Statistics

Graduated from SUNY Albany
Years at ERE: 6

Commentary

One of the great things about ERE is that we get to do everything in an audit engagement, from start to finish. You learn a lot in a firm this size. I started my career at a larger firm and it was frustrating. I only got to work on a segment of the audit, like doing cash or fixed assets or inventory observation. It was very limiting, because I never got a chance to see the whole picture.

At ERE, we have more interaction with the clients and get involved in all aspects of the engagement; we prepare the corporate tax return, and provide accounting services. For some clients, we also provide business advisory services, looking at certain analytics and helping the owners to understand what it takes to run their business and what they need to do to maintain a profit.

I've been at ERE for 6 years and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I'm proof that there are steady opportunities for advancement. I've moved through the ranks from junior staff to second-year audit manager. You'll learn a lot here if you take advantage of the opportunities and work hard.

I would explain our firm's culture this way: they listen to you, whether you are a manager or a first-year staff person, and they are very open to feedback and ideas—that's something that you don't see in every firm. The camaraderie here is excellent. We have a poker group that's made up of staff from different levels of the firm. It's a fun way to get to know everyone. People frequently get together for lunch or happy hour after work. Getting to know each other outside of work makes for a great atmosphere in the office.

When you interview, try to get a sense of the people you'll be working with and the culture of the firm. Ask questions that show your enthusiasm, your personality, and your good communications skills.