CPA firms that distinguish themselves as employers of choice offer a healthy workplace culture in which employees can successfully implement strategic business changes, manage pressures, and create strong client and colleague connections.
And employers of choice reap other benefits. Research by the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG) found that the first five years of employment are critical in engaging and retaining new professionals. With that in mind, addressing a few key areas at the beginning of the employment life cycle can lead to improvements in staff recruitment and retention, according to Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, AICPA vice president—Firm Services. Offering competitive compensation and benefits, trustworthy leadership, flexible career paths, and meaningful work — all hallmarks of an employer of choice — are just some of those areas.
Based on NPAG research, areas of early-career experience that employers can improve include shifting to more competitive starting salaries and providing more manageable workloads, clearer career paths, and more interesting work. The group also recommends that firms look at the values, attitudes, and behaviors that define their work atmosphere or culture.
Two firms with very different histories are examples of how to become an employer of choice.
Gardiner + Company is a firm with about 40 employees and offices in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Founded in 1964, the firm specializes in agricultural clients. Dennis Gardiner, CPA, the founder’s son, is managing partner, and his son, Matt, is a partner. “We view this firm as a family farm,” said Matt Gardiner, CPA.
Wilson Ivanova CPAs employs 27 and specializes in manufacturing, construction, logistics, and distribution clients. Based in San Bernardino, Calif., the firm was founded in 2014 by firm partners Matthew Wilson, CPA, CGMA, and Maya Ivanova, CPA, CGMA. The firm takes pride in the fact that two former staffers — a senior director and a manager — recently returned from jobs in industry. “They left on good terms, and we always appreciated what they did for us, so we are excited to have them returning,” Matt Wilson said.