Manager, Sr. Manager, CFO Advisory (Accounting Operations)

Stout • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

Stout is hiring a Manager or Senior Manager for its CFO Advisory Accounting Operations practice. The role manages and executes engagements that improve the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of clients’ accounting and finance functions. It partners with CFOs, controllers, and finance leaders to resolve complex accounting matters, strengthen financial reporting, and improve day-to-day accounting operations.

The position leads accounting process improvement and finance transformation work, including month-end close optimization, reconciliations, reporting workflows, and internal controls. It also supports clients through transactions, acquisitions, and organizational change, providing accounting expertise, post-acquisition integration support, and operational finance guidance. Engagements may involve middle-market businesses and large organizations across a range of industries, including private equity-backed and corporate environments.

The role includes managing engagement delivery, budgets, timelines, and teams; advising and presenting recommendations to client stakeholders; developing junior professionals; and contributing to business development and practice methodologies. Stout describes its culture as grounded in Relentless Excellence and core values of being positive and team-oriented, accountable, committed, relationship-focused, super-responsive, and great communicators.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Relevant experience requirements are 6 or more years for Manager candidates and 8 or more years for Senior Manager candidates. CPA certification is preferred. The disclosed compensation range is $87,000 to $195,000, with anticipated eligibility for an annual bonus plan. Stout also describes a comprehensive total rewards program, flexible work schedules, and discretionary time off.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience for Manager-level candidates or at least 8 years for Senior Manager-level candidates in accounting operations, accounting advisory, financial reporting, corporate accounting, or related finance functions.
• Strong foundation in accounting operations, financial reporting, and US GAAP, including application in complex business environments.
• Experience managing accounting functions, including month-end close, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Ability to assess, improve, and implement accounting processes, policies, and internal controls.
• Experience supporting accounting and finance functions through growth, organizational change, or operational complexity.
• Ability to identify and resolve accounting issues and develop practical solutions that improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Experience supporting external audits, audit readiness, and preparation of financial statements and related schedules.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and ability to research, interpret, and apply relevant accounting standards.
• Experience with accounting systems and ERP platforms such as NetSuite, Sage Intacct, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, or similar applications.
• Ability to evaluate accounting processes and systems and recommend improvements that support scalability and business growth.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to translate complex accounting matters into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience managing client engagements or accounting workstreams, coordinating teams, and delivering high-quality work products.
• Ability to communicate accounting and financial information effectively to controllers, CFOs, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, including managing competing priorities and meeting demanding timelines.
• Client-service mindset and 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.
• Ability to adapt to client environments, accounting systems, and business needs while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing client-imposed deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• CPA certification.
• Combination of public accounting, accounting advisory, and corporate accounting experience.
• Experience managing corporate accounting operations or providing outsourced or interim accounting support to clients.
• Demonstrated experience leading accounting teams, managing close and reporting processes, or executing accounting process improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, post-acquisition integration, or transaction-related accounting matters.
• Experience working with private equity-backed businesses, middle-market companies, or organizations undergoing significant growth or transformation.
• Industry experience in manufacturing, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, business services, financial services, or other operationally complex environments.
• Familiarity with or interest in using AI tools, automation, and emerging technologies to improve accounting processes and financial analysis.
• Interest in working across accounting operations, transaction-related engagements, and broader finance advisory initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute accounting operations engagements, including oversight of month-end and year-end close, general ledger activities, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Assess clients’ accounting processes, policies, and procedures and recommend improvements to accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and internal controls.
• Support operational accounting work, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and related activities.
• Oversee preparation and review of financial statements, management reporting packages, and supporting accounting schedules.
• Lead standardization and improvement of accounting processes, including close cycles, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reporting workflows.
• Support transaction-related work, including post-acquisition accounting integration, opening balance sheet activities, and alignment of accounting policies, systems, and reporting processes.
• Assist with accounting and finance integration following mergers, acquisitions, or organizational restructuring.
• Research and provide technical accounting support on complex matters, including US GAAP and related reporting requirements.
• Support audit readiness through preparation of schedules and documentation and coordination with external auditors.
• Evaluate accounting systems and ERP platforms for process improvement, automation, and reporting opportunities.
• Collaborate with finance and operational stakeholders on accounting challenges and broader financial and operational improvements.
• Prepare and present findings, recommendations, and project updates to controllers, CFOs, and other client stakeholders.
• Manage engagement planning, deliverables, budgets, timelines, and project team coordination.
• Supervise, coach, and develop junior professionals on accounting matters, client deliverables, and engagement execution.
• Support business development through proposal preparation, client presentations, and identification of further advisory opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI-enabled tools, automation, and emerging technologies to accounting processes, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute methodologies, tools, and best practices to support growth of Stout’s Accounting Operations practice.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options.
• Annual bonus plan eligibility.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Discretionary time off policy.
• Ongoing training and mentorship.
• Employee resource groups.
• Clear performance feedback.

What This Job Offers

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