Erin, Consulting Manager at Boutique Finance Consulting Firm: Advize Career Interview
A career journey beginning with an accounting major and a Big Four internship led to diverse roles in financial planning, analysis, and startup strategy management.
This path ultimately culminated in a fulfilling consulting career at a boutique finance firm, showcasing the unexpected opportunities available with a strong finance foundation.
The work is demanding, fully immersing the Consulting Manager in client projects, primarily for high-profile companies.
Success relies heavily on exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, the ability to define clear project deliverables, and a flexible approach.
The most rewarding aspects are the intellectual challenge of navigating complex business issues and gaining exposure to diverse organizations.
While the industry values intangible skills like communication, which are best learned through experience, internships and early work experience are crucial in building a foundation.
The interview also highlighted the importance of proactive communication and integrating authentic leadership styles, revealing both the challenges and unique contributions a woman can make in the finance world.
Entry-level opportunities abound in large accounting firms, major consulting firms, and financial analyst roles, providing various pathways to a rewarding career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Erin Lewis
Consulting Manager
Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
University of Florida 2013
University of Florida, Masters of Accounting
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Consulting Manager at a Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
Erin's career path, beginning with an accounting major and a Big Four audit internship, evolved from a yearning for "business experience" into industry roles encompassing financial planning and analysis and even a startup strategy manager position. This diverse experience, including project management, ultimately led to a consulting career driven by a passion for problem-solving, demonstrating how a foundation in finance can unexpectedly fuel diverse and fulfilling career trajectories.
Main Responsibilities of a Consulting Manager at Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
Erin's main responsibility as a Consulting Manager is "completing client work," which involves full immersion in projects for clients such as Snapchat, requiring complete devotion to the client's needs during the project engagement. This highlights the demanding, client-focused nature of the role within the finance and accounting consulting space.
Most Important Skills For A Consulting Manager At A Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
For a Consulting Manager at a boutique finance firm, communication and problem-solving are paramount, requiring the ability to "hone in on the outcome" of projects and "get on the same page as stakeholders." Success hinges on understanding client needs and delivering the required deliverables.
Favorite Parts of Being a Consulting Manager at Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
Erin, a Consulting Manager, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role at a boutique finance consulting firm is "the problem-solving aspect," specifically helping businesses navigate challenges and achieve goals—"figuring out how to get from point A to point B." This highlights a focus on impactful client solutions as a key driver of career satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Consulting Manager at a Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
Erin, a Consulting Manager, identifies defining project deliverables as the biggest challenge in her role at a boutique finance consulting firm, stating that clearly understanding "what goal, what pro, what deliverables you're working for" is foundational to successful consulting work. This highlights the crucial importance of upfront project clarity in a consulting career.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Finance Consulting Industry As A Consulting Manager
Erin, a Consulting Manager, finds the most rewarding aspect of boutique finance consulting to be "seeing how different types of businesses work," gaining behind-the-scenes insights into diverse organizations such as "bigger tech companies like Snapchat."
What Type Of Person Thrives In Finance Consulting According To A Consulting Manager At A Boutique Firm
Erin, a Consulting Manager at a Boutique Finance Consulting Firm, identifies flexibility and communication skills as key traits for success in finance consulting, explaining that "being very flexible and good at communicating...will help you go far" because of the need to adapt to varying client needs and project demands. The ability to adjust "your communication style, like your work style," is paramount.
What a Consulting Manager at a Finance Consulting Firm wishes they knew
Erin, a Consulting Manager, reflects that the most valuable skills in finance consulting are "intangible skills," such as communication, which are not sufficiently emphasized in academic settings; the importance of these skills is only truly learned "when you're on the job."
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Consultants at Boutique Finance Consulting Firms
Entry-level positions for undergraduate students interested in boutique finance consulting include roles at "larger accounting firms" in audit or consulting, as well as entry-level positions at major consulting firms like McKinsey or Boston Consulting Group or financial analyst roles within companies or consulting firms. These opportunities may be found through internships or direct entry-level hiring.
Significant Career Lesson from a Consulting Manager at Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
Erin's significant career lesson, learned during a startup experience, centers on the importance of "over communication" and proactive behavior. This contrasts with prior roles in larger organizations where tasks were clearly defined, highlighting the crucial shift needed for success in consulting's dynamic and client-driven environment.
College Experiences That Helped a Consulting Manager at a Boutique Finance Consulting Firm Succeed
Erin, a Consulting Manager, emphasizes the importance of undergraduate internships and work experience in developing crucial "interpersonal skills" such as communication and flexibility—skills "really can't be taught in a classroom"—which translate to any career. These experiences, even if unrelated to a specific career path, build a strong foundation for success in the professional world.
How Identity Has Influenced a Consulting Manager at a Boutique Finance Consulting Firm
Early in their career, the consulting manager felt intimidated to speak up, believing in a "subconscious programming" that women should "follow along and not rock the boat." However, they later discovered the value of integrating "authentic feminine energy," specifically emphasizing employee well-being during acquisitions, demonstrating that a caring approach is a valuable asset in the traditionally masculine corporate world.
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