Director, Transaction Advisory

Stout Risius Ross, LLC; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Stout is seeking a Director in our Transaction Advisory practice to serve as a senior advisor on buy-side and sell-side engagements. You will apply deep technical expertise in US GAAP and deliver high-quality financial analyses, working closely with PE and corporate clients to shape valuation, structure, and negotiations.

You will lead teams, mentor staff, and contribute to business development, with travel up to 50% as required. CPA and 10+ years of relevant experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or related field.
• 10+ years of audit, financial accounting due diligence, or transaction advisory experience.
• Big Four or comparable professional services background preferred.
• CPA certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead buy-side and sell-side financial accounting due diligence engagements from scope to final deliverables.
• Advise on valuation, deal structure, and negotiations affecting transactions.
• Oversee quality of earnings, working capital, net debt and other analyses.
• Translate findings into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members; support recruiting and practice initiatives.
• Manage multiple engagements with high standards for quality and service.

Skills

US GAAP expertise

Due diligence leadership

Executive communication

Client relationship skills

Multi-engagement leadership

Advanced financial analysis

Entrepreneurial mindset

Travel up to 50%

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting

CPA required

Big Four experience preferred

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 an