At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client projects, manage teams, and ensure quality deliverables.
- Company: Accordion transforms finance for private equity-backed companies with a collaborative team of experts.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and a dynamic, high-growth environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a growing European market while mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in finance or consulting, strong leadership, and communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to exceptional client service and integrity.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Company Overview
There’s a better way to work in finance—and more specifically, a better way to unlock value potential in private equity-backed portfolio companies. Working at the intersection of sponsors and management teams across every stage of the investment lifecycle, our team provides hands-on, execution-oriented support to elevate the office of the CFO.
So, what does it mean to work at Accordion? It means joining 1,400+ finance & technology experts in a high-growth, collaborative, and agile environment while changing the way portfolio companies drive value. It also means making your mark on Accordion’s future. With the London office launching our European footprint, London-based Accordionites will have a unique opportunity to flex their entrepreneurial muscles and drive our business forward in the European market. Accordion is headquartered in New York City with 10 offices around the globe. Come join us as we build something great, together.
Strategic Finance
Accordion’s Strategic FP&A Practice helps Private Equity backed Finance teams build capabilities to enhance performance visibility, planning activities, data analytics, and business partnering to enable and accelerate value creation. By combining extensive operational FP&A experience, data and technology skills, and a proprietary engagement model, we develop and implement tools and processes and deliver solutions that meet the rigour and pace required in a PE-backed environment.
This role can be based in our London office. Ideal candidates should be local to the desired location, with the flexibility to work remotely 1-2 days a week, blending the best of both worlds for efficiency and collaboration.
What You’ll Do
- Provide project leadership and execute on client engagements, including directing and overseeing teams of consultants, managing work streams to agreed timelines, performing quality control of client deliverables and leading the presentation of deliverables.
- Act as relationship manager, responsible for addressing client and financial sponsor needs and associated communications throughout the course of engagements.
- Drive Accordion know-how and best practices in the execution of all client engagements.
- Work with Business Development team to cultivate client relationships and drive marketing efforts for potential new engagements.
- Work closely with client management teams to assess project needs and lead the development of proposals and work plans for potential client engagements.
- Work with Consulting Execution team on practice development initiatives, including development of execution toolkits and resources for key service areas, as well as the build-out and ongoing maintenance of Accordion’s consulting knowledge hub.
- Lead/participate in consultant teach-ins and other training exercises.
- Regular and extensive travel across Europe to work with clients in the relevant jurisdictions.
- Mentor junior consultants and actively participate in career development.
- Actively participate in the recruiting and on-boarding process for new consultants, as well as the performance review process for engagement teams.
Ideally, You Have
- A bachelor’s degree in business, finance or economics. MBA a plus.
- 10 years+ experience at (a) a top tier private equity firm, investment bank and/or consulting firm, and/or (b) the FP&A department of an operating company.
- Track record of interacting with private equity funds and private equity owned businesses a plus.
- Strong quantitative and organisational skills.
- Track record of managing others towards beautiful delivery.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
- Client focused, results-driven, and extreme attention to detail.
- Strong Excel skills with financial modeling and valuation skills.
- Strong interpersonal, leadership and team-management skills.
- A track record of acting with integrity.
Ideally, You Are
- A self-starter with a strong work ethic.
- A leader of others; you lead by example.
- A strong team player, able to work with team members across all levels.
- Able to effectively communicate complex issues and solutions, and raise issues to senior team members when necessary.
- Comfortable managing projects with multiple complex workstreams while also focused on your single workstream (you are managing and doing).
- Excited to be part of a growing team, with a focus on driving future growth.
- Full of entrepreneurial spirit and comfortable in a fluid, flat organisation.
- Knowledgeable about the relationship between Private Equity sponsors and their portfolio companies.
- Passionate about delivering exceptional client service.
- Someone who enjoys mentoring others and doing meaningful work.
- Willing to get your hands dirty in the details of a project while simultaneously seeing the whole picture.
Accordion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, or any other status protected under law.
Director, Strategic Finance (London) employer: Accordion
Contact Detail:
Accordion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Strategic Finance (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the private equity and finance sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who may have insights into Accordion's culture and hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Accordion's recent projects and case studies. Understanding their approach to strategic finance will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've managed teams in complex projects. Highlight specific examples that showcase your ability to drive results and mentor others, as these are key qualities they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in private equity and financial consulting. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and challenges will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to Accordion's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Strategic Finance (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly in private equity or consulting. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of Accordion's mission and how your background fits into their strategic goals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage client relationships effectively.
Showcase Quantitative Skills: Given the emphasis on strong quantitative skills in the job description, include examples of financial modelling or valuation work you've done. This could be in your CV or as part of your cover letter.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Since the role requires strong interpersonal and team-management skills, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored others. This can help demonstrate your fit for the collaborative environment at Accordion.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accordion
✨Understand the Role and Company
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what Accordion does and how the Director of Strategic Finance fits into their mission. Familiarise yourself with their approach to private equity and the specific challenges they face in the European market.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a director, you'll be expected to lead teams and manage client relationships. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership style, how you've managed complex projects, and how you've mentored others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the financial nature of the role, be ready to discuss your quantitative skills and experience with financial modelling. Brush up on key financial concepts and be prepared to solve case studies or technical problems during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Client-Focused Mindset
Accordion values exceptional client service. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully addressed client needs in previous roles, and think about how you can apply that experience to meet the expectations of Accordion's clients.