Financial strategy consultant

What do successful companies have in common? Behind every strategic move, from mergers and acquisitions to portfolio optimization and investment planning, stands a Financial Strategy Consultant a professional armed with the expertise to turn financial insight into business advantage. In a world where industries face rapid change, digital disruption, and intense global competition, these consultants help clients manage complexity and unlock growth. 

By offering specialized financial services including valuation, asset management, and corporate strategy—they provide critical support to companies ready to scale, reduce costs, and improve performance. Acting as both advisor and implementation partner, they help organizations develop strategies based on real data, deep market knowledge, and extensive consulting experience. 

This is not just about numbers it’s about vision. Whether working for a global consulting firm or as a freelance expert, the financial strategy consultant plays a key role in shaping the future of businesses across sectors. Curious about how to join this high-impact profession, what skills you need, and where the opportunities lie? Discover the path to becoming a trusted expert in financial transformation. 

What is a financial strategy consultant ? 

Financial consulting is a dynamic and strategic profession. By analyzing a company's financial statements, they help management make informed decisions. They also provide recommendations for improving financial performance. Their expertise enables them to work on a wide range of assignments, including risk management, fund-raising, cash management and financial planning. 

It's important to distinguish between a corporate finance consultant and a wealth management consultant. The former works with companies to improve their financial management, while the latter works with individuals to help them manage their wealth. 

To become a financial strategy consultant, you need to be able to handle pressure, meet deadlines and work as part of a team. It's a challenging profession, but those who excel have a bright future ahead of them. The finance sector is in high demand worldwide. The recruitment process is therefore particularly easy for those who have undergone solid training and acquired technical skills. 

The role of a financial strategy consultant 

The role of the financial consultant is to support companies in their financial decisions. This involves analyzing the company's financial statements, guiding it in its investment decisions and supporting it in its financial strategy. 

Corporate financial strategy consultant vs. freelance consultant 

There are two main employment types: in-house consultants and freelancers. Each comes with its own pros and cons. 

Corporate consultant: 

  • Pros: stability, access to resources, team collaboration, fewer administrative duties
  • Cons: less autonomy, potential for stagnation, possibly limited pay growth 

Freelance consultant: 

  • Pros: flexibility, autonomy, project diversity, personal growth
  • Cons: income instability, higher administrative workload, variable client demands, isolation 

What are the main missions of a financial consultant? 

A financial consultant’s day-to-day duties vary but often include: 

  • Financial audit and analysis: evaluating a company’s financial health through review of statements and accounting documents to highlight strengths and weaknesses.
  • Risk management advisory: identifying financial risks and recommending tools or frameworks to mitigate them.
  • Financial performance optimization: enhancing budget, cash flow, and investment strategies to reduce costs and maximize revenues.

Education path to become a financial strategy consultant 

To specialize in this field, strong financial training is essential. Post-high school students can pursue university degrees or business schools, often starting with a bachelor’s in management, finance, or accounting. 

A bachelor’s degree (bac+3) can lead to business school for advanced studies in financial engineering and strategic management. For example, the MSc in Financial & Business Performance from emlyon business school prepares students to become financial managers through rigorous training in financial control and business performance tools. 

Key skills for financial consultants 

Both technical expertise and personal attributes are required in financial strategy and sustainable finance consulting. 

Technical skills include: 

  • Proficiency with financial software and integrated management systems (ERP)
  • Data analysis: ability to collect, interpret, and draw conclusions from financial data
  • Budget management and financial forecasting 

Soft skills include: 

  • Strong communication for engaging with clients, teams, and leadership
  • Analytical thinking to evaluate complex financial situations
  • Organizational skills to manage projects within deadlines
  • Professional ethics 

What is the salary of a financial consultant? 

Salary depends mainly on experience: 

  • Junior consultant: €30,000–€35,000 gross annually 
  • Senior consultant: €50,000–€70,000 gross annually 

Specialization, such as in market finance or wealth management, can lead to higher earnings. Other salary factors include employment type (freelance vs. in-house), location, and company size. Freelancers often earn more but face income variability, while large firms in major cities typically offer higher salaries. 

Career outlook for financial strategy consultants 

The profession of financial strategy consultant offers many prospects for the future, whether as a freelancer or within a company. There are many possible career paths. 

Positions accessible after a few years' experience 

Consultants with a few years' experience behind them can progress to positions of responsibility such as : 

Shifting toward strategy consulting 

Finance consultants can pivot to more strategic roles, specializing in areas like corporate finance, risk management, or market finance. 

Becoming a specialist or independent consultant 

Developing niche expertise or launching a consulting firm opens new paths. Independence offers freedom but also requires business and commercial acumen. 

Conclusion 

In summary, the financial strategy consultant is a central figure in driving financial performance, investment success, and strategic growth across industries. With a deep understanding of financial analysis, performance management, and business planning, these experts deliver real insights and actionable advice that help organizations navigate complexity, meet their financial goals, and create long-term value. 

Whether advising clients in banking, insurance, or even health care consultants provide comprehensive services tailored to each organization’s specific challenges. Their ability to identify opportunities, optimize tax strategies, and support finance transformation makes them essential in an increasingly digital and global marketplace. 

If you're ready to help organizations achieve their objectives and shape the future of finance, a career as a financial strategy consultant offers the capabilities, learning, and impact to match your ambition. 

Professions related to financial strategy analyst

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The financial consultant assists companies with their financial projects (restructuring, fund-raising, etc.). They act as external advisors.

Chief Financial Officer

The CFO is responsible not only for financial management, but also for the smooth running of administrative and financial operations.