Director, CFO Advisory

Stout•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Stout is hiring a Director for its CFO Advisory practice to lead client engagements focused on finance transformation, financial and operational performance improvement, working capital optimization, cost reduction, margin enhancement, and sustainable value creation. The role partners with CFOs, executive leadership teams, and private equity sponsors, including on post-acquisition initiatives and strategic transformation programs. The Director translates financial and operational data into actionable recommendations, oversees engagement delivery, develops client relationships, and contributes to the practice’s growth. The position calls for a balance of strategic advice and hands-on implementation across finance, operations, and business strategy. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in finance transformation, management consulting, operational improvement, corporate finance, or transaction-related value creation. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; an MBA or other relevant advanced degree is preferred. Stout describes a culture built around its core values and Relentless Excellence®, and offers competitive compensation, benefits, wellness options, professional growth opportunities, flexible work schedules, and a discretionary time off policy. The estimated compensation range is $145,000 to $300,000, with anticipated eligibility for an annual bonus plan.

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 profitability and cash flow improvements.
Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, including translating findings into practical recommendations.
Experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives in collaboration with 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, team collaboration, and stakeholder management.
Familiarity with financial systems, ERP platforms, business intelligence tools, and emerging technologies used in finance transformation.
Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and adaptability to changing client deadlines.
Commitment to collaborative work, client service, and Stout’s stated core values.

Nice To Haves

MBA or another relevant advanced degree.
Understanding of post-acquisition integration and value creation, preferably in private equity-backed or transaction-oriented environments.
Experience in a consulting or advisory environment, corporate finance leadership role, private equity portfolio operations team, or similar setting.
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.
Interest in using AI and automation to improve financial analysis, operational efficiency, and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Lead CFO Advisory engagements to improve financial and operational performance and create sustainable value.
Partner with CFOs, executive leadership teams, and private equity sponsors on finance transformation and operational improvement initiatives.
Assess working capital performance, including inventory management, order-to-cash processes, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash conversion; identify and implement improvements.
Lead post-acquisition value creation, synergy realization, financial performance improvement, and strategic transformation initiatives.
Analyze financial and operational data and present practical recommendations to improve profitability, cash flow, and business performance.
Lead finance transformation and performance improvement engagements across finance, operations, and business strategy.
Identify and execute SG&A cost reduction opportunities through organizational assessments, process improvements, and operating model enhancements.
Develop margin improvement initiatives using profitability analysis, cost structure assessments, and operational performance reviews.
Assess finance functions, processes, and operating models to improve 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 and present findings, recommendations, and implementation plans.
Manage multiple client engagements, including scope, deliverables, budgets, timelines, and team performance.
Mentor and develop junior professionals through coaching, technical guidance, and engagement leadership.
Participate in business development by identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and expanding client relationships.
Identify ways to use technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve financial analysis, reporting, and business processes.
Contribute to the growth of Stout’s CFO Advisory practice through service development, thought leadership, and relationship building.
Adapt to changing client-imposed deadlines and manage competing priorities.
Balance strategic recommendations with hands-on implementation to achieve measurable client results.
Build trusted executive relationships and collaborate with engagement leaders and team members in alignment with Stout’s core values.