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

Stout Risius Ross, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Stout Risius Ross, LLC is seeking an experienced accounting operations advisor to manage engagements for clients across industries, including private equity-backed firms. You will lead month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting while driving process improvements and internal controls.

The role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, experience with ERP systems, and the ability to guide clients through post-acquisition integrations and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 6+ years in accounting operations, accounting advisory, or related finance functions.
• Experience with private equity-backed businesses, middle-market firms, or transforming organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage accounting operations engagements, including month-end close and financial reporting.
• Assess and improve accounting processes, internal controls, and reconciliations.
• Support post-acquisition integration, purchase accounting, and alignment of policies and systems.
• Prepare and review financial statements and management reports for client leadership.
• Drive standardization of close cycles, AP/AR workflows, and reporting processes.
• Provide technical accounting research on US GAAP and complex issues.
• Coordinate with auditors for readiness and external audits.
• Manage project plans, budgets, and cross-functional engagement teams.

Skills

US GAAP

ERP systems

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Audit readiness

Transaction advisory

M&A integration

Project management

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Sage Intacct

SAP

Oracle

QuickBooks

Job description

Impact You'll Make

Manage and execute Accounting Operations engagements focused on improving the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of clients' accounting and finance functions. Partner with CFOs, controllers, and finance leadership teams to address complex accounting challenges, strengthen financial reporting processes, and improve day-to-day accounting operations. Lead accounting process improvement initiatives, including month-end close optimization, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and internal controls. Support clients through transactions, acquisitions, and periods of organisational change by providing accounting expertise, post-acquisition integration support, and operational finance guidance. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, systems, and reporting capabilities while supporting broader finance transformation initiatives.

What You'll Do

Partner with clients ranging from middle-market businesses to large organisations across a variety of industries, including private equity-backed and corporate environments. Manage and execute accounting operations engagements, including oversight of month-end and year-end close processes, general ledger activities, account reconciliations, and financial reporting. Assess existing accounting processes, policies, and procedures to identify opportunities for improved accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and internal controls. Support clients with complex accounting matters, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and other operational accounting activities. Oversee the preparation and review of financial statements, management reporting packages, and supporting accounting schedules. Lead initiatives to improve and standardise accounting processes, including close cycle optimisation, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting workflows. Support transaction-related engagements, including post-acquisition accounting integration, opening balance sheet activities, and alignment of accounting policies, systems, and reporting processes. Assist clients with accounting and finance integration following mergers, acquisitions, or organisational restructuring. Provide technical accounting support and research on complex accounting matters, including the application of US GAAP and related reporting requirements. Support audit readiness initiatives, including preparation of audit schedules, documentation, and coordination with external auditors. Evaluate accounting systems and ERP platforms to identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and improved reporting capabilities. Collaborate with finance and operational stakeholders to address accounting challenges and support broader financial and operational improvement initiatives. Prepare and present findings, recommendations, and project updates to controllers, CFOs, and other client 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 accounting matters, client deliverables, and engagement execution. Support business development activities through proposal preparation, client presentations, and identification of additional advisory opportunities. Identify opportunities to use AI-enabled tools, automation, and emerging technologies to improve accounting processes, financial reporting, and operational efficiency. Contribute to the development of methodologies, tools, and best practices that support the continued growth of Stout's Accounting Operations practice.

What You Bring

Strong foundation in accounting operations, financial reporting, and US GAAP, with experience applying accounting principles in complex business environments. Experience managing accounting functions, including month-end close, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation. Demonstrated ability to assess, improve, and implement accounting processes, policies, and internal controls. Experience supporting accounting and finance functions through periods of growth, organisational change, or operational complexity. Understanding of transaction-related accounting matters, including post-acquisition integration, purchase accounting, and financial reporting requirements. Ability to identify and resolve accounting issues while developing practical solutions that improve operational efficiency and reporting accuracy. Experience supporting external audits, audit readiness initiatives, and preparation of financial statements and related schedules. Strong technical accounting knowledge with the ability to research, interpret, and apply relevant accounting standards. Experience working 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 with the 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 with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results within demanding timelines. Client-service mindset with the ability to build relationships, understand business needs, and identify opportunities to provide additional support. Interest in working across accounting operations, transaction-related engagements, and broader finance advisory initiatives. Familiarity with or interest in using AI tools, automation, and emerging technologies to improve accounting processes and financial analysis. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and accountability for project deliverables.

Education and/or Training

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 6+ years of relevant experience for Manager-level candidates and 8+ years for Senior Manager-level candidates in accounting operations, accounting advisory, financial reporting, corporate accounting, or related finance functions. CPA preferred. Combination of public accounting, accounting advisory, and corporate accounting experience preferred. Experience managing accounting operations within a corporate environment 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 preferred. Experience working with private equity-backed businesses, middle-market companies, or organizations undergoing significant growth or transformation preferred. Industry experience may include manufacturing, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, business services, financial services, and other operationally complex environments.

How You'll Thrive

Embrace changing client-imposed deadlines with flexibility and adaptability. Exhibit strong organisational skills to manage competing priorities effectively. Demonstrate an ability to combine technical accounting expertise with hands-on execution and practical problem-solving. Take ownership of accounting workstreams and deliverables while identifying opportunities to improve processes and client outcomes. Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders through responsiveness, sound judgment, and a strong understanding of accounting and finance operations. Adapt to different client environments, accounting systems, and business needs while maintaining a commitment to accuracy and quality. 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?

Stout offers a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life. Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives. Stout invests in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback to support professional growth. 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 $87,000.00 - $195,000.00. 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. Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success. https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits. 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. 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.

Equal Opportunity

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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Accommodation for Disability

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.