Stout developed a future state roadmap for the finance function of a recently acquired middle-market private equity (PE) platform specializing in wealth management services.

The company operated with a lean finance function that faced continued capacity constraints due to the growth of the business. Stout was engaged to develop a future state roadmap that identified and addressed (1) strategic focus areas to enable finance to meet reporting requirements more efficiently, (2) how to leverage recent investments in supporting technology, and (3) how to position finance as a proactive business partner supporting company growth.

Due to the complex nature of the business and industry, Stout deployed a team with deep experience in Office of the CFO future state road-mapping and financial services expertise. Leveraging key insights from the Stout Technical Accounting Consulting and M&A support teams that completed the opening balance sheet for the company and PE, Stout developed an immediate point of view and focus areas to address with the finance team.

Through a mix of virtual and on-site working sessions, Stout collaborated with management to develop a strategic roadmap focused on ensuring finance is better able to automate processes within existing technology, reduce manual bottlenecks, and work cross functionally within the organization to better understand how finance can help position the company for growth.

Additionally, Stout supported the finance team in engaging with other functional areas, including operations and wealth management recruiters to better align the finance roadmap with broader organizational goals.

As a result of the engagement, the company has a defined path to reduce risk in the finance function and a tactical plan to enhance reporting timelines, minimize capacity constraints, and establish a function capable of tackling the challenges that come with expected growth.