Head of Financial Planning Analysis
cognesenseOak Brook (IL)
About the role
Head of FP&A IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE This is a build role, not a maintenance role. Cognesense's FP&A function is nascent and needs to be largely created from the ground up — consolidated forecasting, standardized KPIs, and a reporting cadence that can support an active PE sponsor and a multi-entity operating platform at the same time. The right candidate is analytically rigorous, fluent in three-statement modeling, and genuinely energized by using modern tools — including AI — to move faster and go deeper than a spreadsheet-only approach allows. Big 4 or investment banking training is ideal preparation for the pace and precision this role demands, though we're open to strong candidates from other rigorous backgrounds.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Modeling & Forecasting Build and maintain the consolidated three-statement operating model across all Cognesense entities Own the annual budget process and rolling forecast, coordinating inputs across business units Maintain and refine the rolling 13-week cash flow forecast Build scenario and sensitivity models to support strategic and capital allocation decisions M&A Diligence & Integration Assist with financial due diligence analysis for acquisition targets, including revenue quality, EBITDA sustainability, working capital, and capex requirements Prepare acquisition models and build transaction case studies that evaluate synergy opportunities, deal economics, and post-close integration costs Support valuation analysis and negotiation by synthesizing financial data, comparable companies, and transaction multiples Develop 100-day integration plans and post-close financial reporting frameworks for new acquisitions Partner with operational teams to identify and quantify cost synergies, revenue opportunities, and working capital optimization Monitor integration progress against plan and flag execution risks or variance to sponsor and management Consolidate acquired entities into the Cognesense financial model and reporting structure Reporting & Sponsor Communication Prepare monthly and quarterly board, sponsor, and lender reporting packages, in partnership with the CFO Develop management reporting that ties operating performance to financial results Translate financial and operational data into clear, decision-ready narratives for leadership Support ad hoc analysis requests from the sponsor and board Operational Reporting & KPIs Design and maintain a KPI framework spanning all business units and departments Build and maintain dashboards that give leadership real-time visibility into operating performance Partner with business unit leaders to define and track the metrics that matter Flag trends, variances, and emerging risks in operating data before they surface elsewhere Multi-Entity & Consolidation Support Support consolidation of budgets, forecasts, and actuals across multiple entities and brands Partner with the Controller's team on actual-to-budget variance analysis Help standardize reporting and modeling practices across business units as the platform integrates Systems, Tools & Process Evaluate and implement FP&A tooling to reduce manual, spreadsheet-based processes Apply AI and automation to accelerate modeling, reporting, and analysis workflows Partner with the Controller and IT on ERP (Business Central/Dynamics 365) reporting capabilities Build repeatable, well-documented models that don't depend on tribal knowledge A Note on Scope The responsibilities above reflect current priorities, not a fixed job description. This function is being built from the ground up, and scope will shift as the business evolves. M&A activity is a core strategic driver for Cognesense, so diligence and integration work will expand alongside operational FP&A responsibilities as acquisition opportunities emerge.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field Demonstrated fluency in three-statement financial modeling Experience building and owning rolling forecasts, budgets, and/or 13-week cash flow models Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills Strong analytical and communication skills, comfortable presenting to executive leadership Comfort working across multiple business units in a fast-paced, private equity-backed environment PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Big 4 transaction advisory, valuation, or M&A advisory experience Investment banking experience with M&A and financing expertise Prior FP&A experience in a multi-entity or private equity-backed platform with acquisition exposure Direct experience supporting due diligence, purchase price allocation, and post-close integration Experience with modern FP&A tools (e.g., Adaptive, Vena, Prophix, Datarails, Causal, or similar) Experience leveraging AI tools to accelerate modeling, reporting, and analysis work Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or a recent ERP migration Manufacturing or industrial products experience Experience with Government and Contracts MBA or progress toward the CFA designation
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