Government and Public Sector - Business Consulting - Finance - Manager

From strategy to execution, the Government & Public Sector practice of Ernst & Young LLP provides a full range of consulting and audit services to help our Federal, State, Local and Education clients implement new ideas to help achieve their mission outcomes. We deliver real change and measurable results through our diverse, high-performing teams, quality work at the highest professional standards, operational know-how from across our global organization, and creative and bold ideas that drive innovation. We enable our government clients to achieve their mission of protecting the nation and serving the people; increasing public safety; improving healthcare for our military, veterans and citizens; delivering essential public services; and helping those in need. EY is ready to help our federal and state/local governments build a better working world.   

The opportunity 

Various macroeconomic and budget-related challenges are hampering effective public financial management. To address these challenges, governments are introducing reforms to measure effectiveness and efficiency of expenditure and to improve fiscal transparency. As part of our US Government & Public Sector (GPS) team, you will join a talented group of professionals to help federal, state and local government and public sector organizations improve planning, budgetary and financial performance, and to meet public transparency and accountability requirements, through timely and accurate financial reporting that aligns with GAAP/GASB standards and requirements.   

Your key responsibilities 

As one of our finance advisors, you’ll help crucial government departments and agencies continuously achieve and sustain performance improvement in a rapidly changing environment. Working in multidisciplinary teams, often directly with leaders, you’ll bring diverse perspectives to every challenge.  We'll help you achieve your potential by supporting your professional development and by providing you with opportunities to build your skills in budget and cost optimization, and transparent financial reporting.  

Key responsibilities of the position include: 

• ​​Establishing, maintaining and strengthening internal and external relationships 
• Creating innovative insights for clients and contributing to thought leadership 
• Adapting methods and practices to improve operational efficiency and to fit team needs 
• Helping to manage the financial aspects of engagements  
• Identifying and communicating issues and risks to project leaders 
• Driving projects to completion and confirming that work is of a high quality 
• Providing direction and oversight for a team of consulting personnel and be responsible for developing junior personnel through career mentoring and counseling 
• Creating a positive learning culture through supervision, coaching, mentoring and performance management activities 

Skills and attributes for success 

• Understand clients’ cultures and operations to influence important decisions on finance programs and processes 
• Leverage industry leading practices and trends to provide valuable insights to clients 
• Assist with cultivating and managing business development opportunities. Understand EY and its service lines and actively assess/present ways to serve clients. 
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships and networks. Develop relationships with team members across all EY practices to serve client needs. 

To qualify for the role you must have 

• A bachelor’s degree or a master's degree with an emphasis on Accounting, Finance, or other related field 
• Minimum of five years relevant experience in financial management, risk management, maintaining financial and accounting standards (including GAAP and GASB), preparing written or verbal materials, presenting project results to clients, leading a team, providing formal feedback 
• Knowledge and experience working for a federal or state agency/department in the following areas: 
  • Cost accounting, cost management or managerial accounting 
  • GAAP and GASB accounting standards
  • Audit processes and working with external auditors
  • Federal and State regulations and compliance requirements related to financial management 
  • Cost analysis and cost modeling 
  • Cost optimization 
  • Activity-based costing 
  • Cost-benefit analysis, business case analysis 
  • Performance measurement or performance management 
  • Performance metrics and measures development 
  • Benchmarking and gap analysis 
  • Cost reduction or cost efficiency 
  • Business performance reporting
  • Federal/state budget process 
• Proficiency in accounting software and tools (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, etc)
• Familiarity with data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for financial reporting and analysis 
• Demonstrated experience in business development  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance 
• This role is based out of Sacramento, CA. Candidates within a commutable distance are encouraged to apply.
• Due to the nature of our work in the Government and Public Sector, work may be required to be completed at client, EY and/or contractor sites. Our goal is to assign professionals to projects within a commutable distance of their work location office.  In certain circumstances, travel may be required beyond your work location based on client and project needs. Candidates should be willing to travel on average 25% in a hybrid environment.

Ideally you'll also have  

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
• Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) 
• Project Management Professional (PMP) 
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) 

What we look for 

At EY, we know it’s your point of view, energy and enthusiasm that make the difference. Top performers execute project plans on large, complex engagements from analysis through implementation, as a work stream lead supervising junior staff.  They consistently collaborate with the client and their teams to deliver quality work products, share thought leadership, and identify follow-on work and new business opportunities.  They have experience with federal and state agencies in budget and cost optimization, often gained by working in a Big Four global management consulting firm or a blue-chip company focused on the government and the public sector.

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.