I started my career with a major public accounting firm, which I hadn't planned. I thought the firm where I had done an internship would be the place I would begin my career. So I "practiced" with an interview at a large public firm, as well as with the accounting departments of some major corporations. I was probably a classic example of "how not to" interview. I hadn't done my research before interviewing, which was ironic, because I had a very specific rating system for the firms that interested me. I was very laid back, so the "corporate feel" of the international health care companies I met wasn't a fit. But despite my casual attitude, one of the major accounting firms was very aggressive in pursuing me. Because I felt they had the most resources to offer me, I decided that this would be the best place to start. I was pleased with the great foundation of accounting skills I developed, and I really loved my job, so I planned to re-evaluate after about 5 years.
But there were some serious issues, too. It was probably just "red tape", but I was made several promises that were broken or ignored. I was told I could pursue a graduate degree in tax, and the firm would pay for it. When I was ready to take the course, I learned that the firm wouldn't pay for it because someone hadn't mentioned that I had to be with the firm for a minimum period of time to be eligible for reimbursement. (That's a huge contrast to my experience here. While I can't speak for anyone else, I know that the firm has supported me in pursuing my graduate education from the moment I was ready to begin taking classes!) Also, I thought I would be working in the firm's offices, but, instead, was sent on assignments that required me to leave my house at 5 AM so I could be at my client on time for my typical 10-12 hour workdays during busy season. I also did a lot more long-distance traveling on short notice than I wanted. I knew what I was getting into, but I had been told I was "needed" at client locations because I worked well with our clients. That was a nice compliment, but other things that were important to me, weren't being addressed. So, I discussed these issues with my boss. From those discussions, it was clear that the firm wasn't going to accommodate my needs, so I realized it was time to move on.
When I began my search, I remembered that Jules Frankel had come to an accounting class I had taken in my sophomore year of college. Although I couldn't remember exactly what he'd said, I did remember that it had made a positive impression and that a mid-sized firm could be a great career choice. I visited the firm's website and it really did seem to present a very different and kind of cool place to work, so that's when I decided to send an unsolicited letter to them about my job search. W&G called me immediately. The experience of interviewing here was outstanding. I did a ton of interviews, so we really got to know each other as well as we could. Then the Managing Shareholder, Ed Guttenplan sent me a personal note suggesting that we meet, which really impressed me. This time, I had some work and life experience to guide me during the process, which helped me in my evaluation of the firm. By the time Ed and I met, the firm had already extended an offer. Ed made me, and my needs, the focus of our discussion, which was a big contrast to the way I had been turned off by one of the other area firms where I was "relegated" to a series of interviews with low-level staffers, who grilled me for hours about anything and everything, which just didn't feel right. Compared with the warm reception I got from everyone here, at all levels of the firm, the choice was easy.
Here I have tons of variety in my assignments, and plenty of exposure to clients and the firm's leadership. The firm is extremely professional and the expectations are high, but the atmosphere is very informal. It's an amazing balance that challenges me to do my best at all times. My flexible schedule allows me to avoid traffic, which means a lot to me. It's partially because I am a "morning person" and like to start early, which helps me maintain my own work/life balance. The firm has kept its promise to allow me to pursue my Masters in Tax, which I am doing currently. Tax season was challenging, but that's life in a public accounting firm, and at least here, the firm does all it can to make the grind a little easier by injecting some fun into the work environment. I could never have imagined my prior firm bringing in a massage therapist to relax the staff during tax season. And the stability and low turnover are pretty impressive and makes communication that much easier. I really feel that I have everything I need here to enjoy a long, successful and rewarding career.
|
