Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

About CION Investments

CION Investments specializes in alternative investment solutions, dedicated to aiding individual investors in constructing portfolios aimed at long-term financial success. With over three decades of expertise in alternative asset management, the company focuses on broadening access to sophisticated investment strategies. It manages the CION Investment Corporation, a publicly traded business development entity on the NYSE, and sponsors the CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund through CION Ares Management, a globally diversified interval fund. The work culture emphasizes collaboration and innovation in credit and alternative investments.

Role Overview

The Director of Financial Planning & Analysis serves as a pivotal finance business partner to the CFO and executive team. This hands-on leadership role involves taking full responsibility for the company's budgeting, forecasting, and executive and board reporting processes. The Director will bring structure and refinement to this essential function, operating independently from the outset. The position includes overseeing one junior team member but requires the Director to lead the function actively rather than delegating tasks extensively.

Key Duties

• Manage the comprehensive annual budgeting cycle, coordinating efforts across all departments.
• Maintain an advanced Excel-based, multi-scenario financial model covering P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements, including detailed forecast-to-actual variance analysis.
• Develop and update rolling forecasts and long-term financial plans aligned with the company's strategic goals.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities proactively, providing insights before they become issues.
• Oversee timely monthly and quarterly financial close reporting, offering accurate variance analysis and insightful executive commentary.
• Create polished, executive-ready reporting packages for senior leaders, board members, and investors.
• Design and maintain high-quality PowerPoint presentations with excellent data visualization; experience with AI tools like Claude is advantageous.
• Manage all core financial models ensuring accuracy, version control, and proper documentation.
• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses supporting strategic initiatives, capital allocation, and business growth.
• Build and update KPI dashboards and management reports for real-time business performance tracking.
• Serve as a trusted finance advisor to the C-suite, clearly communicating complex financial information.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to the Board of Directors and investors, demonstrating professionalism in high-level engagements.
• Collaborate closely with the accounting team to ensure consistency between management reports and GAAP financials.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible finance experience, including significant leadership in FP&A within dynamic, complex environments.
• Proven experience managing budget processes and sophisticated three-statement financial models with minimal onboarding time.
• Comfort and experience in presenting to executive leadership, boards, or institutional investors.
• Background in investment management, asset management, or financial services preferred.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced Excel skills focused on three-statement financial modeling and scenario planning.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint to independently generate professional presentations; experience using AI-enhanced tools such as Claude or Copilot is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of corporate performance management and enterprise performance management tools, particularly Microsoft Dynamics ERP/GL and Solver CPM.
• Strong instinct for data visualization, able to produce executive-ready slides effectively.

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

• Self-motivated individual who takes pride in ownership and accountability without need for direct supervision.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to simplify complex financial data into actionable insights.
• Highly organized, capable of managing several deadlines simultaneously without quality loss.
• Collaborative team player who values the credibility and quality of the finance function.
• Naturally inclined to mentor and develop junior team members while maintaining responsibility for the function’s outputs.