What Does An Accounting Consultant Do? Roles And Responsibilities

In the post-pandemic world, clients often expect more digital deliverables and virtual collaboration tools as part of the package. © 2025 KPMG what do accounting consultants do LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. Generative AI will empower CAOs to transform their roles and propel their team into the future. You might want to meet with a few firms before deciding, to find the one that best understands your goals. With accurate forecasting, you can plan for the future with confidence.

• Department of Labor with its own proprietary internet search of thousands of companies’ job postings.
• Arron Bennett is a CFO, author, and certified Profit First Professional who helps business owners turn financial data into growth strategy.
• They adapt to the (often resource-stretched) reality of the client’s business, switching between strategic advising and hands-on problem-solving across everything from pricing to operations.
• Once you qualify as a chartered certified accountant, you can work in public and private sectors and with small to large-sized companies.
• Think about everything your client gets as a result of this project — the “inputs.” Be comprehensive but realistic.

The Project-Based Method

Find out what the attention on the Big Four is all about and why you might want to consider working for them. Businesses today need problem solvers, strategic CARES Act thinkers, and financial guides. That’s why understanding the scenarios and expertise that require advisors vs. consultants makes all the difference. A consultant is like a specialist—hired to fix an issue, set up a system, or improve efficiency.

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU BEGIN CONSULTING

• Individuals interested in pursuing a career in one of these fields should carefully consider their interests, strengths, and career goals to determine the most suitable path for them.
• Accounting consultants with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills in roles such as Junior Accountant, Auditor, or Financial Analyst.
• After conducting a walkthrough to identify processes and gaps, the team provided guidance with control implementation and policies, identifying emerging risks and controls, and more.
• Generative AI will empower CAOs to transform their roles and propel their team into the future.
• Also, ensure that your résumé contains adequate detail about your previous employers.
• The future CPA is one who provides consulting services through an advisory lens – offering more than compliance work and serving as a more holistic business partner.
• The responsibilities of the Accounting Consultant include analysing financial data, developing efficient business models, managing budget forecasts, and advising on financial decisions.

If you don’t have a strong tax background, seek out a CPA with tax experience who can assist you in the planning process. When working as an independent consultant, however, you may enjoy more freedom to choose your clients and the hours you work (see “From Controller to Consultant“). You can work out any problems or issues with your client directly without involving a third party. You would also receive your entire fee from your clients and don’t need to give a cut to a staffing firm.

What is Business Application Identification?

Note that, depending on your previous role, you may not have all the knowledge you need to serve a new population. For instance, if you’ve been in a senior management role, you may not have been involved with hands-on accounting functions for a long time. Or, if you work for a large organization, you most likely use different software than smaller companies do.

• The tangible value is the quantifiable value your offer provides.
• Monthly retainers provide stability, predictable cash flow, and long-term client relationships, which are especially valuable during periods of economic uncertainty and market volatility.
• Next, they successfully implemented a SOX compliance program to reduce overall financial reporting risks and make processes more efficient, saving the client time and money.
• Companies bring in outside experts all the time, but not all experts play the same role.
• You need to build a strong foundation either through professional experience, like leadership roles, specialized training, or both.
• A senior cost accountant is an individual who maintains detailed costs in a company’s system and provides cost analysis that supports operations and sales.

Make sure you have business cards and set up your own database of contacts or use LinkedIn. Think about who’s in your local network to reach out to (for example, professional membership or religious organizations, chambers of commerce, Business Network International, etc.). If you’ve Liability Accounts been considering consulting as the next stage in your career, you’re not alone.

• Accounting consultants evaluate existing financial processes and identify areas where improvements can be made.
• Your value proposition should address how your services help clients navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, or gain competitive advantages in challenging times.
• Brand consultants help businesses define what they stand for and how they show up.
• Their role also involves creating detailed financial reports and presenting them to business managers and stakeholders, providing them with valuable information to make informed business decisions.
• Once a project wraps up, consultants document their findings, train internal teams, and move on.

Many consultants also have a master’s degree in business administration or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Experience working in an accounting or finance role is also helpful. If you’re currently working in an accounting position, but not entirely thrilled with the daily grind, moving into accounting consulting might be a good next move.