Director, Strategic Advisory

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous FTO Policy

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k Match

Job summary

J.S. Held is seeking a Director in Strategic Advisory with a strong finance or accounting background to oversee financial controls, cash flow forecasting, and complex project delivery across real estate and commercial assets.

The role emphasizes leadership, client engagement, and the ability to manage multiple projects with travel up to 40% across the western United States. CPA/CFA credentials are a plus, with generous benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7-12 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or consulting in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized with excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Expert knowledge of Excel (V-Lookup / Pivot Tables), PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to summarize large data sets.
• Must be motivated, proactive, and able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage financial and accounting controls for operating businesses and commercial real estate assets.
• Identify key performance drivers, perform cash flow forecasting, and support operational needs across various industry sectors.
• Produce accurate and well-thought-out work products for internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform 13-week cash flow & 3 Statement Financial modeling and forecasting.
• Handle both low-level and executive-level work on the same account.
• Heavy written and financial reporting requirements and presentations.
• Present clearly during meetings with C-suite, bankers, lawyers, and business owners.
• Collaborate with senior management and client stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Identify business development opportunities and develop meaningful client relationships.
• Manage deadlines and deliverables across multiple projects and industries.

Skills

Financial analysis

Leadership

Client communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

BA in finance or accounting

Masters in Accountancy

CPA

CFA

CIRA

CFE

CTP

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm providing technical, scientific, and financial expertise. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high-stakes events demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, and clear-cut analysis. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services enabling clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.We have over 100 locations worldwide.We are highly committed to all members of our community, both employees and clients. Our organization focuses on promoting a sense of community and inspiring our people to achieve results that exceed goals.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our expanding team as a Director in our Strategic Advisory division. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in real estate, operations, and financial consulting. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding or quick ability to grasp our work, with a background in finance or accounting preferred. Travel could include up to 40% on-site at client engagements, requiring hands-on operational oversight.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and manage financial and accounting controls for operating businesses and commercial real estate assets.
• Identify key performance drivers, perform cash flow forecasting, and support operational needs across various industry sectors.
• Produce accurate and well‑thought-out work products that can be easily distributed to internal and external contacts.
• Perform 13-week cash flow & 3 Statement Financial modeling and forecasting.
• Handle both low-level and executive-level work on the same account.
• Heavy written and financial reporting requirements and presentations.
• Act as a resource for clients on processes including bankruptcy proceedings, working capital improvements, preparing liquidation analyses, loan negotiations/modifications, and oversight of claims processes.
• Present clearly and effectively during meetings with C-suite, bankers, lawyers, and business owners.
• Collaborate closely with senior management and client stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Identify business development opportunities and develop meaningful personal and business relationships.
• Manage deadlines and deliverables across multiple projects and industries with varying levels of involvement.
• Drive process improvements and operational excellence across projects.
• Maintain a strong focus on project timelines, deliverables, and budget management.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain credibility in all interactions.
• Some travel required up to 40% across the western United States to client sites, as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 7-12years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or consulting in a fast‑paced environment.
• B.A. in finance or accounting; Masters in Accountancy preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor (CIRA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA); Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and/or Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP) is a plus.
• Highly organized with excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Expert knowledge of Excel (V-Lookup / Pivot Tables), PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical mindset, critical thinker, and possesses the ability to summarize large data sets.
• Must love problem‑solving and implementing solutions.
• Be comfortable with the unknown, work well under pressure, and possess the ability to pivot and/or switch gears quickly and often.
• Bonus points if your experience includes: A/R, inventory, cash, A/P, revenue, and expenses; running analytics/ratio on financials; working on cash flow statements; projections and audits across multiple industries.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to manage and mentor a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects and delivering superior results.
• Must be motivated, demonstrate a high degree of energy, and be a self‑starter; someone who is enthusiastic, proactive, and who takes initiative to get the job done.
• Ability to independently develop and write superior quality work product with limited oversight.
• Ability to work both independently, as well as a team member.
• Must be willing to travel as warranted by client service requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Big 4 accounting or consulting experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of various accounting systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with restructuring, turnaround management, bankruptcy, distressed assets, receiverships, and the sell‑side M&A process is a plus.

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

• Mustbeabletosit for long period of time
• Must be comfortable to work in a remote and/or hybrid environment
• Must be flexible to work outside of the 8:30am - 5:30pm business hours if needed
• Must be flexible to travel

Additional Information

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

• Generous FTO Policy
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k Match

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $200,000 - $260,000. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal!

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail] and include "Applicant Accommodation" within the subject line with your request and contact information.