Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
6+ years of relevant experience for Manager-level candidates; 8+ years for Senior Manager-level candidates in finance transformation or management consulting.
Experience in finance transformation, operational improvement, or corporate finance.
Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with financial systems, ERP platforms, and business intelligence tools.
Responsibilities
Manage CFO Advisory engagements to enhance financial and operational performance.
Collaborate with CFOs and finance leaders on finance transformation initiatives.
Analyze working capital performance to identify improvement opportunities.
Support post-acquisition value creation and synergy tracking.
Translate complex financial data into actionable insights for clients.
Lead project workstreams focused on working capital and cost structure improvements.
Prepare and present findings to finance leaders and executive stakeholders.
Benefits
Opportunity to work with diverse clients across various industries.
Collaborative and team-oriented consulting environment.
Focus on professional development and mentorship for junior professionals.
Engagement in innovative projects utilizing AI and automation.
Commitment to delivering high-quality client service and measurable results.
Full Job Description
Impact You'll Make
Manage and execute CFO Advisory engagements focused on improving financial and operational performance, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, margin enhancement, and sustainable value creation.
Work closely with CFOs, finance leaders, and operational stakeholders to implement finance transformation and performance improvement initiatives.
Analyze working capital performance, including inventory management, order-to-cash processes, and cash conversion, to identify opportunities for measurable improvement.
Support post-acquisition value creation initiatives, helping clients realize transaction synergies, improve operating performance, and achieve strategic objectives.
Translate complex financial and operational data into actionable insights and recommendations that improve profitability, cash flow, and business performance.
What You'll Do
Work with clients ranging from middle-market businesses to large organizations across a variety of industries, including private equity-backed and corporate environments.
Manage and execute finance transformation and performance improvement engagements, working at the intersection of finance, operations, and business strategy.
Lead project workstreams focused on working capital improvement, including inventory optimization, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and order-to-cash processes.
Analyze SG&A cost structures and identify opportunities for cost reduction through process improvements, organizational assessments, and operating model enhancements.
Support margin improvement initiatives through profitability analysis, cost structure assessments, and operational performance reviews.
Execute post-close value creation initiatives, including synergy tracking, financial performance improvement, and implementation of strategic transformation plans.
Evaluate finance functions, processes, and operating models to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness.
Develop and review financial models, business cases, and performance metrics to support client decision-making and measure transformation outcomes.
Collaborate with cross-functional client teams to implement initiatives that improve financial visibility, accountability, and operational execution.
Prepare and present findings, recommendations, and project updates to finance leaders and executive stakeholders.
Manage day-to-day engagement activities, including project planning, deliverables, budgets, timelines, and coordination of project teams.
Supervise, coach, and develop junior professionals, providing guidance on financial analysis, client deliverables, and project execution.
Support business development efforts through proposal preparation, client presentations, and identification of additional advisory opportunities.
Identify opportunities to use technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve financial analysis, reporting, and business processes.
Contribute to the development of methodologies, tools, and best practices that support the continued growth of Stout's CFO Advisory practice.
What You Bring
Strong understanding of corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, operational finance, and business transformation.
Experience executing finance transformation, performance improvement, or value creation initiatives.
Knowledge of working capital optimization, including inventory management, cash conversion, and order-to-cash process improvement.
Understanding of post-acquisition integration and value creation, preferably within private equity-backed or transaction-oriented environments.
Ability to assess business operations and financial performance to identify opportunities for improved profitability and cash flow.
Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to translate findings into practical business recommendations.
Experience implementing finance and operational improvement initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to manage project workstreams, coordinate teams, and deliver high-quality client work products.
Experience communicating financial and operational findings to finance leaders, senior management, and executive stakeholders.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results within demanding timelines.
Client-service mindset with the ability to build relationships, understand business needs, and identify opportunities to provide additional support.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accountability for project deliverables.
Familiarity with financial systems, ERP platforms, business intelligence tools, and technologies used to support finance transformation.
Interest in using AI and automation to improve financial analysis, operational efficiency, and decision-making.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented consulting environment.
Education and/or Training
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
6+ years of relevant experience for Manager-level candidates and 8+ years for Senior Manager-level candidates in finance transformation, management consulting, operational improvement, corporate finance, or transaction-related value creation.
MBA or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
Experience within a consulting or advisory environment, corporate finance function, private equity portfolio operations team, or similar setting.
Demonstrated experience managing project workstreams and executing finance or operational improvement initiatives.
Experience supporting private equity-backed businesses, post-acquisition integration, or value creation programs preferred.
Industry experience may include manufacturing, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, business services, and other operationally complex environments.
CPA is not required; emphasis is placed on financial, operational, and transformation expertise.
How You'll Thrive
Embrace changing client-imposed deadlines with flexibility and adaptability.
Exhibit strong organizational skills to manage competing priorities effectively.
Demonstrate an ability to combine analytical problem-solving with hands-on implementation to deliver measurable client results.
Build strong relationships with client stakeholders through practical recommendations, responsiveness, and a thorough understanding of business operations.
Take ownership of assigned workstreams and deliverables while collaborating effectively with engagement leaders and project teams.
Collaborate with engagement leaders and team members while embodying Stout's core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great Communicators.
Demonstrate a commitment to delivering Relentless Excellence® in client service and team collaboration.
