VP of Strategic Finance

Why Great Gray?

At Great Gray Group, we strive to set the bar for the retirement services industry. Our goal is to deliver advanced retirement solutions that combine our core fiduciary services with robust investment options, innovative technology, and dedicated client service. We focus on making choices clearer, transitions smoother, and the client experience more delightful. Complacency isn't in our vocabulary. Every day, we look for opportunities to better serve our clients, be an excellent business partner, and earn the trust of those who rely on us. 

The Role

Great Gray is looking to add a VP of Strategic Finance role to a growing private equity-backed portfolio company. We are seeking a strategic, results-driven, and highly experienced Finance Leader to lead and oversee our FP&A function and M&A diligence and integration. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with the executive leadership team and the private equity sponsors to drive the company’s FP&A strategy, ensure robust financial reporting and optimize value creation.  You will be responsible for driving financial planning and analysis, managing financial risks, and aligning financial strategies with the overall goals of the company. You will be tasked with building a high performing FP&A team.

Location

This position will work from our Boston, MA office. Great Gray currently supports a hybrid work model with 4 days onsite, and 1 day remote.

Visa sponsorship or transfer of an existing visa is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work directly for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship or transfer.

Responsibilities

• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and coordinate quarterly forecasts. Provide actionable insights into variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Provide actionable insights through financial analysis to guide business decisions. Develop financial models for new initiatives, strategic projects, and cost-saving measures. Deliver insights into profitability and operational efficiency.
• Performance Metrics & KPIs: Develop, monitor, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics that align with business objectives. Provide regular updates to senior management on performance and suggest areas for improvement.
• Business Partnering: Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders by offering financial guidance and support in areas such as pricing, capital allocation, cost management, and revenue growth. Foster a collaborative relationship with cross-functional teams.
• Cash Flow & Capital Management: Oversee cash flow management, including working capital, debt covenants, and liquidity requirements. Optimize capital structure and manage financial risks related to debt, equity, and cash positions. Work closely with lenders and investors to maintain optimal funding arrangements.
• Private Equity & Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a financial liaison between the company and the private equity sponsors, providing them with regular updates on financial performance, key metrics, and progress towards financial targets. Coordinate with the PE firm on financial and operational strategies to maximize portfolio value.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Provide financial modeling and analysis support for potential mergers, acquisitions, and investments. Lead post-acquisition integration efforts and track financial performance against projections.
• Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing finance team. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that promotes continuous learning and growth.
• Investor Relations: Assist in preparing materials and presentations for board meetings, investor updates, and stakeholder communication, ensuring alignment with both financial and strategic objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: A degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA, CPA, or CFA is highly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in FP&A or financial analysis, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial management for a private equity-backed company preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of private equity and portfolio company operations, including financial reporting, performance metrics and value-creation initiatives.
• Expertise in financial modeling, forecasting and budgeting. 
• Proficient in cash flow management, capital structuring and debt financing.
• Experience building structure and processes.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience in M&A activities, including due diligence, valuation and integration.
• Advanced proficiency with financial management software (e.g., ERP systems, Excel, and other financial modeling tools).
• Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive business growth.
• Collaborative and comfortable working with cross-functional teams.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and adaptable in a high pressure, fast-paced environment navigating the complexities of private-equity ownership.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to bring best practice ideas to the team.
• Exhibits our Great Gray attributes: Results-Driven, Innovative, Resilient, and Decisive.

Benefits

We have a comprehensive and competitive benefits package at Great Gray. Some of the highlights are:

·       Be an integral part of an early-stage, high-growth organization!

·       Hybrid work environment

·       Competitive compensation package including 401(k) with elective and non-elective match opportunities

·       Lifestyle spending allowance program

·       Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

·       Employer-paid life and disability insurance

·       Generous paid time off program

Company Background 

Great Gray is the leading independent provider of trustee and administrative services to Collective Investment Trusts (“CITs”), with over $200 billion in CIT assets under management, across more than 780 funds. We proudly work with 80 subadvisors, including leading firms such as AllianceBernstein, American Funds, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, MetLife, Neuberger Berman, PGIM, PIMCO and Raymond James. 

CITs are more than just an investment vehicle. They represent a forward-thinking approach to retirement planning. These tax-exempt, pooled investment vehicles are offered to employer-sponsored retirement plans, like 401(k)s. CITs are comparable to mutual funds, but, because they are tailored for the institutional retirement market, they can offer distinct advantages, including efficient administration and cost-effectiveness. CITs have a history dating back over 90 years; but they have gained favor over the past decade, driven by innovations, and Great Gray has been at the forefront.

Great Gray has consistently delivered year-over-year growth at an above market rate and is investing in the continued development of its core CIT business as well as complementary administrative services and technology solutions for the retirement market.

Madison Dearborn Partners (“MDP”) purchased Great Gray from Wilmington Trust in April 2023. As a result, Great Gray is an independent company owned by funds affiliated with MDP.

Investor Background 

MDP is a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago. Since MDP's formation in 1992, the firm has raised aggregate capital of over $28 billion and has completed over 150 platform investments. MDP invests across five dedicated industry verticals, including basic industries; business and government software and services; financial and transaction services; health care; and telecom, media, and technology services.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Great Gray, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or other non-merit factor.