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Ernst & Young

Government and Public Sector - Business Consulting - Finance Senior Consultant

Ernst & Young, Mc Lean, VA


At EY, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we're counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

The exceptional EY experience. It's yours to build.

EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.

From strategy to execution, the Government & Public Sector practice of Ernst & Young 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 government 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.

Your key responsibilities

As one of our finance professionals, 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. Key responsibilities of the position include:

  • Supporting a current/future-state assessment for grants organization
  • Write detailed finance position descriptions that align with the organization's goals and objectives
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines related to a grants organization
  • Establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships
  • Developing reports, dashboards and schedules for the client and other parties
  • Communicating and updating the management team on progress made
  • Demonstrating flexibility when it comes to engagement needs
  • Meeting firm utilization targets
  • Guiding junior staff, reviewing their work and providing performance feedback
  • Supporting people-related initiatives, including recruiting events and interview nights
  • Staying current on CPE requirements and continuously improving technical skills


Skills and attributes for success

  • Consistently deliver quality client services
  • Monitor progress, manage risk and keep key stakeholders informed about progress and expected outcomes
  • Stay abreast of current business and industry trends relevant to the client's business
  • Establish relationships with client personnel at appropriate levels
  • Demonstrate technical capabilities and professional knowledge; demonstrate ability to assimilate new knowledge


To qualify for the role you must have

  • A bachelor's degree and approximately two years of relevant work experience
  • At least one year of experience preparing written or verbal materials, leading a team, and providing formal feedback
  • Knowledge and experience working for a federal or state agency in the following areas:
    • Grants management
    • Federal financial management
    • Cost analysis and cost modeling
    • Benchmarking and gap analysis
    • Business performance reporting
    • Planning, programming, budgeting and execution (PPBE)
    • ERP systems, consolidation tools and Reporting/BI platforms
  • Ability to collaborate with clients and identify engagement follow-on opportunities
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance or higher.


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% to 30% or more in a hybrid environment.

What we look for

At EY, we know it's your point of view, energy and enthusiasm that make the difference. Top performers have experience delivering against project plans on large, complex engagements from analysis through implementation. They have experience with federal or state agencies in cost and performance management, 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.

What we offer

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The base salary range for this job in all geographic locations in the US is $96,300 to $176,500. The salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $115,500 to $200,600. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year. Under our flexible vacation policy, you'll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You'll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.
  • 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.


EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis. If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

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EY is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.

EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, select Option 2 for candidate related inquiries, then select Option 1 for candidate queries and finally select Option 2 for candidates with an inquiry which will route you to EY's Talent Shared Services Team (TSS) or email the TSS at [redacted]