As they progress in their careers, many executives may feel the pull of two competing forces: the desire to work and the desire to spend more time pursuing personal interests. Fortunately, the choice isn’t an either/or one. In fact, in a recent Robert Half Management Resources survey, three in four chief financial officers said they find consulting an attractive bridge to retirement.
Being a finance consultant allows professionals to continue lending their expertise to organizations while enjoying greater control over their schedules, resulting in more flexibility and better work-life balance.
Consulting also provides career rewards. For example, an executive can step into an interim executive position to help a company during its pre-IPO period or give stability to an organization searching for a full-time hire. Finance and accounting professionals also can provide specialized expertise they’ve accumulated over their careers, such as guiding an ERP implementation process or supporting new compliance initiatives.
The press release posted below includes the broader survey results along with questions for professionals thinking about consulting to consider.
Survey: Three-Fourths of CFOs See Appeal in Consulting When They Near Retirement
CFOs were asked, “How attractive would you find the prospect of consulting when you approach retirement?” Their responses:
Somewhat attractive: 58%
Not at all attractive: 23%
Don’t know/no answer: 2%
1. What do you hope to accomplish through consulting? You may be looking to work fewer hours or at your own pace, or to bring in supplemental income once you leave your full-time job. Whatever the reason, have a plan before you begin consulting to ensure you are on track to reach your goals.
