Manager/Senior Manager - CFO Advisory, Business Transformation

At Stout, we’re dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do – we call it Relentless Excellence ®. Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

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.
• Experience analyzing SG&A costs, identifying operational efficiencies, and supporting margin enhancement initiatives.
• 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.

Why Stout?
At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.

We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.

We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.

Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.

Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.

https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. 

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $87,000.00 - $195,000.00 . This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.