Eastward Partners Inc. Looking for Head of Financial Planning & Analysis at Boston, MA Full Time

About The Client

The firm is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional offices in strategic locations. The firm has recently rebranded, indicating a strategic shift beyond traditional wealth management toward a broader client experience. They provide services to over 2,400 clients and close to $7 billion in assets under management (AUM) in the past.

The Opportunity

As our client continues to expand, they are looking for a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) to be at the helm of financial strategy and planning. As Head of FP&A, you will lead the company’s FP&A function and provide financial leadership to the executive team and PE sponsors. You will partner with the CEO and CFO to develop and execute the company’s strategic plan, and you will be responsible for providing financial insights and recommendations to support the company’s growth and success.

The Industry

The wealth management industry, currently valued at $1.30 trillion in 2022, is set to reach $3.48 trillion globally by 2030. Key trends include a shift towards personalized solutions, a surge in sustainable investing attracting $53 trillion by 2025, and the transformative impact of technology such as AI and machine learning. Consolidation through mergers and acquisitions is rising, influenced by retiring advisors.

Key Responsibilities

Partnering with Executive Team:

• Collaborate closely with the executive team to develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies aligned with the clients long-term goals.
• Regularly engage with cross-functional leaders to set and monitor financial objectives supporting overall business strategy.

Reporting, Budgeting & Financial Analysis:

• Lead the annual budgeting process, crafting detailed financial plans supporting the firms advisors with strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated forecasting models for effective risk identification and resource allocation.
• Oversee the production of accurate and timely financial reports, providing insightful analysis of results, variances, and trends.

M&A Activities

• Play a key role in supporting M&A activities by conducting thorough target financial analysis, valuation modeling, and synergy identification.
• From an FP&A perspective, assist with the integration of acquired entities into the firm, aligning financial processes, systems, and reporting structures for seamless transitions.

Build a High-Performing FP&A Team:

• Establish and lead a high-performing FP&A team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Expand the team with specialized roles, such as financial analysts and pricing experts, to ensure comprehensive financial expertise within the team.

Continuous Improvement in Controls, Processes, & Business Strategy:

• Implement effective risk assessment and management strategies to safeguard the firms advisors and their financial health.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in controls, processes, and business strategy.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support cost optimization, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.

Desired Outcomes

• The successful candidate will be expected to execute comprehensive financial strategies that drive the firms long-term growth and profitability.
• A key outcome is the effective implementation of these strategies, resulting in sustainable revenue growth and increased profitability over time.
• The Head of FP&A is responsible for providing strategic financial insight to prepare the company for emerging market trends and opportunities. A desired outcome is the ability to guide leadership by offering actionable financial insights that position the company to proactively capitalize on market dynamics and industry shifts.
• With the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) and key financial metrics, the desired outcome is a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization. This should lead to informed choices that enhance the firms financial performance, operational efficiency, and overall success.