Finance, Business Operation, Strategy Partner (Marketing)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Finance, Business Operation, Strategy Partner (Marketing)

🔹 Company: Gusto, Inc.

🔹 Location: Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Finance & Accounting

🔹 Date Posted: May 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Guiding financial planning, business operations, and strategic decision-making at Gusto
• Partnering with the Head of Demand Gen and CMO to determine strategy, unit-economics, and resourcing
• Conducting market research and shaping strategy to scale marketing efforts in acquisition and expansion
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to maximize performance within existing financial constraints

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of collaboration and strategic thinking, with a focus on driving growth and maximizing performance within financial constraints.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Planning & Forecasting: Support Direct channel through revenue, cost, and headcount planning and forecasting

✅ Business Analytics: Conduct research, analysis, and business modeling to help Direct segment leadership make financially sound and strategically aligned decisions

✅ Performance Management: Help continuously improve reporting frameworks and define/track the right KPIs to drive better product management decisions with data-informed insights

✅ Execution: Roll up sleeves and pitch in with operators as needed to help make strategic plans a reality

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong analytical mindset, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Finance, Business, Engineering, Mathematics, etc.)

Experience: 7+ years of relevant work experience in investment banking, consulting, or private equity, with operational SaaS experience

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Excel, with the ability to develop insightful financial models and quantitative analysis
• Strong critical thinking and sound business judgment
• Impactful data visualization skills in Tableau or other BI tools
• Ability to deep dive into large data sets with SQL

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the financial services or software industry
• Familiarity with Gusto's products and services

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong quantitative background and relevant industry experience will be best suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $126,000 to $156,000 in Denver and most major metro locations, and $153,000 to $189,000 for San Francisco and New York. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate location, experience, and expertise.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• 401(k)
• Expert HR
• Team Management Tools

Working Hours: Full-time, with an expectation to work from the office approximately 2-3 days per week (or more depending on role)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in the respective locations.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Gusto operates in the software development industry, focusing on providing modern HR tools, payroll, and benefits to small businesses

Company Size: Gusto has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company with a significant presence in the market

Founded: Gusto was founded in 2011 and has since grown to serve more than 400,000 businesses nationwide

Company Description:

• Gusto is a modern, online people platform that helps small businesses take care of their teams
• The company offers full-service payroll, health insurance, 401(k)s, expert HR, and team management tools
• Gusto's mission is to create a world where work empowers a better life, starting with its own collaborative and inclusive workplace

Company Specialties:

• Compliance
• Payroll
• Human Resources
• Benefits

Company Website: https://www.gusto.com/

ASSUMPTION: Gusto's focus on small businesses and comprehensive HR solutions sets it apart in the market, offering applicants a unique opportunity to work in a growing and impactful industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring significant experience and expertise in finance, business operations, and strategy

Reporting Structure: The Finance, Business Operation, Strategy Partner (Marketing) will report directly to the Head of Demand Gen and CMO, with close collaboration with other departmental leaders and the broader FBOS team

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with an expectation to work from the office approximately 2-3 days per week (or more depending on role)

Growth Opportunities:

• As Gusto continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the incumbent to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role
• Gusto's focus on employee development and internal mobility may present additional growth opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both within the Marketing department and across Gusto's broader organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Gusto has physical office spaces in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City, with a hybrid work arrangement

Office Location(s): Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY

Geographic Context:

• Denver, CO: Known for its outdoor lifestyle and tech industry growth
• San Francisco, CA: A major tech hub with a high cost of living
• New York, NY: A global financial center with a fast-paced work environment

Work Schedule: Full-time, with core hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the geographic context and work environment of each location when determining their fit for this role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone screen with a member of the FBOS team
• On-site interviews with key stakeholders, including the Head of Demand Gen and CMO
• Final round with Gusto's CFO or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical skills, including financial modeling, data analysis, and SQL proficiency
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Gusto's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to financial planning, business operations, and strategic decision-making
• Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and drive results in a fast-paced environment

ATS Keywords: Financial Planning, Business Operations, Strategy, Marketing, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling, SQL, Collaboration, Strategic Thinking

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their technical skills and strategic mindset throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Excel
• Tableau or other BI tools
• SQL
• Gusto's internal systems and platforms

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies will be essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Empower small businesses
• Create a world where work empowers a better life
• Be the best place to work

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Data-driven and results-oriented
• Adaptable and resilient

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How have you empowered small businesses in your previous roles?
• How do you create a better life for employees through your work?
• How do you approach collaboration and inclusion in a diverse work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Gusto's values and work style before applying to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing the need for strategic planning with the demands of day-to-day operations
• Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Adapting to a fast-paced and evolving work environment
• Navigating a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic and demanding role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on the Marketing department, but shares similarities with other Finance, Business Operation, Strategy Partner roles across Gusto's organization
• Compared to similar roles in the industry, this position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits package
• Career progression may vary depending on the specific needs of Gusto's Marketing department and the broader organization

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles within Gusto and the broader industry to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges this position presents.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a financial model to optimize marketing spend and maximize ROI
• Conducting market research to inform strategic decision-making and identify new growth opportunities
• Implementing a new performance management framework to drive better product management decisions

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they approached them in their previous roles.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support Gusto's overall mission and strategic goals?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the Marketing department, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Gusto support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the expected timeline for onboarding and ramping up in this role?
• How does Gusto's hybrid work arrangement support work-life balance and employee well-being?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and Gusto's broader organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for phone and on-site interviews, focusing on your technical skills and strategic mindset
• Follow up with Gusto's hiring team after your interview to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.