Keep it moving: Why your team needs a project sherpa

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By Janet Berry-Johnson | for Net Gains

What do new tech rollouts, major client onboardings and office expansions have in common? Chaos—unless you’ve got someone steering the ship.

Enter Amanda Wilkie, PMP, consultant at Boomer Consulting, Inc. and former CIO at a Top 50 accounting firm. With years of experience guiding accounting firms through complex change, Wilkie knows exactly how project managers bring order to the madness.

In this Q&A with The Net Gains, she breaks down how firms of all sizes can harness project management for smoother systems, stronger client experiences and far less partner panic. Spoiler: it doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive) to get started.

For firms that have never worked with a project manager, what’s the clearest way to explain the value they bring? 

A project manager keeps projects organized and moving forward so partners and staff can focus on client service. They coordinate tasks, timelines and teams, handle issues before they escalate and ensure projects stay on time and on budget. Instead of juggling details off the side of a desk, the firm has a dedicated role to drive accountability, streamline communication and deliver results—freeing up billable talent. 

What kinds of projects or firm initiatives benefit most from having a dedicated project manager instead of assigning it to a partner or manager?

Cross-functional projects benefit most from project managers. This includes things like implementing new software, integration after merging with another firm, opening a new office, major process changes or onboarding a large client. These involve multiple teams, tight deadlines and lots of moving parts. A PM keeps everyone aligned so partners don’t get buried in tasks and deadlines and the project doesn’t stall.

How can smaller firms that aren't ready to hire a full-time project manager start implementing PM principles to improve their workflows and client experience?

Smaller firms can start small: define clear goals, break work into steps, assign owners, set deadlines and track progress in a simple tool. Hold quick check-ins to stay on course and solve issues early. An empowered administrative professional can act as a “project champion” to coordinate tasks and follow-ups. Document what works and what doesn’t to improve with each project. 

You’ve worked with a lot of firms going through digital transformation. What role does a project manager play in keeping tech initiatives aligned with firm strategy and client expectations?

In digital transformation, a PM connects strategy to execution. They coordinate solutions providers, IT and staff, keep work on track, manage risks and ensure the project delivers what the firm actually needs. From a change management perspective, a PM also makes sure changes are communicated clearly to support adoption and that clients see the benefits. Without one, tech rollouts often stall or fail to meet expectations. 

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The Net Gains is curated and written by Janet Berry-Johnson and edited by Bianca Prieto.