Project-based work is a viable career alternative for executives at all levels. If you are seeking greater control over your career, better balance between personal and professional demands, and projects more suited to your talents and interests, then a consulting career may be right for you. You have the opportunity to manage a project individually or work as part of a team solution.

Some of the types of engagements for which project professionals are in demand include:

• Business process improvement - Consultants can assist companies with change management initiatives, from accounting process design to measuring performance against meaningful benchmarks.
• Tax initiatives - Businesses frequently engage project professionals for tax compliance, strategic planning and research. Consultants also offer expertise in the areas of property, sales and use, and real estate tax as well as transfer pricing, planning and compliance.
• Systems implementation and integration - Enterprise resource planning and financial systems experts can manage the overall process from evaluating and selecting the new software to final implementation, integration and staff training. They can also provide senior-level support while internal personnel are directly involved with implementation activities.
• Mergers and acquisitions - In addition to directing financial analysts on due diligence, a senior project professional with merger and acquisition experience can serve as an on-site advisor and manage a transition team when closing, opening or integrating operations. This may involve direct consolidation or expansion of staff and disposition of assets.
• International business expansion - International finance experts can offer specialized and extensive experience on global policies, procedures and regulations - reducing the learning curve for companies expanding to overseas markets.
• Transitional management - During times of transition, consultants can help with infrastructure development and the centralization/decentralization of accounting departments or functions. They can also fill in during an executive absence, extended leave or illness, or while a search is being conducted for a full-time candidate.
• Crisis management - Experts in this area can assist with cash management and forecasting, credit management and analysis, and strategic planning. Consultants can also provide expertise on highly sensitive issues such as divestitures, turnaround management, reorganization, fraud and bankruptcy.
• Start-up and fast-growth companies - Senior-level financial professionals provide leadership and expertise to companies that lack the internal resources to manage growth or complete staff projects. Many companies have discovered that co-sourcing projects and functions is most efficient.
• IPOs - During an initial public offering, experienced financial consultants can review plans with top management, organize a financial team to complete the process, and work closely with accounting and legal departments.