Associate, Consulting

CMSPI • San Diego, CA

2h • Hybrid

About The Position

CMSPI is seeking data-driven, client-facing Associate Consultants to support its Consulting team as the company works to improve payment strategies and supply-chain arrangements for global merchants and retailers. The role combines payments knowledge, analytics, client engagement, and commercial problem-solving to identify opportunities that improve clients’ payment arrangements.

Associate Consultants work alongside senior associates, engagement managers, Consulting leadership, and the wider CMSPI team. They analyze complex payment data, assess payment acceptance processes, benchmark performance, conduct industry research, and use CMSPI methodologies and analytics tools to develop recommendations. They support project delivery and client meetings, communicate findings through reports, presentations, Power BI, and data visualizations, and contribute to benchmarking, negotiation strategies, and contract and service-level agreement reviews.

The position is hybrid, with attendance in the office expected at least three days per week. CMSPI is hiring two people, one for its Atlanta office and one for its San Diego office. Travel to client and company meetings may be required. The recruitment process consists of a 30-minute screening call, a 45-minute first-round interview, and a one-hour final interview with an onsite presentation.

Requirements

• College graduate with a degree preferably in Economics, Sciences, Mathematics, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 3.3 GPA.
• 1–3 years of professional experience in consulting or analysis, including experience presenting complex analytical findings.
• Strong logical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a professional approach.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage and prioritize a high volume of tasks to meet deadlines.
• Proactive in clarifying expectations, asking questions, and understanding deliverables.
• Intellectual curiosity, resilience, and flexibility to work in a fast-growing business and industry.
• Confidence and interest in interacting with clients, presenting opportunities to internal and external stakeholders, and developing relationship-management skills.
• Willingness to travel to client and company meetings as required.
• Competence in and experience using MS Office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with SQL and Power BI.
• Interest in innovation and developments in consulting, market intelligence, and sophisticated data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality deliverables that support strong client engagement with Fortune 500 companies.
• Analyze clients’ complex payment data, review acceptance processes for key payment methods, benchmark performance indicators, and conduct industry research.
• Use CMSPI methodologies and initiative to identify opportunities and improvements clients can explore to optimize their payment arrangements, supported by data analytics.
• Attend client meetings with project teams to present findings and provide technical and analytical insight and support.
• Identify opportunities in clients’ payments data using CMSPI’s proprietary data platform, products, and other advanced analytics tools.
• Produce accurate client reports using Power BI, written reports, presentations, and data visualizations.
• Work with Engagement Managers on benchmarking analysis, negotiation strategies, and other project deliverables.
• Assist with reviewing commercial contracts and Service Level Agreements for CMSPI and its clients.
• Develop a thorough understanding of CMSPI’s markets and core consulting products.
• Share project knowledge with the wider business to encourage innovation in thinking and outcomes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive payments-industry training from in-house and industry experts.
• Personal and professional learning opportunities and growth experiences aligned with career aspirations.
• 100% healthcare coverage for employees and low-cost dental and vision options.
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Account, and commuter benefit options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 5% after 90 days of employment.
• Annual company bonus plan based on company and individual performance.
• Quarterly values award for all employees, including a financial prize.
• Regular companywide social and team-building events.
• 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, 8 paid company holidays, and discretionary office closure during the holiday season.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level