In our In the Spotlight series, we periodically introduce you to one of Kreischer Miller’s team members by interviewing them about a variety of topics. We hope you enjoy this firsthand look into lives of our team members – both inside and outside of the office!
For this post we’ve interviewed Tom Yankanich, Director, Audit & Accounting and Government Contracting Industry Group Co-Leader. Tom joined Kreischer Miller in 2005 upon his graduation from Temple University. When he's not at work, Tom loves spending time with his wife and kids and watching Philadelphia sports.
Watch Tom's interview here and read the more detailed Q&A below to learn more!
Why did you choose a career in public accounting?
In college, I was leaning towards a career in marketing. During my sophomore year, one of my friends had an internship with a regional accounting firm. He shared his experiences with me, and that’s when I became interested in public accounting. I then connected with someone in the Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) office at Temple University to learn more about the career path, and the rest is history.
What was your most memorable class in college?
My most memorable class in college was public speaking. It was something I was deathly afraid of but learned a lot from because it forced me out of my comfort zone.
What was your first job?
When I was 14 years old, I began working at a local Dunkin Donuts. My job was to keep the store clean and clean up after the bakers.
What experience or skills help you be successful in your current role?
My dad is a Marine, and he instilled a strong work ethic in me from an early age. Also, it’s beneficial that one of my biggest fears is being late for anything.
What’s the most important advice you could give to someone embarking on his/her accounting career?
Take in all the experiences and really get a good understanding of what it is you like to do because you are the person driving your career!
What are some of the challenges you face as a director on a daily basis?
As a director, I’m always juggling multiple priorities and client requests. Luckily, I have always been a person that believes in a “to do list.”
Why did you initially decide to work at Kreischer Miller as opposed to a Big Four firm?
I had a few classes at the Temple Ambler Campus my junior year and saw a flyer for an extern program where I would be placed at a company and report on my experiences. During that time, I had been in contact with two Big 4 firms. After spending two weeks at Kreischer Miller and interacting with everyone, it was a no brainer for me. The people were just different and I really got a family feel from the firm.
Do you have any tips for how to achieve a good work-life balance?
I always tell myself family comes first and working at Kreischer Miller allows me to do that. If you have that mentality, you avoid missing the important things and you figure out how to get your work done around them. It’s important to get away from the nine-to-five mentality. Once you get the hang of it, you realize there is plenty of time to get the job done.
Who was your most important mentor?
There are so many people who have served as mentors for me over the course of my career. Dave Shaffer, another director at Kreischer Miller, is one person in particular that has really spent a lot time with me to help me develop throughout my career.
What aspects of your job do you like most?
I was always involved in sports as a kid and have always enjoyed being part of a team. When I’m working on an audit, I get the same team environment with our engagement teams, as several employees are working together on a common goal.
What do you think other team members would say about you when you’re not in the room?
I would hope it would be all good things, but that may be wishful thinking. I probably would not want to know!
What’s your routine before work?
I like to go to the gym in the morning before work because it gives me time to plan my day and think about the tasks I want to accomplish.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the office?
Really anything with my wife and kids. Outside of that, I love anything Philadelphia sports-related and I enjoy fishing.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Any place with a beach!
What’s your favorite app on your phone?
97.5 The Fanatic app. I listen to sports talk more than I listen to music.
What’s your biggest fear/phobia you’d like to overcome?
My fear of heights – my wife and kids get on me a lot for not riding roller coasters.
Name five things you couldn’t live without.
My wife, my kids, my friends, Philadelphia sports, and the beach.
Thomas Yankanich can be reached at Email or 215.441.4600.
Also check out: