Systems Consulting
A consultant is an outside expert who helps an organization solve problems or provides
technical expertise on an issue. Systems consultants provide help with issues concerning
information systems—for example, by helping an organization design a new information
system, select computer hardware or software, or reengineering business processes (so
that they operate more effectively).
One of the most important assets a consultant brings to his or her job is an objective
view of the client organization and its processes and goals. AIS students who are skilled in
both accounting and information systems make particularly competent systems consultants
because they understand how data flow through accounting systems as well as how business
processes function. Systems consultants can help a variety of organizations, including
professional service organizations, private corporations, and government agencies. This
broad work experience, combined with technical knowledge about hardware and software,
can be a valuable asset to CPA clients. Because it is likely that a newly-designed system
will include accounting-related information, a consultant who understands accounting
is particularly helpful. Many systems consultants work for large professional service
organizations, such as Accenture or Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. Others may work for
specialized organizations that focus on the custom design of accounting information
systems.
Consulting careers for students of accounting information systems also include jobs as
value-added resellers (VARs). Software vendors license VARs to sell a particular line of
software products and provide consulting services to companies, such as help with their
software installation, training, and customization. A VAR may set up a small one-person
consulting business or may work with other VARs and consultants to provide alternative
software solutions to clients.