For Women’s History Month, we’re featuring leaders whose careers reflect dedication, resilience, and a commitment to elevating clients and colleagues alike. Today, we’re highlighting Jessica Huelbig, Partner and Head of Private Funds at ACA, who has built a nearly 20-year career in advisory by embracing partnership, continuous learning, and the human side of compliance.
What inspired you to pursue a career in advisory, and what continues to draw you to this work today?
I didn’t plan on a career in advisory. I found ACA through a job posting at my college from one of ACA’s founders. I liked the role, I connected with two founders during my interviews, and what started as my first job out of school has turned into almost 20 years at ACA.
What keeps me here is the ability to engage with colleagues, provide meaningful guidance to clients, and constantly learn in an ever-changing regulatory environment.
Was there a defining moment that shaped your path?
About two years in, another analyst and I started asking questions about our futures. ACA was still very young, and there wasn’t a clear growth path yet. Those conversations led to a more formal career progression structure, and that’s when I knew I wanted to grow into senior roles.
What motivates you most in the work you do today?
Helping others. Whether it’s supporting a colleague, collaborating across teams, solving a problem for a client, or keeping clients updated on regulatory developments, it’s all about being there when someone needs guidance. When clients have a question, we want their ACA trusted advisor to be the first person they call.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I try to put myself in someone else’s shoes, whether it’s a colleague or a client. Understanding what’s driving a challenge helps me give more tailored guidance. I’m also very aware of what I do and don’t know. At ACA, we have an incredible bench of experts, and I never hesitate to bring in someone who’s best suited for the situation.
What accomplishment(s) are you especially proud of?
I’m most proud of helping clients build their compliance programs and then supporting them through regulatory exams. Exams can be stressful and time-consuming, and knowing we’re right there alongside them is incredibly meaningful.
A close second is repairing difficult client relationships. Not every engagement goes perfectly, but what matters is acting quickly and addressing issues openly. I’m proud of our advisors’ genuine commitment to giving every client a consistent, positive ACA experience.
Are there trends clients should be paying attention to?
AI continues to be a major area of focus. Whether we’re advising clients or enhancing ACA’s solutions, we prioritize transparency, traceability, confidentiality, and human oversight. The most valuable perspective we offer is how peers are using AI to enhance programs and efficiencies, which helps clients make informed decisions.
What’s the biggest opportunity for women in advisory today?
There is a huge opportunity for women to continue stepping into leadership roles. We bring a strong mix of strategic thinking, empathy, and relationship-driven leadership. Organizations can support that growth by providing equitable access to new opportunities, never assuming what a woman may or may not want based on personal circumstances, and by valuing different paths and styles of success.
Is there a piece of advice that shaped how you show up as a trusted partner?
Yes: always understand the “why.” I need to truly believe in the guidance I’m giving. Whether it’s regulatory advice or leading a team, taking the time to understand why something matters allows me to deliver guidance confidently and clearly.
How do you balance advisory work with life outside the office?
I’m a mom first. My husband and I have four daughters under 12, all with busy schedules. The struggle is real! The only way to balance it all is setting boundaries, being transparent about my life outside work, and leaning on others.
I never want to miss important moments—class parties, field trips, sports events, and coaching. That sometimes means very early mornings, late nights, or weekend work. But I make it work, and ACA has such a strong support system of colleagues who step in when needed.
What’s a misconception about advisory that you often help clients rethink?
That advisory expertise means knowing everything up front. True advisory is about helping clients slow down, challenge assumptions, and think ahead. It’s as much about perspective and decision-making as it is about technical knowledge.
Conclusion
Jess’s career is a testament to the impact of empathy, curiosity, and commitment. Her ability to guide clients through regulatory change while mentoring colleagues and balancing a full family life embodies the strength and adaptability women bring to advisory.
Connect with ACA and learn firsthand how our experienced team can support your firm.