Alwin Charles Ernst

Alwin C. Ernst, also known as Alvin C. Ernst and A. C. Ernst (CPA) (July 26, 1881 – May 13, 1948), was an American businessman who co-founded the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst, in 1903, and who is credited with devising management consulting. Biography Alwin Charles Ernst was born July 26, 1881, to John C. and Mary (Hertel) Ernst, in Cleveland, Ohio. He had, among his siblings, an older brother, Theodore C. Ernst (September 23, 1869 – 3 October 1946). After finishing high school, Ernst took evening courses at a business college. Career In 1900, he and his older brother, Theodore, began working as bookkeepers at The Audit Co. in Cleveland. In 1903, the brothers founded the Ernst & Ernst bookkeeping service with an invested capital of $500. Ernst created the firm's "Special Services Department" in 1908, noted as "the predecessor of current management-consulting services." He is credited with pioneering the concept of using financial accounting data to inform business decisions, as well as with creating management consulting.