AI Strategy Consultant

CLA is a leading professional services firm committed to creating opportunities every day for our clients, people, and communities through tailored advisory, audit, tax, consulting, outsourcing, and digital services. With over 8,500 team members across 130 U.S. locations and a global footprint, we prioritize understanding and supporting you.

At CLA, we strive to cultivate a culture that thrives on diverse beliefs and perspectives, empowering us to better understand and serve our clients, communities, and each other.

Why Choose CLA?

• Flexible PTO to ensure you can take the time off you need.

• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Paid Volunteer Time Off to support your community engagements.

• Comprehensive mental health coverage.

• Quarterly wellness stipend to enhance your well-being.

• Fertility benefits for those planning families.

• Explore our complete list of benefits.

Your Role

CLA is in search of an AI Strategy Consultant to guide organizations in leveraging fast-changing AI technologies for practical, scalable, and value-driven business outcomes. This role is ideal for a proactive professional capable of independently leading and executing AI strategy projects from start to finish with minimal supervision.

The successful candidate should possess strong strategic insight, technical know-how in modern AI capabilities, and the confidence to advise senior executives. You will manage client engagements from the initial framing of opportunities through strategic design and integration—acting as a trusted advisor on the responsible, effective, and scalable deployment of AI.

This impactful, autonomous role is perfect for someone eager to shape AI strategies for midmarket organizations, influence executive decision-making, and drive AI adoption that aligns with their strategic goals, risk tolerance, and long-term aspirations.

Your Responsibilities as an AI Strategist and Advisor:

• Lead the design and delivery of AI strategy engagements, including identifying and prioritizing AI opportunities.

• Develop operating models, governance frameworks, and actionable roadmaps for AI scaling and value realization.

• Translate complex AI concepts into accessible insights for executive audiences, assisting clients in aligning AI initiatives with their business strategy, risk factors, regulatory environment, and readiness for change.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Oversee projects from initiation to delivery, ensuring alignment with client expectations.

• Act as the primary client contact, managing project scope, timelines, quality, and outcomes autonomously.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., data science, engineering, risk management, legal) to provide comprehensive solutions.

• Identify potential risks and dependencies proactively, escalating issues thoughtfully and timely when necessary.

Thought Leadership & Practice Development

• Contribute to creating AI frameworks, methodologies, and thought leadership materials.

• Keep abreast of AI trends, regulations, and industry applications; distill these insights into practical advice for clients and teams.

• Assist with business development by contributing to proposals and engaging in client discussions.

Client Relationship & Growth

• Establish trustworthy relationships with senior stakeholders (Directors, VP, and C-suite).

• Identify opportunities for follow-on engagements based on evolving client needs.

• Represent the firm's AI capabilities and perspectives visibly and confidently.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; relevant experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

• Preferred fields of study include Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Analytics, or Data Science.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Experience advising clients on enterprise AI transformations, digital strategies, or advanced analytics.

• Familiarity with regulated industries (e.g., financial services, healthcare) is beneficial.

• Experience building operating models, governance frameworks, or transformation roadmaps.

• Exposure to consulting sales or engagement expansion is an asset.

• Proven success in leading complex projects with minimal oversight.

• Strong understanding of AI concepts, including generative AI, and machine learning methodologies.

• Experience with AI governance, ethics, risk, and controls is preferred but not mandatory.

• Hands-on experience in roles like Data Scientist or AI Engineer is advantageous, especially in building or deploying AI solutions.

• Excellent communication skills for engaging both technical teams and executive stakeholders.

• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and intellectual curiosity.

• Comfort with operating amidst ambiguity and rapid change.

Success Metrics:

• Acting independently on AI strategy engagements that clients deem impactful and trustworthy.

• Being recognized internally as a key expert in AI strategy and governance.

• Consistently delivering actionable recommendations that balance value and risk.

• Functioning as the de facto leader of engagements, regardless of formal reporting lines.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. We invite all qualified individuals to apply, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

CLA prioritizes the well-being of our team. Our wellness initiatives encompass physical, financial, social, and emotional health, offering extensive benefits including health, dental, vision, 401k, and more.

Find our complete benefits information available upon request.