What does a business advisor do?
Business Advisors are consultants responsible for implementing business strategies to improve financial and operational efficiency. They are involved in preparing financial budgets, recommending a change in the operational process, identifying new business opportunities, evaluating a marketing strategy, and reviewing supplier and labor contracts. Business advisors also help to manage risk by performing risk analysis and consumer behavioral analysis. They are involved in report preparation and work to maintain open communication with different departments to implement change.
Business advisor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real business advisor resumes:
- Manage training and presentation collateral on SharePoint system, resulting in recycling of documentation for consistent messaging across enterprise.
- Manage cost-centers and leverage unique Indian production and post- production capabilities and position the company as a prefer production partner.
- Prepare financial statements, payroll tax reports, and advise small business clients on accounting and financial management matters.
- Provide a supplement team in an effort to create a cloud computing architecture team at a major telecommunications company.
- Handle miscellaneous bookkeeping duties including payroll, payroll taxes, accounts receivable, accounts payable and financial statements for client companies.
- Support the reengineering of the SME development area.
- Compile comprehensive business proposals by collaborating with subject matter experts (SME).
- Improve performance of the reports by modifying the design and thereby changing the SQL generate.
- Design and implement organizational metrics and KPI s to measure department efficiencies and cost savings.
- Develop, establish and maintain networking with new and establish business to ensure the potential growth of the portfolio.
- Generate referrals and build personal relationships with CPA's, bankers, and business owners in local networking groups.
- Implement retention efforts to revisit, maintain and build previous relationships by developing a new CRM database and sales road-map.
- Perform inbound sales for the QuickBooks accounting software, driving revenue with product-base expertise and an emphasis on consultative selling.
- Install, set-up and give lessons on QuickBooks to treasurers, financial controllers and secretaries to simplify their daily routines.
- Operate small client CPA practice consisting of providing all accounting functions for a number of companies in a variety of industries.
Business advisor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Business Advisors are proficient in Customer Service, Project Management, and Business Operations. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills, Management skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Business Advisors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 10%
Provided solutions for irate customers regarding equipment or service delays and by rendering business decisions resulting in superior customer service.
- Project Management, 8%
Developed and trained Production Excellence Pillar leads and Asset Implementation Coordinators on project management for better execution.
- Business Operations, 8%
Enhanced business operations and efficiency through automation of human resources, comprehensive business finances, compliance, and business/tax reporting.
- Strong Analytical, 8%
Demonstrate strong analytical and problem solving skills and provide interpersonal and collaborative skills Build strong relationships with vendors and clients
- Healthcare, 7%
Support both new and established businesses in the healthcare administration, education and technology management and property management fields.
- Human Resources, 4%
Serve as integral member of human resources team by serving as first point of contact for leadership and employees.
"customer service," "project management," and "business operations" are among the most common skills that business advisors use at work. You can find even more business advisor responsibilities below, including:
Leadership skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a business advisor to have is leadership skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." Business advisors often use leadership skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created socio-economic change for local entrepreneurs by providing business advisory services and leadership development programs. "
Problem-solving skills. business advisors are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to business advisor responsibilities, because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." A business advisor resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "facilitated interdepartmental systems design and business process design and represented corporate requirements with solution providers. "
Time-management skills. For certain business advisor responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "time-management skills." The day-to-day duties of a business advisor rely on this skill, as "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what business advisors do: "bank statements 2011 taxes filed before extended deadline and business provided with financial reports and documentation for audit and record purposes. "
Communication skills. Another crucial skill for a business advisor to carry out their responsibilities is "communication skills." A big part of what business advisors relies on this skill, since "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." How this skill relates to business advisor duties can be seen in an example from a business advisor resume snippet: "develop key relationships with business owners across a wide variety of industries through effective communication and customized customer service. "
The three companies that hire the most business advisors are:
- Deloitte293 business advisors jobs
- CBRE Group180 business advisors jobs
- ADT Security Services33 business advisors jobs
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Compare different business advisors
Business advisor vs. Specialist-small business
A small business specialist develops new business programs to meet changing customer demands. They are responsible for ensuring integrity and consistency in the domain of business. They analyze causes of a business issue, obtain business data, and make enquiries. They are responsible for making purchase agreements, confidentiality arrangements, and joint venture arrangement.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between business advisors and specialist-small business. For instance, business advisor responsibilities require skills such as "project management," "business operations," "strong analytical," and "healthcare." Whereas a specialist-small business is skilled in "customer relationships," "business development," "business portfolio," and "business accounts." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Specialist-small businesses tend to reach lower levels of education than business advisors. In fact, specialist-small businesses are 8.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Business advisor vs. Business development consultant
The role of business consultants is to provide an analysis of a company on its business practices and make recommendations for long-term goals. This role is also connected with various duties and responsibilities, including reviewing the company's financial statements, engaging in research on how to improve the company's offers, and developing new business models. Also, business consultants are responsible for negotiating contracts as needed, initiating plans and strategies to minimize company losses and drive profits. They may also function as the company's representative in promotional events and trade associations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real business advisor resumes. While business advisor responsibilities can utilize skills like "human resources," "business strategies," "excellent organizational," and "process improvement," business development consultants use skills like "crm," "cloud," "strategic thinking," and "customer satisfaction."
Business development consultants may earn a lower salary than business advisors, but business development consultants earn the most pay in the media industry with an average salary of $95,927. On the other hand, business advisors receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $92,206.business development consultants earn similar levels of education than business advisors in general. They're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Business advisor vs. Senior business consultant
A senior business consultant specializes in performing research and analysis to optimize business processes. Their responsibilities revolve around coordinating with different departments to gather necessary data, devising strategies to reduce cost, assess risks, and identify the strength and weaknesses of operations to recommend solutions. They may also train and mentor junior consultants, produce progress reports and presentations, and assist clients through calls and correspondence. Furthermore, as a consultant, it is essential to adhere to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from business advisor resumes include skills like "customer service," "business operations," "human resources," and "real estate," whereas a senior business consultant is more likely to list skills in "data analysis," "sr," "analytics," and "business analysis. "
Senior business consultants earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $111,128. Comparatively, business advisors have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $92,206.Most senior business consultants achieve a similar degree level compared to business advisors. For example, they're 5.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Business advisor vs. Business development executive
A business development executive serves as a senior manager who drives company sales. Business development executives convince existing clients to buy more offerings and also source new clients. The focus of their job is on lead generation, prospect management, and customer acquisition. They collaborate with management in terms of sales objectives, planning, and prediction. The skills necessary for this job include customer service and relations, time management, strong written communication, and sales process experience.
Types of business advisor
Updated January 8, 2025
