Getting to Know You: Finance Manager, Agostinho “Junior” Lopes

At Insource, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Each member of our team brings a unique perspective, skill set, and passion for helping our clients make a difference in their communities. This week, we’re getting to know Agostinho “Junior” Lopes, a Finance Manager who has been part of the Insource team for five years.

From For-Profit to Purpose-Driven

Junior’s journey to Insource started with a desire to make an impact. “I was looking for a consulting firm and came across Insource, which focuses on working with non-profits,” he explains. “I’d done summer work with non-profits while I was in college, and I thought – why not make my consulting work support organizations that make a difference in the world?”

Joining Insource in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, meant that his entire interview process was conducted remotely. But even through the screen, he could tell there was something special about the company.

“Insource has an in-depth interview process,” he says. “They value your experience, of course, but they also care about your personality and how you’ll fit with the team. That’s something I really appreciated.”

Learning from Every Client

Coming from a corporate accounting background, Junior’s move into consulting was a leap into the unknown. And it paid off.

“This was my first consulting role, so I didn’t have a lot of expectations beyond wanting to learn as much as possible,” he says. “It’s like learning how to do five different jobs at once, because every client is different and has unique needs and challenges.”

Now, as Finance Manager, Junior works with around five active clients at a time. “Even though finance and accounting might seem structured, consulting keeps things fresh. You might be closing the books for one client, creating reports for another, or supporting a team through a complex problem – all in the same day,” he explains. “There’s always something new to learn.”

Finding Balance and Support

Adjusting to the consulting pace was one of Junior’s biggest early challenges. “When you come from one company, you know what’s expected every day,” he says. “At Insource, you’re supporting multiple clients, and they all have different needs. Finding that balance was tough at first. But once you get into it, it’s actually really rewarding.”

A big part of what makes it work, he says, is the support from colleagues across the business. “There’s so much expertise within Insource. Even if it’s not directly related to finance, there’s always someone you can reach out to. I once had an HR-related question from a client, and I just pinged one of our HR consultants. They helped me in minutes. That kind of collaboration makes such a difference.”

A Day in the Life

A typical day for Junior starts with emails and client check-ins, followed by hands-on financial work. “The first week or two of the month are the busiest. That’s when we’re closing the books. The third week tends to be quieter, then it picks up again as we prep for the next month,” he says.

Each client setup is different. “Sometimes it’s just me managing the client. Other times, I have a senior accountant and a staff accountant working alongside me. There’s always teamwork involved.”

Making an Impact

For Junior, the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that his work contributes to something meaningful.

“Most of our clients are non-profits, and it’s really satisfying to know that the financial systems we help build are enabling them to make a difference,” he says. “Even though I’m not on the front lines of their programs, I feel like I’m contributing to the community.”

He also sees clear opportunities for growth at Insource. “There are always opportunities to learn and develop. Whether you want to move into a senior manager role or try something new, Insource supports whichever path you want to take.”

Life Beyond the Numbers

When he’s not deep in spreadsheets or client meetings, Junior’s life revolves around family and fun. “I have two young sons – and they keep me busy!” he laughs. “I also love travelling and spending time with friends from college. Our families are still really close.”

After five years with Insource, Junior has no doubt he’s in the right place. “I still find that what I do makes a difference,” he says. “And I know the company gives me the support I need. It’s a great fit.”

Interested in joining a team that combines professional growth with purpose?
Explore career opportunities with Insource here.