Associate, CFO Advisory

Stout•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Associate, CFO Advisory executes and supports client engagements focused on financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting operations, financial reporting, and finance function improvement. The role works with client finance leadership to evaluate and improve finance and accounting processes, analyze financial and operational data, and develop financial models, budgets, forecasts, KPI dashboards, and management reports that support decision-making. It also contributes to finance transformation, process and control improvements, financial systems work, cross-service-line projects, and business development activities. The position calls for understanding of corporate finance, FP&A, accounting operations, financial reporting, U.S. GAAP, and applicable reporting requirements. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field, along with at least three years of relevant professional experience. Public accounting, consulting, or corporate finance and accounting experience is preferred. The role requires strong analytical, communication, organizational, project management, and client-service skills, as well as adaptability to changing client deadlines. Stout describes its culture as grounded in Relentless Excellence and core values including being positive and team-oriented, accountable, committed, relationship-focused, super-responsive, and a great communicator. The company offers competitive compensation, benefits and wellness options, professional development, flexible work schedules, and a discretionary time off policy. The stated annual compensation range is $74,000–$135,000, and the role is anticipated to be eligible for an annual bonus plan.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in FP&A, corporate finance, accounting operations, financial reporting, or financial advisory services.
Understanding of corporate finance, FP&A, accounting operations, and financial reporting processes.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, variance analysis, and management reporting.
Familiarity with month-end close, account reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and general ledger accounting.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret financial and operational data, identify trends, and communicate findings to management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting.
Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
Experience identifying opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, and financial reporting efficiency.
Familiarity with cash flow management, working capital analysis, and financial performance metrics.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insights.
Entrepreneurial mindset and strong client-service orientation.
Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
Positive attitude, accountability, and willingness to take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing client-imposed deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public accounting, consulting, or corporate finance and accounting functions.
CPA certification or active progress toward CPA certification.
CFA or CMA credential.
Experience with ERP systems, financial modeling tools, and financial reporting platforms.
Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, or financial planning software.

Responsibilities

Execute and support CFO Advisory engagements focused on FP&A, accounting operations, financial reporting, and finance function improvement.
Work with internal teams and client finance leadership on day-to-day engagement execution.
Support annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, variance analysis, cash flow forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
Develop and maintain financial models, management reporting packages, KPI dashboards, and analytical tools.
Assess and improve month-end close, account reconciliations, financial reporting, accounting processes, and related controls.
Support finance transformation, including process documentation, workflow improvements, reporting automation, and financial systems implementation or improvement.
Assist with preparing and analyzing financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
Work with finance and accounting systems and financial planning and reporting tools.
Use AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to improve financial analysis, automate recurring processes, and increase efficiency.
Collaborate with valuation, transaction advisory, and disputes teams on financial analysis and project support.
Contribute to business development and marketing, including proposals, presentations, and thought leadership initiatives.
Participate in market-facing activities and build relationships with clients, prospects, referral sources, and finance professionals.
Contribute to the growth of the CFO Advisory practice.
Adapt to changing client deadlines and manage competing priorities.
Collaborate with engagement leaders and team members while demonstrating Stout’s core values and commitment to client service.