Cotton & CO
Business Development Executive, Risk Consulting (Atlanta Based)
Cotton & CO, Alexandria, Virginia, us, 22350
Overview
Business Development Executive, Risk Consulting (Atlanta Based) What to expect when you join the Sikich family Sikich seeks growth-driven professionals who contribute to a diverse and thriving culture. We aim to accelerate innovation and drive growth for clients, ourselves, and communities by leveraging diverse perspectives and action-oriented thinking. Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven
Business Development Executive
and
Strategic Relationship Manager
to join our Risk Team. This role identifies new business opportunities, cultivates strategic client relationships, and drives revenue growth through consultative sales. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of technology risk management, including cybersecurity, compliance, and IT governance, and can articulate the value of Sikich's broad portfolio of servicesfrom risk assessments and regulatory solutions to accounting, advisory, and technology offeringsto a diverse client base across industries. Our Sikich Risk Team empowers organizations across industries (e.g., healthcare, manufacturing, private equity) to navigate technology risk, cybersecurity, compliance, and strategic challenges. We deliver risk assessments, regulatory compliance (HIPAA, HITRUST, SOX, SOC), and innovative technology solutions to safeguard assets, ensure integrity, and drive resilience. What will you do in this role? Identify and develop new business opportunities within target industries, including manufacturing, financial services, and technology. Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers (CFOs, CAEs, CIOs, and compliance officers). Understand clients' business needs to recommend tailored internal audit consulting services. Collaborate with internal audit professionals to develop customized proposals and presentations. Present our services and create compelling proposals to prospective clients. Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing and coordinate a smooth handoff to the consulting team. Achieve and exceed sales targets and performance metrics. Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and the competitive landscape. Participate in relevant conferences and marketing events with referral partners to engage prospects and promote Sikich's expertise in SOX, internal audit co-sourcing, and SOC reporting. Build relationships with referral partners, decision-makers, and influencers to target organizations with complex risk needs. Attend local networking events with referral partners to elevate Sikich's brand in risk management. Participate in industry associations to increase visibility and thought leadership. Maintain accurate client information and sales leads in the CRM to ensure a robust pipeline. Establish trust with prospective clients using a consultative approach to address risk challenges. Develop a strong list of prospects targeting companies needing risk solutions, SOX compliance, internal audit co-sourcing, or SOC reporting. Collaborate with Risk practice leaders to define objectives and success metrics. Partner with Principals and Directors to identify, qualify, and nurture new leads and introductions to the Risk team. Expand expertise in risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, HITRUST CSF) and compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOX, SOC).
What do you need to succeed?
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA is a plus. 710 years of sales experience in professional services, consulting, or a related industry. Strong knowledge of internal audit, risk management, and compliance services is highly preferred. Strong professional network within the Finance, IT, and Internal Audit community. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience building relationships with decision-makers across industries including retail, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and media.
Preferred Skills
Experience selling to C-level executives in manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare. Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, internal audit, SOX compliance, and IT risk assessments. Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities. Self-starter, focused, and results-driven; able to work with minimal supervision. Outgoing with strong networking and relationship-building skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to influence internal and external stakeholders. Experience with long sales cycles in professional services or consulting.
In addition, specific skills/experience required
Servant Leader: engage employees, foster development, and build a positive culture. Solutions Focused: identify opportunities, articulate and implement solutions. Collaboration: build relationships across all levels and units. Instills Trust: act with integrity, follow through, and be credible. Impact & Influence Thinking: gain support for ideas and drive initiatives forward.
