Career Development

 For a service delivery head who has led both a finance team and an FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) team, the next career step would likely involve moving into more strategic and senior leadership roles. The person’s extensive experience in overseeing finance functions and optimizing financial planning processes puts them in a strong position for higher-level roles within the organization or industry. Here are some potential next steps in their career:

1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The most natural next step could be progressing to the CFO role. Having led both a finance team and an FP&A team, this person likely has a deep understanding of financial operations, strategic financial planning, forecasting, and performance management—all crucial aspects of a CFO’s responsibilities. This role would involve overseeing all financial aspects of the business, driving long-term financial strategies, managing investor relations, and ensuring the company's financial health.

2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)

If the individual has a strong interest in operational leadership beyond just finance, transitioning to a COO role could be a logical step. The COO role involves overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth service delivery, and optimizing business processes, while the individual’s financial expertise would bring a strategic edge in operational decision-making.

3. General Manager (GM) or Business Unit Head

Transitioning to a General Manager or Business Unit Head role is another possibility. This would involve not only leading finance but also taking ownership of the entire business unit’s strategy, operations, and profitability. The person would be responsible for managing P&L (Profit and Loss), expanding business operations, and leading cross-functional teams.

4. VP/Head of Corporate Strategy or Strategic Planning

Given the individual’s experience in financial planning and analysis, they could also move into a VP or Head of Corporate Strategy role. In this position, they would focus on long-term business strategies, mergers and acquisitions, market expansion, and aligning financial performance with strategic objectives. Their FP&A background would give them an advantage in driving business transformations and financial modeling for growth initiatives.

5. Private Equity or Venture Capital Leadership

For individuals interested in transitioning into the investment world, leveraging their finance and FP&A experience, a move into private equity or venture capital as a senior financial leader, advisor, or managing director could be another option. They would oversee financial due diligence, portfolio management, and value creation strategies in target companies.

6. Consulting or Advisory Roles (Partner/Principal)

Moving into a consulting or advisory role, possibly at a major firm like Deloitte, EY, or McKinsey, would allow them to apply their expertise to help other organizations improve their financial operations, service delivery, and strategic planning. They could become a Partner or Principal specializing in finance transformation, operational efficiency, or FP&A advisory.

7. Entrepreneurship / Start-Up CFO or COO

If the individual has entrepreneurial ambitions, they might consider starting their own company or joining a startup as a CFO or COO. Their experience would be invaluable in helping a growing company establish robust financial processes, manage growth, and navigate the financial challenges of scaling.

8. Board of Directors Role

At a senior stage, the individual could aim to join a company’s Board of Directors as a Financial or Strategic Advisor. Many organizations seek out individuals with extensive finance leadership experience to provide strategic oversight, governance, and financial guidance at the board level.

The exact next step would depend on their personal interests (e.g., whether they are more interested in financial leadership, operational roles, or strategic business development) and the opportunities available within or outside their current organization. It could also involve further developing leadership skills or gaining new experiences in other areas of the business.