Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

Our client is seeking a Director of FP&A to join their team. This is with a direct client of Aprio.

*** This is a critical role and has the ability to convert full-time based on performance after this main project is complete in June.

Role: Director of FP&A

Location: Cleveland, OH (on-site / local preferred - open to remote candidates willing to travel bi-weekly)

Contract duration: 6 months+ (Could convert full-time after 6 months)

Summary:

This is with a long-standing, privately held shipping company operating in an asset-intensive environment. The client is in need of someone who is an expert with financial modeling.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

• High-impact FP&A leadership role with direct exposure to senior management, the board, and lenders
• Own the financial and operational modeling that will directly shape leadership, board, and lender decisions over the next 6–12 months
• Opportunity to step into a visible, trusted role during an important stabilization phase
• Ability to influence both financial and operational decision-making in a hands-on environment
• Long-term upside — strong performance could evolve into broader leadership responsibility.
• Stable business with deep roots, not a distressed turnaround

What You’ll Own

• Lead financial analysis and review of historical performance (FY23–FY25) to identify trends, risks, and areas of focus
• Build, own, and evolve detailed financial and operational models to support scenario planning, pricing decisions, and long-term profitability analysis
• Partner closely with operations to model asset utilization, capacity, fixed vs. variable cost dynamics, and pricing sensitivity
• Develop KPI frameworks and tracking processes to support ongoing performance monitoring and accountability
• Prepare clear, executive-level financial materials for senior management, board, and bank discussions
• Support leadership in articulating a credible, data-backed path toward long-term profitability and stability

Must-Haves

• Deep FP&A background with hands-on ownership of complex financial and operational models used for executive and board-level decision-making
• Strong scenario planning, sensitivity analysis, and long-range modeling capabilities
• Experience working in asset-heavy, operationally complex environments (manufacturing, shipping, logistics, industrial, or similar)
• Comfort partnering closely with senior leadership and presenting financial analysis to boards or executive stakeholders
• Ability to translate operational activity into clear financial insight
• Sense of urgency, sound judgment, and clear communication skills
• Willingness to be on the ground and engaged day-to-day

Strongly Preferred

• Industry experience in shipping, maritime, logistics, or transportation
• Prior experience supporting lender, board, or bank-facing initiatives
• Background in building KPI dashboards or performance management frameworks from scratch