About Sikich
Sikich is a global company specializing in accounting, advisory, and technical professional services. With teams worldwide, Sikich is a leading professional services firm delivering insights and transformative strategies to strengthen client businesses. Sikich Total Rewards
We offer competitive compensation and benefits, wellness programs, and flexible time off. We support health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. The midpoint of the base salary for this role is $140,000; final offers vary by experience, commission, and location. Benefits
Flexible Time Off (FTO) on day one Paid holidays and guidance to take time off at year-end where possible Comprehensive wellness program with rewards Flexible work arrangements Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance HSA employer contributions Nine paid holidays annually Parental bonding leave 401(k) with employer contributions CPA bonus with paid exam and study days Tuition reimbursement Referral bonuses Pet insurance FORCE community volunteer program with paid volunteer hours
Want to learn more? Visit our Careers website or Glassdoor profile. Sikich is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V #li-remote Additional information
Sikich complies with applicable laws and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm; Sikich LLC supports its performance with personnel and services as described in our governance structure. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Business Development Executive, Risk Consulting (Atlanta Based) What to expect when you join the Sikich family Sikich seeks growth-driven professionals who contribute to a diverse and thriving culture. We aim to accelerate innovation and drive growth for clients, ourselves, and communities by leveraging diverse perspectives and action-oriented thinking. Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven
Business Development Executive
and
Strategic Relationship Manager
to join our Risk Team. This role identifies new business opportunities, cultivates strategic client relationships, and drives revenue growth through consultative sales. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of technology risk management, including cybersecurity, compliance, and IT governance, and can articulate the value of Sikich's broad portfolio of servicesfrom risk assessments and regulatory solutions to accounting, advisory, and technology offeringsto a diverse client base across industries. Our Sikich Risk Team empowers organizations across industries (e.g., healthcare, manufacturing, private equity) to navigate technology risk, cybersecurity, compliance, and strategic challenges. We deliver risk assessments, regulatory compliance (HIPAA, HITRUST, SOX, SOC), and innovative technology solutions to safeguard assets, ensure integrity, and drive resilience. What will you do in this role? Identify and develop new business opportunities within target industries, including manufacturing, financial services, and technology. Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers (CFOs, CAEs, CIOs, and compliance officers). Understand clients' business needs to recommend tailored internal audit consulting services. Collaborate with internal audit professionals to develop customized proposals and presentations. Present our services and create compelling proposals to prospective clients. Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing and coordinate a smooth handoff to the consulting team. Achieve and exceed sales targets and performance metrics. Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and the competitive landscape. Participate in relevant conferences and marketing events with referral partners to engage prospects and promote Sikich's expertise in SOX, internal audit co-sourcing, and SOC reporting. Build relationships with referral partners, decision-makers, and influencers to target organizations with complex risk needs. Attend local networking events with referral partners to elevate Sikich's brand in risk management. Participate in industry associations to increase visibility and thought leadership. Maintain accurate client information and sales leads in the CRM to ensure a robust pipeline. Establish trust with prospective clients using a consultative approach to address risk challenges. Develop a strong list of prospects targeting companies needing risk solutions, SOX compliance, internal audit co-sourcing, or SOC reporting. Collaborate with Risk practice leaders to define objectives and success metrics. Partner with Principals and Directors to identify, qualify, and nurture new leads and introductions to the Risk team. Expand expertise in risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, HITRUST CSF) and compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOX, SOC).
What do you need to succeed?
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA is a plus. 710 years of sales experience in professional services, consulting, or a related industry. Strong knowledge of internal audit, risk management, and compliance services is highly preferred. Strong professional network within the Finance, IT, and Internal Audit community. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience building relationships with decision-makers across industries including retail, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and media.
Preferred Skills
Experience selling to C-level executives in manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare. Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, internal audit, SOX compliance, and IT risk assessments. Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities. Self-starter, focused, and results-driven; able to work with minimal supervision. Outgoing with strong networking and relationship-building skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to influence internal and external stakeholders. Experience with long sales cycles in professional services or consulting.
In addition, specific skills/experience required
Servant Leader: engage employees, foster development, and build a positive culture. Solutions Focused: identify opportunities, articulate and implement solutions. Collaboration: build relationships across all levels and units. Instills Trust: act with integrity, follow through, and be credible. Impact & Influence Thinking: gain support for ideas and drive initiatives forward.
About Sikich
Sikich is a global company specializing in accounting, advisory, and technical professional services. With teams worldwide, Sikich is a leading professional services firm delivering insights and transformative strategies to strengthen client businesses. Sikich Total Rewards
We offer competitive compensation and benefits, wellness programs, and flexible time off. We support health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. The midpoint of the base salary for this role is $140,000; final offers vary by experience, commission, and location. Benefits
Flexible Time Off (FTO) on day one Paid holidays and guidance to take time off at year-end where possible Comprehensive wellness program with rewards Flexible work arrangements Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance HSA employer contributions Nine paid holidays annually Parental bonding leave 401(k) with employer contributions CPA bonus with paid exam and study days Tuition reimbursement Referral bonuses Pet insurance FORCE community volunteer program with paid volunteer hours
Want to learn more? Visit our Careers website or Glassdoor profile. Sikich is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V #li-remote Additional information
Sikich complies with applicable laws and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm; Sikich LLC supports its performance with personnel and services as described in our governance structure. #J-18808-Ljbffr