Director, Finance – Strategy

Cisco

Finance Director at Cisco overseeing financial planning and reporting, partnering with executive leadership. Responsible for operational excellence and strategic advisory for legal and strategy departments.

Posted 7/10/2026full-timeSan Jose • California, North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $217,800 - $283,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in corporate finance, financial modeling, and strategic finance, with a strong ability to mentor teams and drive process improvements. Proven track record in supporting executive leadership and implementing AI-driven financial tools.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Corporate Finance ExpertiseFinancial ModelingLeadership ExperienceProcess TransformationExecutive Support

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ModelingBudgetingForecastingFP&AStrategic Finance

Soft Skills

Emotional IntelligenceMentorshipCollaborationAccountabilityInfluencing

Tools & Technologies

AI-Driven Financial Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)

Industry Keywords

Financial Close ProcessesC-Suite AdvisoryProcess ImprovementsHigh-Impact PresentationsComplex Data Insights

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring compliance and accuracy in partnership with accounting teams
Serve as a trusted advisor to the C-suite, translating financial results into actionable business narratives
Provide mentorship on legal spend and strategic investments
Drive process improvements, lead system transformations, and champion the adoption of AI-driven financial tools
Prepare and deliver high-impact briefing documents and presentations
Distill complex data into clear insights for senior stakeholders
Mentor and lead a high-performing finance team, encouraging a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional growth

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field or equivalent combination of skills and experience
10+ years of progressive finance experience, including significant time in leadership roles
3+ years of experience supporting executive leadership (e.g., CFO, CLO, CSO, SVP, EVP or equivalent) within a large, complex organization
10+ years of expertise in corporate finance, FP&A, or strategic finance
10+ years of experience in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting processes
Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred
Outstanding emotional intelligence (EQ) with a proven track record to influence
Consistent track record of driving process transformations and implementing new financial technologies
Ability to balance tactical "in the weeds" execution with high-level strategic thinking
High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive data

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
annual bonuses for non-sales roles