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Job Title


CARE (Client Acceptance, Risk & Economics) Program Lead - Financial Performance


Company : J.S. Held LLC


Location : Chicago, IL


Created : 2026-04-19


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Company DescriptionAre you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.Job DescriptionWe are seeking a CARE Program Lead - Financial Performance to join our Transformation team. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, highly driven individual with a well-rounded operational and analytical skill set to join a group whose responsibilities extend far beyond traditional finance or operations roles. The ideal candidate will not only have a strong grasp of financial discipline and engagement economics but will also be a flexible, strategic thinker who can navigate ambiguity, influence stakeholders, and drive meaningful change across the firm.In this role, the selected candidate is responsible for strengthening financial discipline across the engagement lifecycle by operationalizing the firm's Client Acceptance, Risk & Economics (CARE) framework. As the firm continues to scale, this role exists to close the gap between financial governance policy, day-to-day execution, and consistent visibility into financial performance, ensuring governance practices translate into measurable results.The role focuses on improving client risk management, revenue realization, and cash performance through the consistent application of credit reviews, retainer policies, billing discipline, stop-work protocols, interest charges, and accounts receivable monitoring, from engagement intake through delivery, billing, and resolution.Sitting at the intersection of Finance and Practice Leadership, the role translates CARE policies into disciplined day-to-day execution and measurable financial outcomes. By strengthening lifecycle execution and accountability, this role plays a critical part in protecting profitability, improving cash flow, reducing bad-debt exposure, and strengthening financial governance, directly supporting the firm's ability to scale and enhance enterprise value.Job ResponsibilitiesCARE Program ExecutionLead implementation of the CARE framework across practicesSupport client credit risk assessments and deal review processesPromote consistent use of retainers and appropriate payment termsFacilitate adoption of interest charges and stop-work protocolsHelp scale CARE initiatives following initial pilotsEngagement Lifecycle Financial GovernanceStrengthen financial discipline from engagement intake through closeoutPromote billing accuracy, timeliness, and contract alignmentCoordinate governance workflows across Finance, Legal, and Practice teamsIdentify and address operational gaps that contribute to revenue leakage or payment risk, with a focus on earlier intervention and repeatable executionCash Performance & AR ManagementMonitor receivable aging and payment trendsSupport collections escalation and enforcement actions in partnership with AR and Practice leadershipIdentify recurring client risk patterns and recommend corrective actionsMetrics & ReportingTrack, analyze, and report on CARE effectiveness and financial performance outcomes, using insights to inform decision-making, escalation, and continuous improvementKey metrics include DSO, aged AR, retainer adoption, billing timeliness, and policy enforcement, etc.Engagement Economics GuidanceEmbed CARE principles into PM onboarding and trainingReinforce best practices around billing discipline, AR monitoring, and escalationPartner with Finance and Practice leaders to strengthen financial accountabilityQualificationsRequired Qualifications7 to 10+ years of experience in finance, commercial finance, or professional services financial management.Bachelor's degree or equivalent experienceStrong analytical, execution, and cross-functional collaboration skills.Proven ability to drive adoption of financial governance practices across teams.Demonstrated ability to influence behavior and drive adoption in a matrixed environment without direct authority.Preferred QualificationsPMP certificationExperience in consulting or project-based environments is strongly preferred.Experience with accounts receivable, credit risk, or cash management a plus.Physical and Mental Job QualificationsAbility to travel as neededProlonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Additional InformationSome of the Benefits We Have Include:J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team's needs.Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely when needed.Flex Time Off.Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.401k Match.Commuter Benefits.A reasonable salary range estimate for this role is $90,000 - $110,000. Any offered salary is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of the role, management responsibility, etc.Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.Please explore what we're all about at .EEO and Job Accommodations:We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal!J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email jobs@ and include "Applicant Accommodation" within the subject line with your request and contact information.#LI-SS1