The 2023 Rising Stars of the Profession: Andrew Dougherty

Andrew Dougherty is a Senior Director in FTI Consulting's Risk and Investigations practice and is based in New York. Andrew is an expert in the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Andrew has extensive experience with the transition from AICPA to PCAOB standard and with IPO readiness.

Andrew has accounting and related disclosures experience with revenue, leases, equity financing, investments, purchase accounting, earnings per share, consolidation and other matters. In addition, he has helped clients establish their internal control environment and related processes.

Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Andrew was a Manager with EY's Audit practice in New York. He began his career at EY as a staff accountant in San Jose, CA before moving to New York. During his tenure at EY, Andrew participated in a number of audits of both private and public companies. His professional accounting and audit experience was primarily focused on serving both public and private venture- backed technology companies.

Andrew holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and a Master of Accountancy from Arizona State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant in both California and New York.

What would you say has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

My many mentors! When I was a senior consultant at EY, I accompanied my mentor Antonio (Tony) Aponte, a Partner at the time, to a training he was presenting since I had worked on the materials. Minutes before the training started, he asked me to lead a section. I was initially hesitant (I had never presented to a room of senior partners before) but agreed after some encouragement. While it wasn't the best presentation I have ever given, it kindled my love of teaching and leading training sessions that has become one of my strengths today. My mentor gave me immediate feedback for growth and insisted that I lead presentations with him more often. With his mentorship, and that of others, I gained confidence, strengthened my presentation skills and have become a better leader.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

First and foremost, the people. I enjoy going to work every day (in the office!) and collaborating with a variety of clients and co-workers from all over the country and the world. Each interaction leaves a lasting positive impact on my development that is invaluable in working with individuals with different experiences and perspectives. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect of consulting. In both my career and personal life, I enjoy gaining an understanding of what makes things "tick." In consulting, I'm always encountering new challenges that require me to dig deep in order to understand how things operate so that I can develop innovative solutions. This daily problem-solving keeps me interested and striving to provide the best and most satisfying results.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

I've built a reputation for being the "go-to person" in both my personal and professional lives, and that's what keeps me motivated. In my personal life, my twin siblings and friends know they can always count on me. I try to provide the support and foundation for them to succeed, whether that's being a cheerleader or motivational speaker, giving advice or asking the tough questions. In my professional life, I take pride in my leadership skills and supporting our FTI Consulting community, both in the Risk & Investigations practice and in the New York office. It gives me great satisfaction to help younger staff members when they seek out my professional advice and perspective to overcome a difficult or unfamiliar situation. I've also worked hard to gain the trust of leaders within my group who feel they can come to me with a complex project that needs to be completed efficiently and effectively. People describe me as being reliable, and I'm really proud of that.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

I'm always receptive to new advice, but the best two pearls of wisdom I've received so far have been: Never back down from a challenge, and be persistent. By challenging myself, I have gained invaluable skills in my toolbox that I can deploy for projects in the future. When a task or project seems too complicated, you mustn't be afraid to ask for help because those are the opportunities for you to further develop your skills. Being persistent and accepting challenging work are great ways to demonstrate that you are focused on your own personal development and the overall improvement of your organization.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This award is a validation of my hard work and countless hours, but also how much knowledge and expertise I have absorbed and incorporated from my great mentors and teachers over my professional career thus far. It's easy to doubt myself, so this recognition is a reminder that I am on the right path and doing the right things to succeed in the future. I want to live up to the title of "Rising Star" by paying it forward to the next group of junior consultants. I hope to provide them with the kind of mentoring I received that got me to where I am today.