Consulting gives this accountant a work/life balance.

With 40+ years of accounting experience, David is happy to come back to contract work because it fits his lifestyle needs—30 years ago and again today.

15 years into his career in accounting and finance, David had an opportunity to work for a start up. It was at the same time David and his wife had their first child, and even though the work was very rewarding, the 60+ hours per week was not conducive to being a successful father or accountant. He soon chose a consulting career path, because it gave him the power to create a work/life balance that was right for him.

Variety is the spice of life.

“Consulting is like a potluck, everyone brings something of value to the table. The variety of the work and the collaboration is very stimulating for me. And every time my contract was completed, I always looked forward to my next assignment. It was like Christmas morning. There is always something new to open up.”

A win-win scenario.

Working as an accounting consultant not only gives people control over their career, consultants also bring deep value to their clients. “They can see the challenge before them with fresh eyes and ask the probing questions like, ‘Why are we doing it this way?’.” David goes on to say that consultants know they will transition out of their client role once their contract is completed, noting that, “we want to create systems and design processes that others can easily understand and take over for a leaner hand off.”

A good fit.

David has known Mark from Scouts Talent for 40 years, but for the last three, has been building a relationship with Nick Petersen. “Nick is patient, collaborative, and a great listener. He has placed me in two roles that were very good matches of my interests and abilities—and worked out very well for the client too. Working with Nick and Scouts is a good fit, a good marriage. I feel like I’m part of their family.”

A smart choice in retirement.

As David approaches retirement, he says, “Work life has a rhythm; you get up, you go to work, you go home—much like a heartbeat. When you retire, suddenly your schedule flatlines—it all just stops. I am still in the process of figuring out what retirement looks like for me. However, contract work offers me the comradery I’ve always enjoyed in addition to interesting work. And income is always welcome. Let’s face it, it’s nice to have the money coming in!”