My career in public accounting has been nothing short of a roller coaster, but it's a ride that has ultimately led me to a place I now call home: Kreischer Miller.
Over the past decade, the public accounting industry has undergone significant changes. The consolidation of firms has been rapid, with smaller family-owned practices being acquired and even larger acquirers undergoing further acquisitions. The influx of private equity and various structural shifts has resulted in a notable reduction in the number of firms.
I started my journey at a Big 4 firm, heeding the common advice that it was the best place to begin an accounting career. While the learning opportunities were immense, I quickly realized that the environment wasn’t for me. The focus on large, publicly traded companies and the impersonal atmosphere made me feel like just another cog in the machine.
In search of a more fulfilling experience, I transitioned to a much smaller local firm with around 50 accountants. This setting was a much better fit. The inclusive culture and open-door policy fostered an environment where learning and growth were encouraged. Everyone, from partners to staff, worked closely together, and help was always readily available. It was here that I truly understood the importance of work-life balance, a lesson I hold dear to this day.
However, as I developed my own client base, I recognized the limitations of smaller firms in terms of resources for sustained growth. My firm was eventually acquired by a larger regional firm, which unexpectedly became a catalyst for my professional development.
At the regional firm, I found a welcoming atmosphere where my opinions were valued, and I could ask questions without fear of rejection. The firm’s commitment to quality work was evident, and they provided extensive in-house resources. The supportive culture was further enhanced by regular social events like picnics, regional gatherings, after-tax season parties, and holiday celebrations. The opportunities for advancement were plentiful, and the firm even invested in my education, enabling me to earn a master’s in taxation from Villanova. I envisioned a long tenure there, possibly until retirement. However, this firm too was acquired, this time by a large national firm.
As a Tax Principal during this transition, I found myself at odds with the national firm’s values. The emphasis on growth at the expense of client service, coupled with significant rate increases and cuts to administrative support, placed a heavy burden on professionals. The resulting environment was negative and fear-driven, stifling communication and making it difficult to effect change. This was a stark contrast to what I had known, and I realized I needed to find a place where I could thrive. Leaving was a difficult decision, as I had spent nine years building strong relationships and a solid client base, but I really wanted to find another caring, team-oriented environment like the one I experienced before my regional firm was acquired.
That’s when I found Kreischer Miller. As a nearly 300-person regional firm, it felt like a Goldilocks moment – not so small that it lacked resources, but not so large that you’re just a number. From my first day, I knew I had found my place. Many of the dynamics I loved about the regional firm I worked for before it was acquired existed here. The welcoming atmosphere was evident as I was given ample time to meet with each of the Tax Directors. I was also encouraged to join the Tax Innovation team, a testament to the firm’s commitment to growth and development as well as its willingness to elicit ideas from the team.
As a Director in the firm, it’s also important to me to be able to provide mentorship and guidance to other team members and help support their professional development. That role is truly encouraged here. While the firm devotes considerable time and resources to more formal, structured training, it also recognizes the value of one-on-one, on-the-job training and coaching. I enjoy spending time with my team and passing on my knowledge and insights.
It’s hard to sum up my feelings about Kreischer Miller in just a few words, but here are the highlights: Feeling valued: Check! Being part of an engaged and supportive community: Check! Enjoying flexibility and benefits that promote a genuine work-life balance: Check!
Best of all, I don’t feel like a number at Kreischer Miller. I feel fortunate to be part of a firm that truly cares about its team members and empowers them to share their ideas. Yes, our clients and the work we do will always be important. But Kreischer Miller also recognizes that we are more than just employees; we’re people who have families, friends, interests, and hobbies that are also an important part of who we are.
In conclusion, my career journey has indeed been a roller coaster, taking me from a Big 4 firm to a small family firm, then to a regional firm, a national firm, and finally to Kreischer Miller. I’m happy to say that I’ve found my home in a place that offers the perfect blend of professional fulfillment and personal satisfaction.