Meet our finance consultant Jacinthe Dewaele: a key expert in financial operations and advisory

To start, can you tell us a bit about your role as a finance consultant at TriFinance?

Jacinthe: At TriFinance, my role involves both strategic advisory and hands-on operational support for financial departments within Financial Institutions. I work closely with clients to streamline their financial processes and help them navigate complex challenges. Essentially, I help improve efficiency and effectiveness in their day-to-day operations while also advising on long-term strategies.

That sounds like a dynamic role! Can you walk us through a recent project you've worked on?

Jacinthe: Certainly. One of my recent assignments was with a family-run investment company. The project started with a thorough assessment of their finance department’s processes and operating model. We wanted to enhance efficiency and reduce risks, especially in situations like staff absences. After reviewing roles, responsibilities, and tasks, we identified areas for improvement and implemented process enhancements.

On top of that, I also stepped in to support operationally during a critical period when one of their team members resigned. I helped with activities such as accounts payable, cash management, tax management, and reporting. This hands-on involvement allowed me to better understand the department’s challenges and facilitate smoother transformation efforts.

It seems like you're balancing between both strategic and operational aspects. What long-term goals do you focus on when working with financial institutions?

Jacinthe: A major goal is building resilient and efficient finance departments. Often, teams face challenges like heavy workloads and outdated processes, which can affect motivation and performance. While employees are skilled, they can be bogged down by repetitive tasks and siloed workflows. I work closely with CFOs and their teams to streamline operations, implement process improvements, and shift the focus from just financial reporting to more strategic activities like controls and analysis.

What are the core responsibilities of a finance consultant in your experience?

We usually identify at one side advisory missions related to implementation of projects such as new regulatory changes like the ESG or the IFRS, digitization or process improvements. And at the other side, we temporarily bring our business expertise, up to C-level, to support or even take over the execution of a function or an operational business process (“Process Insourcing”)..

My role revolves around supporting CFOs and finance departments, primarily in two areas: financial accounting and analytical accounting. Financial accounting includes producing critical reports, like annual or regulatory filings, while analytical accounting provides key financial indicators to help with business decision-making. Depending on the project, I might also help implement new regulatory frameworks or step in for transactional support when teams need our expertise.

TriFinance is known for its commitment to continuous learning. How do you personally stay updated and develop your skills?

Jacinthe: Continuous development is a big part of our culture at TriFinance. Via the company, I recently completed a course on Asset and Liability Management (ALM) techniques through Assuralia, the insurance federation. Apart from external courses, I also contribute by conducting internal seminars on banking and insurance accounting. Sharing knowledge and learning from others keeps me engaged and helps foster growth within the team.

It's great to hear about that focus on growth. What kind of career opportunities are available for finance consultants at TriFinance?

Jacinthe: There are plenty of opportunities within the finance function! Finance consultants often start with roles in controlling or accounting activities, but the possibilities go far beyond that. You can explore diverse areas such as financial reporting, performance management, treasury, and Asset and Liability Management (ALM). Each of these roles offers unique insights and challenges, and all have close links to operations and risk management.

One of the key advantages of being a finance consultant is having a bird’s-eye view of how these different functions interact. As the final link in the chain, you gain valuable exposure to various business lines, allowing you to understand how banks or insurers truly operate. This broad perspective enables you to collaborate with multiple departments and develop a deep understanding of the financial ecosystem

Building strong client relationships is crucial in your line of work. How do you approach client engagement?

Jacinthe: Client engagement is at the heart of what we do. At the beginning of each mission, we draft a comprehensive assignment letter to align with the client’s goals and expectations. I prioritize one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders to fully understand their unique situation and ensure we’re on the same page. A good example of this is when I led a fast-close project for a client. We automated several processes, refined controls, and governance, which significantly reduced the time needed to close financial periods. This allowed the team to shift their focus to higher-value tasks, like analysis.

That sounds impactful! Can you tell us more about the company culture at TriFinance?

Jacinthe: TriFinance has a very entrepreneurial spirit, which I love. We’re adaptable and committed to helping our clients achieve long-term success. Our added value comes mainly from our capacity to be quickly integrated in the day to day of the company and the variety of best practices that we can propose. Our consultants are quick to integrate into client teams, bringing fresh, creative solutions to their challenges. There’s also a strong sense of collaboration, both within our teams and with our clients.

Work-life balance is often a challenge in demanding roles like yours. How do you manage that?

Jacinthe: It can be challenging, but TriFinance is very supportive in this area. I'm a single mother of three, and I really appreciate the flexibility the firm offers. Open communication and mutual understanding with both my team and clients are key to maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

That’s inspiring! Finally, what advice would you give to companies looking to partner with TriFinance?

Jacinthe: I would say that our finance consultants are more than just advisors—we’re partners in driving meaningful change. We bring a mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on involvement to help businesses navigate financial challenges and work toward their long-term goals. If you’re looking to improve your financial operations and processes, we’re here to help.