Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director

As an Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director at CLA, your main responsibilities include providing high-level accounting support to clients in various industries on an interim and project basis, improving accounting processes like monthly closings and financial reporting, and actively engaging in client engagements. You will also have the chance to travel and select your projects for a flexible and enjoyable work-life balance.

To qualify for the Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director role at CLA, candidates should have around ten years of relevant experience in public accounting, a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, and mastery of Microsoft Excel. Although a CPA certification is preferred, it isn’t mandatory. Prior experience as a CFO or Controller will be significantly beneficial.

CLA prioritizes work-life balance for its Accounting Consultant - Engagement Directors by offering flexible PTO, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, paid volunteer time off, and various wellness benefits. This approach allows you to enjoy your career while maintaining time for personal engagements and well-being.

As an Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director at CLA, you'll have access to a full benefits package that includes mental health coverage, quarterly wellness stipends, fertility benefits, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans. These benefits underscore CLA’s commitment to the well-being of its employees and their families.

The Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director position at CLA stands out due to its focus on providing customized accounting support for larger corporations, the opportunity for diverse engagements, travel possibilities, and a genuine emphasis on creating a supportive work culture. The role invites flexibility, allowing you to shape your career path while enjoying a well-rounded life.

When answering this question, highlight your relevant experience in public accounting, focusing on specific roles and projects that directly align with the responsibilities of an Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director. Mention key achievements and your understanding of accounting processes that showcase your expertise.

Your response should outline a systematic approach to improving accounting processes, such as conducting assessments of current practices, identifying areas for enhancement, and implementing new solutions. Highlight experience in these areas, showcasing your problem-solving skills and successful outcomes.

Discuss specific challenges you've encountered, such as tight deadlines or complex financial reporting requirements, and explain the steps you took to overcome them. Emphasize your analytical skills, teamwork, and how you maintain client satisfaction in those situations.

To answer this question, explain your organizational strategies, such as prioritization, creating timelines, and regular communication with clients. Share any tools or software you use to manage workload efficiently, showcasing how you maintain high standards across various engagements.

Express your understanding of client service management as a cornerstone of successful consulting roles. Discuss how maintaining strong relationships, open communication, and responsiveness can lead to client satisfaction and long-term partnerships that are beneficial both to the clients and to CLA.

Identify the accounting software and tools you are experienced with, emphasizing your proficiency with Microsoft Excel and any other relevant platforms. Relate your experience with these tools to how they enhance efficiency and accuracy in your work.

Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing education by discussing strategies for staying informed, such as attending workshops, participating in webinars, or following key industry publications. Mention any certifications or memberships that help you remain current with accounting norms.

When responding, select a specific project that illustrates your impact. Describe the scope, your role, the actions you took, and the positive outcomes. Be sure to highlight collaboration, client feedback, and any measurable results that showcase your effectiveness.

Discuss your views on the increasing integration of technology in accounting, including automation and data analytics. Emphasize the importance of adapting to these changes and how you are prepared to leverage technology to enhance accounting services and client outcomes.

Reflect on essential skills for the position, such as analytical thinking, client communication, or project management. Offer insights on why these skills are vital in delivering value to clients and enhancing the overall performance of the consulting role.