EY-Parthenon – Senior Director - Strategy and Execution, Deal Finance

The opportunity

EY-Parthenon’s unique combination of transformative strategy, transactions and corporate finance delivers real-world value – solutions that work in practice, not just on paper. Benefiting from EY’s full spectrum of services, we’ve reimagined strategic consulting to work in a world of increasing complexity.

With deep functional and sector expertise, paired with innovative AI-powered technology and an investor mindset, we partner with CEOs, Boards, Private Equity and Governments every step of the way – enabling you to shape your future with confidence.

Join EY-Parthenon's Deal Finance (M&A) practice, where we work on the most complex and high-profile global transactions for Fortune 500 CFOs across diverse industry sectors. Our seasoned team of buy side and sell side transaction advisors bring deep sector expertise and functional knowledge to our clients. We develop deal strategies, prepare and execute separation and integration plans, identify ideas and sources of value enhancement, as well as advise on risk mitigation and the successful change of operations, functions and people. Key client questions that we help answer:

• How does the Finance function support the overall organization’s strategic priorities leading up to, during, and immediately after a transaction?
• What are the primary sources of deal value, and how do you capture more value faster?
• How does a transaction set the stage for a new finance operating model and create a platform for future growth?

You will join one of the fastest growing practices at EY and in the industry where you will find plenty of opportunities for your professional growth and development. We are the leading strategic advisor for end-to-end Deal Finance services, supporting major transactions for market-leading companies. We continue to invest heavily in our people to support personal growth and unique career experiences in a highly diverse and international environment.

Your key responsibilities

As a Senior Director with EY-Parthenon’s Strategy and Execution Deal Finance (M&A) practice, you will be a vital member of the practice leading and executing M&A projects, focused on the CFO agenda and Finance function. You will lead and manage projects, develop the transaction strategy for finance, and support client delivery across sectors. You will also be focusing a portion of your time on business and practice development as well as developing team members to achieve their career goals. 

Skills and attributes for success

• Engagement Leadership: Lead and manage high-performing project teams across EY to drive successful project execution and deliver high-quality client outcomes.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong business judgment and commercial drive to deliver meaningful value to clients in a fast-paced, high-visibility work environment.        
• Finance Functional Knowledge: Deep understanding of core finance functions, processes, systems and data, with experience leading M&A transactions and transformation initiatives across areas such as Controllership / RTR, FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Order-to-Cash and Procure-to-Pay.
• M&A Expertise Significant experience in leading buy-side and sell-side transactions, including integrations, separations, spins & carve-outs, with the ability to translate complex M&A information into actionable insights at pace, guiding clients through the transaction lifecycle.
• Creative Problem Solving: Ability to navigate ambiguous problems, challenge assumptions, and develop practical, innovative solutions aligned with the clients’ transaction objectives.
• AI Proficiency: Skilled in responsibly applying firm-approved AI tools and models to accelerate research, analysis, and insight generation, and exercising critical judgment to validate outputs and recommendations.
• Business Development: Proven ability to identify new business development opportunities and drive client pursuits, including presentations and client meetings.
• Practice Development: Commitment topractice development initiatives that strengthen team culture and reinforce our position as a great place to work.
• People Development: Knack for coaching, mentoring, and inspiring team members to support the achievement of their career goals.
• Executive Presence: Natural ability to build strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to CFOs and senior executives by providing strategic guidance, influencing key decisions and consistently demonstrating client leadership.
• Continuous Learning Mindset: Commitment to strengthening technical, commercial, and leadership capabilities while contributing to the firm’s thought leadership.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science, or Analytics and 8 years of related work experience; or a graduate degree and approximately 7 years of related work experience. MBA is preferred.
• Significant experience in M&A management consulting, operational Finance (e.g., accounting, reporting, budgeting and planning, order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, financial systems), and deep sector knowledge.
• Experience in Finance integrations or separations (divestitures and/or carve-outs) including transaction strategy, operating model, org design, synergies, transition services agreements (TSAs), etc.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, and the ability to develop long-lasting relationships both internally and externally.
• Excellent analytical skills and the confidence to translate complex data into meaningful insights.
• Knowledge of how to leverage firm-approved AI tools (including Microsoft Copilot) and apply critical judgement in a business setting.
• Willingness to travel and work beyond standard hours as needed.
• You must either reside in or be in a commutable distance to your office location for this position.    

Ideally you will also have

• A proven record of excellence in mergers or acquisitions transaction role.
• Experience gained within another large professional services organization.
• Established networking skills in a relevant industry or sector.

We’re interested in talented professionals with the ability to visualize our clients’ goals and think creatively to facilitate them. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, and a genuine passion for taking on new challenges, this role is for you.