Senior Associate (Financial Advisory Consulting Firm)

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Firm: Restructuring and Turnaround Advisory Firm

Industry: Turnaround and Restructuring Advisory, Financial Services

Job Summary:

The Restructuring Associate at our client will assist in managing the financial and operational turnaround of distressed middle-market companies. The role includes supporting interim management (including CFO responsibilities), advising on bankruptcy proceedings, and providing comprehensive restructuring solutions with a focus on cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and operational improvements. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership to drive both financial and operational restructuring efforts, ensuring sustainable company recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Restructuring & Advisory:
   • Support the development and execution of restructuring strategies, including debt and operational restructuring.
   • Prepare and maintain detailed cash flow forecasts, analyzing short-term and long-term liquidity requirements.
   • Perform liquidity assessments, providing recommendations for improving liquidity and managing working capital.
   • Assist in the creation of restructuring models and evaluate potential strategic alternatives for distressed clients.
2. Cash Flow Forecasting & Liquidity Management:
   • Develop and monitor 13-week cash flow models, ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet obligations during restructuring.
   • Advise on liquidity improvement strategies, including cash conservation, debt management, and asset sales.
   • Identify and implement working capital management strategies to optimize cash flow, reduce expenses, and improve financial stability.
3. Bankruptcy Advisory:
   • Assist in guiding companies through Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy processes.
   • Prepare financial schedules and reports required in bankruptcy filings, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
   • Collaborate with creditors, legal counsel, and other stakeholders throughout the bankruptcy process to secure favorable outcomes for the client.
4. Interim CFO Support:
   • Provide hands-on financial leadership in an interim CFO capacity, managing financial reporting, cash flow, and budgeting during critical restructuring phases.
   • Oversee the preparation of financial statements, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to stakeholders.
   • Lead the development of cash management policies and strategies to improve financial controls and performance.
5. Credit & Stakeholder Negotiations:
   • Support the negotiation process with creditors, including banks, bondholders, and other stakeholders.
   • Prepare financial presentations and reports for lenders, investors, and other parties involved in restructuring discussions.
   • Facilitate communication between various internal and external stakeholders.
6. Operational Turnaround & Improvements:
   • Conduct operational assessments to identify inefficiencies and areas for cost reduction and process optimization.
   • Work with management to design and implement operational improvement strategies, including organizational restructuring, expense reductions, and process enhancements.
   • Track the progress of operational turnaround efforts and provide insights on key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure alignment with restructuring goals.

Qualifications:

1. Education:
   • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred).
2. Experience:
   • 2-3 years of experience in restructuring, distressed advisory, investment banking, or private equity (preferably with a focus on middle market companies).
   • Experience in cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and working capital strategies.
   • Experience with Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcies, including bankruptcy filings and court proceedings.
3. Technical Skills:
   • Strong financial modeling and valuation skills, with an emphasis on cash flow forecasting and liquidity analysis.
   • Familiarity with financial reporting, liquidity management, and accounting principles.
   • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial analysis tools.
4. Interpersonal Skills:
   • Ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, creditors, and clients.
   • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
   • Able to manage multiple projects and work under tight deadlines.
5. Certifications (Preferred):
   • CPA, CFA, or other relevant certifications in finance or restructuring.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the firm.
• Exposure to high-impact restructuring and turnaround projects in diverse industries.