Role Overview for Head of Strategic Finance with a Public Software Company – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading, publicly-traded software company in San Jose, CA, in their search for a visionary and results-driven Head of Strategic Finance. This is a critical leadership position for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment and is passionate about shaping the financial future of a high-growth technology organization. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you will serve as a key strategic partner to the executive team, providing the financial insights and analytical rigor necessary to drive long-term value creation. This role is not just about numbers; it’s about storytelling, influencing key business decisions, and charting the course for sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned finance leader with a proven track record in a public software or SaaS environment. You will be responsible for leading the company’s long-range financial planning, corporate development and M&A initiatives, and supporting investor relations. You will manage a high-performing team and work cross-functionally to connect financial performance with operational drivers. Your work will directly impact strategic decisions related to product investment, market expansion, capital allocation, and potential mergers and acquisitions. This executive will be instrumental in building a world-class strategic finance function that acts as the analytical engine of the company, delivering actionable insights that guide the C-suite and the Board of Directors. You will be at the forefront of financial innovation, leveraging data and advanced modeling to navigate complex market dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the competitive software landscape.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Strategic Finance with a Public Software Company – San Jose, CA
Long-Range Strategic Planning
Lead the development and maintenance of the company’s multi-year financial model, partnering with executive leadership to align financial forecasts with strategic corporate objectives. Translate the company’s vision into a quantifiable, long-term financial plan that guides resource allocation and investment decisions.
Corporate Development & M&A
Spearhead the financial analysis of corporate development opportunities, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. Oversee the entire M&A financial lifecycle, from target identification and valuation (DCF, comparable company analysis) to due diligence, deal structuring, and post-merger integration planning and synergy tracking.
Annual Operating Plan & Forecasting
Direct the annual budgeting process and manage the rolling forecast cycle (monthly/quarterly). Collaborate with business unit leaders to build robust, driver-based financial models that ensure accuracy and accountability. Provide deep variance analysis to explain performance against budget and forecast, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.
Executive & Board-Level Reporting
Prepare and present sophisticated financial analysis and materials for the executive team, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders. Develop compelling narratives that distill complex financial data into clear, actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. Your presentations will be critical for board meetings, investor days, and internal strategy sessions.
Investor Relations Support
Serve as a key partner to the Investor Relations team. Provide analytical support for quarterly earnings calls, including the preparation of scripts, Q&A documents, and supporting financial models. Assist in crafting the company’s financial narrative for the investment community.
Business Partnership & Decision Support
Act as a trusted financial advisor to senior leaders across the organization (e.g., Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations). Provide data-driven recommendations on key initiatives such as pricing strategies, new product introductions, go-to-market investments, and operational efficiency improvements. Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and SaaS metrics (e.g., ARR, LTV:CAC, NRR) to drive business performance.
Capital Allocation & Strategy
Analyze and make recommendations on capital structure and allocation strategies to optimize shareholder value. Evaluate the financial implications of various capital projects, investments, and potential share repurchase or dividend programs.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of high-caliber finance professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement within the strategic finance function. Set clear goals and provide career development opportunities for your team members.
Market & Competitive Intelligence
Monitor and analyze macroeconomic trends, industry dynamics, and competitor performance to identify potential impacts on the company’s financial outlook. Provide proactive insights and strategic recommendations to the leadership team based on this intelligence.
Requirements for the Head of Strategic Finance with a Public Software Company – San Jose, CA
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related quantitative field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred. A CPA or CFA designation is a significant plus.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5-7 years in a leadership role. A combination of experience in strategic finance/FP&A at a public software/SaaS company, investment banking (TMT group), or corporate development is essential.
Public Company & SaaS Expertise
Deep experience operating within a publicly-traded company is mandatory. You must have a thorough understanding of the nuances of public company financial reporting, investor relations, and the quarterly earnings cycle. Extensive knowledge of SaaS business models and key operational metrics is required.
M&A Execution
Proven, hands-on experience leading the financial aspects of multiple M&A transactions, from initial valuation and modeling to due diligence and integration.
Technical & Analytical Skills
Expert-level proficiency in financial modeling, valuation, and quantitative analysis. Mastery of Excel is assumed. Experience with financial planning systems (e.g., Anaplan, Adaptive Insights), ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP), and BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is highly desirable.
Leadership & Influence
Demonstrated ability to lead, build, and motivate a high-performing team. Must possess exceptional executive presence and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences. Proven experience influencing and advising C-level executives and a Board of Directors.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think critically and strategically, connecting the dots between financial details and the broader business strategy. You must be able to move seamlessly between granular analysis and high-level strategic thinking.
Communication Skills
Impeccable written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft and deliver compelling presentations.
Personal Attributes
High integrity, strong work ethic, and a proactive, self-starter attitude. Must be comfortable operating in a dynamic, high-growth, and often ambiguous environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant equity package (RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Access to mental health resources, wellness stipends, and company-sponsored fitness programs.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you save for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Family Support
Paid parental leave for all new parents and family-forming benefits.
Professional Development
A dedicated annual budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and continued education.
Office Perks
A modern and collaborative office environment in San Jose, with catered lunches, a fully stocked kitchen, and employee social events (for hybrid employees).
Hybrid Work Model
A flexible hybrid work model that combines in-office collaboration with the convenience of remote work.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative finance leader ready to make a significant impact on a leading public software company, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exclusive opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications through our secure portal.
