Director, CFO Advisory

Stout • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

The Director, CFO Advisory leads client engagements focused on improving financial and operational performance and creating sustainable value. The role partners with CFOs, executive leadership teams, and private equity sponsors on finance transformation, operational improvement, working capital optimization, cost reduction, margin enhancement, and post-acquisition value creation. The Director turns complex financial and operational data into actionable recommendations and helps clients implement initiatives to improve profitability, cash flow, and business performance.

The position serves middle-market businesses and large organizations across a variety of industries, including private equity-backed and corporate environments. It manages multiple engagements, including scope, deliverables, budgets, timelines, and team performance; mentors junior professionals; contributes to business development and practice growth; and explores technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve analysis, reporting, and business processes.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 10 years of relevant experience. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is preferred. Compensation is estimated at $145,000–$300,000, with anticipated eligibility to participate in an annual bonus plan. Stout describes a comprehensive Total Rewards program, professional growth support, inclusion and belonging, flexible work schedules, and a discretionary time off policy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of relevant experience in finance transformation, management consulting, operational improvement, corporate finance, or transaction-related value creation.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, operational finance, and business transformation.
• Demonstrated experience leading finance transformation, performance improvement, or value creation initiatives.
• Expertise in working capital optimization, including inventory management, cash conversion, and order-to-cash process improvement.
• Experience identifying and implementing SG&A cost reduction and margin enhancement opportunities.
• Ability to evaluate business operations and financial performance to identify opportunities to improve profitability and cash flow.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to turn findings into practical recommendations.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives through collaboration across finance, operations, and executive leadership.
• Proven ability to manage complex client engagements and lead cross-functional project teams.
• Experience presenting financial and operational recommendations to CFOs, C-suite executives, and private equity stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and demonstrated ability to develop client relationships and contribute to business development.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deliver within demanding timelines.
• Relationship-focused approach to client service, collaboration, and stakeholder management.
• Familiarity with financial systems, ERP platforms, business intelligence tools, and technologies used in finance transformation.
• Interest in using AI and automation to improve financial analysis, operational efficiency, and decision-making.
• Experience in a consulting or advisory environment, corporate finance leadership role, private equity portfolio operations team, or similar setting.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex finance and operational transformation initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or other relevant advanced degree.
• Experience supporting private equity-backed businesses, post-acquisition integration, or value creation programs.
• Industry experience in manufacturing, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, business services, or other operationally complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead CFO Advisory engagements focused on financial and operational performance, cost reduction, margin enhancement, and sustainable value creation.
• Partner with CFOs, executive leadership teams, and private equity sponsors to develop and execute finance transformation and operational improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate working capital performance, including inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable, order-to-cash processes, and cash conversion, and implement measurable improvements.
• Lead post-acquisition value creation initiatives, including transaction synergy realization, operating performance improvement, and strategic transformation.
• Translate financial and operational data into recommendations to improve profitability, cash flow, and business performance.
• Lead finance transformation and performance improvement engagements at the intersection of finance, operations, and business strategy.
• Identify and execute SG&A cost reduction opportunities through organizational assessments, process improvements, and operating model enhancements.
• Develop and implement margin improvement initiatives through profitability analysis, cost structure assessments, and operational performance reviews.
• Assess finance functions, processes, and operating models to identify opportunities for efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness.
• Develop financial models, business cases, and performance metrics to support executive decisions and measure transformation outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to improve financial visibility, accountability, and operational execution.
• Advise CFOs and executive leadership teams, presenting findings, recommendations, and implementation plans.
• Manage client engagement scope, deliverables, budgets, timelines, and team performance.
• Mentor and develop junior professionals through coaching, technical guidance, and engagement leadership.
• Participate in business development, including identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and expanding client relationships.
• Identify opportunities to apply technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to financial analysis, reporting, and business processes.
• Contribute to CFO Advisory practice growth through service development, thought leadership, and relationship building.
• Adapt to changing client deadlines, manage competing priorities, and move between strategic recommendations and hands-on implementation.
• Build trusted executive relationships and collaborate in line with Stout's stated core values.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Benefits and wellness options tailored to support employees at different life stages.
• Annual bonus plan eligibility anticipated for this role.
• Ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Discretionary time off policy.
• Inclusion and belonging initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director