Northwestern Mutual

Senior Director, Finance

Northwestern Mutual • $176K — $264K *
Milwaukee, WI 53215In-Person
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business required
  • MBA or CPA preferred
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant financial management experience
  • Strong leadership experience managing teams and influencing executives
  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary finance partner to senior technology executives
  • Translate complex financial concepts into actionable business insights
  • Lead annual and long-range planning processes across technology portfolios
  • Develop multi-year investment strategies with senior leaders
  • Drive portfolio prioritization and ROI analysis
  • Identify risks and provide actionable recommendations
  • Establish financial targets and performance metrics

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead transformational initiatives within a large tech organization
  • Collaborative environment with senior executives
  • Focus on continuous learning and development for team members
  • Hybrid work model with flexibility options
  • Culture that emphasizes business partnership and critical thinking
Full Job Description

Summary

The Senior Director is astrategicfinance and business leader responsible for driving financial performance, operational excellence, workforce planning, investment governance, and business decision support across a large technology organization.

Thisrole serves as a trusted partner to technology, business, and finance leaders, helping shape strategy,optimizeinvestments, improve organizational effectiveness, and deliver business value. The ideal candidate combines deepexpertisein technology finance and operational management with exceptional leadership, influence, and change management capabilities.

Success in this role requires the abilityoperateeffectively in complex and ambiguous environments, balance strategic thinking with operational execution, and lead high-performing teams through transformation and growth.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary finance partner to senior technology executives, providing strategic counsel on business priorities, investment decisions, organizational design, operating model evolution, and technology strategy.

  • Translate complex financial, operational, and technology concepts into actionable business insights for executive audiences.

  • Lead annual planning, forecasting, long-range planning, and quarterly business review processes across large technology portfolios.

  • Partner with senior leaders to develop multi-year investment strategies aligned to enterprise objectives.

  • Drive portfolio prioritization, business case development, ROI analysis, and value realization measurement.

  • Identifyrisks, opportunities, and strategic tradeoffs while providing actionable recommendations to senior leadership.

  • Establish financial targets, performance metrics, and accountability mechanisms aligned to enterpriseobjectives.

  • Translate complex technology and financial concepts into executive-level business discussions.

  • Partner with business leaders to improve financial discipline, accountability, and operational efficiency.

  • Lead cost management initiatives while balancing investment, growth, innovation, and operationalobjectives.

  • Prepare board-quality materials, executive presentations, strategic recommendations, and leadership communications.

  • Build, lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams of finance professionals.

  • Coach and mentor future leaders while building organizational capability and succession strength.

  • Foster a culture focused on business partnership, critical thinking, continuous learning, and operational maintenance.

  • Lead teams through change whilemaintaininghigh levelsof performance and engagement.

  • Represent Finance in executive steering committees, governance forums, investment reviews, and transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

  • Bachelorsdegree in accounting, finance, or other businessrequired

  • Masters of Business Administration(MBA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in positions with increasingfinancial managementresponsibilities

  • Exceptionalpeopleleadershipexperience managing teams and influencing executive stakeholders.

  • Intellectual agility, analytical and problem-solvingabilitiesand well-developed presentation skills.

  • Ability to develop rapport andmaintaineffective relationships throughout the Company and influence decision making without authority

  • Demonstrated success partnering with senior leaders and executive leadership teams.

  • Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, strategic planning, and investment analysis.

  • Strong business acumen withanability to understand and synthesize company-wide results.

  • Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive outcomes across cross-functional organizations.

  • Experience leading large-scale transformation, organizational change, or operational improvementiniatives.

  • Demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles and lead through change.

  • Exceptional communication, storytelling, and executive skills.

Skills:

  • Financial Analysis: Analyzes balance sheet and income statement accounts to ensure accuracy, utilizes operational indicators, and actuarial information for comprehensive analysis. Interprets financial statements, draws conclusions, makes financial recommendations related to NM's products and services.
  • Business Influence: Collaborates, communicates and influences direct reports, stakeholders, and other business functions based on understanding of the marketplace, organizational needs, and the client as a people manager.
  • Strategic Vision & Planning: Develops, defines, and executes strategic vision for the team and business function they manage with an understanding of the enterprise9s goals as a people manager; defines business planning, strategy formulation, and management engine to support strategic vision.
  • Storytelling through Data: Communicates insights and opportunities from a dataset, using narratives, visualizations, and analysis.
  • Talent Development & Planning: Develops direct reports9 skills based on organizational objectives, evaluates skill gaps, and manages succession planning to develop more capable direct reports, diverse, strong teams and better organizational performance in an equitable and inclusive manner.
  • Analytical thinking: Organizes and compares various aspects of a situation to comprehend and identify key or underlying complex issues through the use of quantitative data and analysis; leverages strong business acumen, problem solving, and interpersonal skills to think critically about situations from multiple perspectives and consistently seeks ways to improve processes.
  • Cross Functional Planning & Partnering: Facilitates collaboration, communication, coordination, and planning with individuals and teams from different functions within the organization, and who have different areas of expertise, to achieve common goals.
    #LI-Hybrid, #LI-Onsite

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$176,000.00

Pay Range - End:

$264,000.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$193,600.00 USD - $290,400.00 USD

Structure 115:


$202,400.00 USD - $303,600.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It9s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you9re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.


About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Northwestern Mutual.

SEARCH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL JOBS

Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
Learn more about Northwestern Mutual
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Finance & Insurance
* Ladders Estimates

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