction Execution & Post-Merger Integration Partner with cross-functional teams (legal, tax, operations, etc.) to drive end-to-end transaction execution.
• Develop integration concepts together with Division/ Strategic Business Units and central functions.
• Support in developing and managing comprehensive financial models to support deal negotiations and decision-making in collaboration with HARMAN’s M&A / Strategy group.
• Assist in structuring transactions and ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations.
• Support the preparation of investment memos and presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Execute large and medium-sized Post Merger Integration programs.
• Partner with finance leadership to integrate financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and internal controls across acquired entities.
• Drive alignment of accounting policies, financial systems, and compliance frameworks in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with tax and treasury teams to optimize legal entity structures, intercompany transactions, and cash management post-acquisition.
• Lead strategy consultant engagements supporting PMOs.
• Monitor and track synergy realization, providing regular updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop a playbook, best practices, and lessons learned to enhance the finance team’s PMO capabilities for future transactions.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management : Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals supporting M&A initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with external advisors, investment banks, and internal business leaders.
• Communicate complex financial concepts and strategies to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in M&A processes, PMO processes, and integration frameworks for the Lifestyle Division.
• Demonstrate strong leadership in stakeholder engagement and strategy, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Lead the execution of strategic resource planning activities, optimizing project resources, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation to drive project success.

Benefits

• Competitive wellness benefits and 401K Retirement Savings plan.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities.
• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work-life integration and collaboration in a global environment.
• Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies and extensive course catalog.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class HARMAN products (JBL, Harman/Kardon, etc.).
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees