CFO Advisory Manager: Finance Transformation Leader

Stout; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 87,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Stout, a leading advisory firm, is seeking a seasoned Manager/Senior Manager to join its CFO Advisory practice in Detroit. You will manage and execute finance transformation and performance improvement engagements, collaborating with CFOs and cross-functional teams to unlock value and improve profitability.

The role emphasizes working capital optimization, SG&A cost analysis, and post-acquisition integration, with opportunities to mentor junior staff and drive client success in private equity

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• MBA or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Financial modeling

Project management

Client management

Team leadership

Communication

ERP systems

BI tools

Cross-functional collaboration

AI/Automation interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration/Economics

MBA preferred

6+ years experience for Manager level

8+ years experience for Senior Manager level

Experience in consulting/advisory

Experience with private equity or transaction-related value creation

Industry experience in manufacturing/healthcare/etc.

CPA not required

Tools

ERP systems

BI tools

Job description

Stout, a leading advisory firm, is seeking a seasoned Manager/Senior Manager to join its CFO Advisory practice in Detroit. You will manage and execute finance transformation and performance improvement engagements, collaborating with CFOs and cross-functional teams to unlock value and improve profitability.

The role emphasizes working capital optimization, SG&A cost analysis, and post-acquisition integration, with opportunities to mentor junior staff and drive client success in private equity