ensom.ca

Consulting and Project Management

Consulting and Project Management

James R. Ensom, CA is a management consultant based in Vancouver, BC, providing a wide range of consulting services to credit unions and other financial institutions in Vancouver, British Columbia and across Canada.  With over 32 years of experience in financial services, my goal is to provide quality services and value to my clients.

I have worked extensively with senior credit union Executives and Directors for over 19 years. 

What I Do

Since 1997, I have been assisting credit unions and other financial institutions with strategy, policy development, profitability enhancement, treasury management, mergers/acquisitions and general financial and technology management and support.  I am also an experienced project manager, and have led a substantial number of banking system conversions as well as an assortment of other projects and initiatives.

My background includes many years of management experience in both the financial and technology fields.  This combination provides Clients with a potent resource, particularly when planning and managing technology projects.

I take pride in my ability to creatively break ground in new areas, start-up situations or with project situations that have not been previously undertaken.  In such assignments, I can translate Client objectives into implemented solutions.

The approach taken with assignments always emphasizes achieving a transfer of knowledge and experience to your Management and staff.  This ensures that you receive the greatest value and the highest rate of return on your investment in consulting services.

What I Deliver

With my assignments, I work carefully with my Clients to ensure that I have a clear, documented engagement, outlining my work schedule and deliverables.  My work is carefully planned and managed to ensure that my commitments are respected.  It is not uncommon for assignments to be completed in less time than estimated.  Written reports are well-written, well documented and professional, and are carefully reviewed with Clients to ensure accuracy and quality control.

Read more: Consulting and Project Management

 
I'm pleased to announce that I have recently earned the PMP (Project Management Professional) designation from the Project Management Institute
Technology

As credit unions undergo change and evolution in their businesses, they are increasingly taking the opportunity to re-evaluate their systems strategy.  Many organizations are seeking greater control over their technologies, and are attempting to decrease the costs of supporting the increasing array of technologies required to operate a full-service financial institution. 

I can help your credit union to address your need for new technology strategies.

  • technology strategy
  • outsourcing and contract negotiation
  • asset management
  • cost analysis 
Financial Strategy

It's a valuable exercise to step back from the day-to-day financial strategies, and to reevaluate them in light of the constantly changing competitive and market environments. The approach taken with business planning and budgeting is a structured approach, which ensures that budgets are developed which are in keeping with the strategy and direction being set by you and your Board. For branch budgets, a responsibility accounting approach may be appropriate, which emphasizes budget participation for major activities which are controllable at the branch level, such as staffing and sales.
Read more... Link

Client Login Form




Services

Project Management Approach

My approach to project management is based on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Fourth Edition, published by the Project Management Institute (PMI).  This document contains processes and knowledge areas that are generally recognized as good practice.  In addition, I must adhere to the PMI Project Management Professional Code of Professional Conduct, which governs the professional ethics of PMI members.  Outlined below is a brief outline of the project management approach taken.
Read more... Link
Strategic Planning

A focused business strategy can bring direction and success to an entire organization.  Sound policy development supports effective corporate governance and a high-performance organization that manages risk effectively.

I have worked extensively with senior credit union Executives and Directors for over 17 years, and have played leadership and other roles in a number of major Canadian credit union mergers.
Read more... Link