Accenture Strategy & Accenture Technology: 3 Key Differences

Accenture Strategy and Accenture Technology – what’s the difference? Many know Accenture as one of the top consulting firms in the world, especially in the field of technology consulting. The firm employs more people than any other single global employer, counting over 477,000 professionals in its ranks in 2019. When dealing with such a massive firm, it’s often easy to get lost in all the different types of groups and practices.

That’s why we’re here to highlight the 3 key differences between Accenture Strategy and Accenture Technology. These practice areas are two of the most sought after at Accenture.

Accenture Technology is Functionally Aligned, While Accenture Strategy is more Industry Aligned

Accenture Technology is a broad group with many services, including implementation, delivery, R&D, and technology consulting. As an Accenture Technology Consultant, your role is more functionally aligned. This means that you’ll be mainly working on tech stuff but for clients in various industries.

For example, your work may involve delivering a solution based on a specific technology, like Salesforce or Oracle. If you enjoy engaging with clients but love tech, the Accenture Technology Consultant position may be a great fit.

Accenture Strategy on the other hand, focuses on providing business strategy. When you start your career at Accenture Strategy, you are exposed to a broad array of industries (this is one of the biggest perks of management consulting). However, the more you move up in the group, the more likely it is that you’ll be serving clients in the same industry. This is because the more experience you gain in one particular field, the more of an expert you become.

Accenture Strategy Consultants work with clients to understand their business processes and needs and ultimately provide solutions that drive profits higher. If you like thinking about broad, complex problems and narrowing them down into actionable solutions, Accenture Strategy is probably for you.

Accenture Strategy is Earlier-Phase, While Accenture Tech is Implementation-Based

Accenture Strategy Consulting involves more high level planning, which bodes well for consultants who enjoy looking at the big picture. Strategy consulting work can involve things like large scale financial modeling and analysis of overall business models or functions. Given the need to look more broadly, Strategy Consulting also usually requires more upper management involvement, such as executives from the C-Suite. This is a great opportunity for consultants to learn from some of the top leading professionals in an industry.

Accenture Technology Consulting may also involve more big picture thinking from a tech perspective, but there is also a lot more implementation assistance involved. Accenture Technology consultants will first require an understanding of the client’s tech needs and which solutions could drive the most value. However, once that component is figured out, the work can become arguably a little more mundane and perfunctory. In contrast to strategy, technology consulting doesn’t always require top level management input, meaning you are more likely to work with senior managers rather than the C-Suite.

What Accenture Strategy and Accenture Technology Each Look for in Candidates

Accenture Strategy Consultants focus on helping organizations diagnose and fix their most complex problems. This could range from new product analysis to profitability to new market entry. As a result, Accenture Strategy looks for candidates who enjoy solving problems. The group looks for candidates who have excelled in driving impact in their previous experiences.

While Accenture Technology Consulting also definitely requires problem solving, there is also an extra importance of a passion for technology. Candidates who don’t show a demonstrated interest in technology either through their academics or professional experiences will be at a major disadvantage. If you like seeing your work through from beginning to end, Accenture Technology may be the better fit for you.

Closing Thoughts: Accenture Strategy vs. Accenture Technology

If working across industries on strategic problems (the issues CEOs deal with) is more appealing to you, aim for Accenture Strategy first. If you like execution and seeing a project through, and have a passion for solving strategic technology problems (the issues CTOs deal with), Accenture Technology is a great place to begin or grow your career.

Additional Reading:

• Accenture vs Deloitte
• Will Tech Consulting experience help me in recruiting for Strategy Consulting?
• Consulting Firm Directory