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

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.

Aggressive and ambitious, Ernst had already opened offices in Chicago by 1908 and in New York City by 1909.

In April 1913, Governor James M. Cox appointed Ernst secretary of the Red Cross Ohio Flood Relief Commission, following the Great Flood of 1913 in Southern Ohio. Ernst also bred Algasir, dying prior the horse winning the 1948 Cowdin Stakes and the Flash Stakes, and setting a world record for four furlongs.

Death and legacy Ernst was buried at Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.

He was noted as "one of Cleveland's most charitable and philanthropic citizens."