Business Development Executive, Risk Consulting (Houston Based)

Sikich is a global company specializing in Accounting, Advisory, and Technical professional services. They are seeking a dynamic Business Development Executive to identify new business opportunities and cultivate strategic client relationships, focusing on technology risk management and driving revenue growth through consultative sales efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and develop new business opportunities within target industries, including manufacturing, financial services, and technology
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, including CFOs, CAEs, CIOs, and compliance officers
• Understand clients' business needs and challenges to recommend tailored internal audit consulting services
• Collaborate with internal audit professionals to develop customized proposals and presentations
• Ability to effectively present our services and create compelling proposals to prospective clients
• Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing, ensuring a smooth handoff to the consulting team
• Achieve and exceed sales targets and performance metrics
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape
• Participate in relevant professional conferences and marketing events with referral partners to engage prospects, promote Sikich’s expertise in SOX compliance, internal audit co-sourcing, and SOC reporting, and elevate our brand in the risk management space
• Build meaningful relationships with referral partners, decision-makers, and influencers in your market, targeting organizations with complex risk needs
• Facilitate and attend local networking events with referral partners to engage prospects and elevate Sikich’s brand in the risk management space
• Participate in industry associations and networking organizations to increase visibility and establish thought leadership
• Maintain accurate client information and sales leads in our CRM system, ensuring a robust pipeline of opportunities
• Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities
• Establish trust and rapport with prospective clients, using a consultative approach to address their unique risk challenges
• Proactively develop a strong list of prospects, targeting companies in need of risk solutions, SOX compliance, internal audit co-sourcing, or SOC reporting, while networking to attract new business
• Collaborate with Risk practice leaders to define daily objectives and success metrics, shaping the role to maximize impact
• Partner with practice Principals and Directors to identify, qualify, and nurture new leads, facilitating introductions to the Sikich Risk team
• Continually expand your expertise in risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, HITRUST CSF) and compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA, SOX and SOC standards) to drive client success and credibility

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required
• 7 - 10 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
• Proven track record of building and nurturing relationships with key decision-makers in retail and dining, financial and business services, healthcare, industrial and manufacturing, and technology and media, aligning Sikich's solutions with their unique needs
• Experience selling to C-level executives in industries such as manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, internal audit, SOX compliance, and IT risk assessments
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically
• A self-starter who stays focused, makes steady progress, and thrives in a results-driven environment without being easily discouraged
• An outgoing personality with expert networking and relationship-building abilities, someone who connects people and opportunities effortlessly
• Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to influence and build trust with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Experience with long sales cycles in professional services or consulting