Director, Transaction Advisory

Stout Risius Ross, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible work schedules

Discretionary time off

Benefits package

Job summary

Stout is seeking a Director in Chicago to lead buy-side and sell-side financial accounting due diligence engagements, translating findings into actionable insights for senior stakeholders.

You will manage multiple engagements, mentor teams, and drive growth of the Transaction Advisory practice while upholding US GAAP standards and strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Must have 10+ years of relevant audit, financial accounting due diligence, or transaction advisory experience.
• Big Four or comparable professional services experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.

Responsibilities

• Lead buy-side and sell-side financial accounting due diligence engagements from scope through final deliverables.
• Advise clients on financial risks and considerations affecting valuation, deal structure, and negotiations.
• Oversee quality of earnings, working capital, net debt, and other transaction analyses.
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
• Lead client and advisor meetings and manage multiple engagements with high standards of quality.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

Due diligence leadership

Executive communication

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Excel/PowerPoint proficiency

CPA

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting

CPA

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

At Stout, we're dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do - we call it Relentless Excellence. Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You'll Make

As a Director within our growing Transaction Advisory practice, this role serves as a senior advisor to private equity and corporate clients navigating complex, high-stakes transactions. The Director leads buy-side and sell-side financial accounting due diligence engagements, applying deep technical expertise and sound commercial judgment to identify the financial considerations that can materially influence valuation, deal structure, negotiations, and investment decisions. Beyond overseeing rigorous quality of earnings, working capital, and commitments and contingencies analyses, the Director is responsible for translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders. This leader develops trusted relationships with clients, management teams, and transaction advisors; provides strategic guidance throughout the deal lifecycle; and ensures the highest standards of quality and execution across engagements. The role also contributes to the continued growth of the practice through team leadership, talent development, client relationship expansion, and business development.

What You'll Do

• Lead buy-side and sell-side financial accounting due diligence engagements from scope through final deliverables.
• Advise private equity and corporate clients on financial risks and considerations that may affect valuation, deal structure, and negotiations.
• Oversee quality of earnings, working capital, net debt, and other transaction-specific analyses.
• Translate complex financial findings into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
• Lead client, management, and advisor meetings throughout the due diligence process.
• Review and approve due diligence reports and advise on financial considerations within purchase agreements and other deal documents.
• Manage multiple engagements and teams while maintaining high standards for quality and client service.
• Build and expand client relationships and actively contribute to business development efforts.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members while supporting recruiting and broader practice initiatives.

What You Bring

• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Significant experience leading financial accounting due diligence engagements.
• Strong commercial judgment and ability to identify matters that may affect transaction outcomes.
• Executive-level communication and client relationship skills.
• Proven ability to lead multiple engagements and develop high-performing teams.
• Advanced financial analysis skills and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Professional presence, accountability, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% based on client and engagement needs.
• Education and/or Training Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant audit, financial accounting due diligence, or transaction advisory experience, including significant experience leading due diligence engagements.
• Big Four or comparable professional services experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.

How You'll Thrive

• Embrace changing client-imposed deadlines with flexibility and adaptability.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Collaborate with engagement leaders and team members while embodying Stout's core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators.
• Demonstrate a commitment to delivering Relentless Excellence in client service and team collaboration.

Why Stout?

At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life. We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve. We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals. Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success. https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $145,000.00 - $300,000.00 . This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.

At Stout, whether you're launching your career or bringing decades of expertise, you'll find the challenges, collaboration, and support that fuel real growth.

We invest in our people because we know that exceptional client service starts with how we take care of our own. We reward outstanding performance, encourage continuous learning, and foster a culture where different perspectives strengthen our work and our team.

Additional Information Benefits Who We Are Firm Culture and History Stout is committed to providing an alternative way to express your interest in our job opportunities if a disability inhibits you from applying online. Please call us at 248-208-8800 to communicate that you are utilizing this accommodation to express interest in a specific open position. Please reference the job code to help us process your request. Please understand that this option is only available to those in need of an accommodation related to a disability. All other requests regarding status of an application or a resume will not be provided by the use of this phone number.