Are you about to make that first big decision of selecting where your first professional job will be in accounting? This decision should not be taken lightly given the many factors that go into making such a decision. The place you choose to work should be the right fit for you, so you should look forward to going there each day.

Certain factors that go into your decision-making process are generally the same regardless of the firm you choose, but they may vary somewhat based on the size of the firm, and whether it is a national, a regional, or a local firm. You will consider things like the type of audit work you will be exposed to, the client base serviced, and the formal training you will receive.

What I believe is most important to making this decision is the culture of the firm, which is what is the firm about and then what is most important to you. A good way to determine the culture of the firm is to understand the values. For example, at Rachlin our core values are:

Passion — loving what you do
Integrity — doing the right thing
Excellence — giving your best
Respect — valuing everyone’s contribution
Teamwork — cooperating, communicating, and collaborating
Community — giving back
Balance — making a good life, not just a good living

Then while visiting the firms, you can observe the behavior of the people and ask specific questions about the culture and the adherence to core values. You may even have friends from school at these firms who know firsthand what the culture is really like.

You should decide what is most important in your life and what you are looking for.

Are you looking to work a reasonable number of hours?
Are you looking for a firm that supports a work/life balance?
Are you looking to travel (or not)?
Are you interested in community involvement and charitable giving?

Your answers and the firm’s position on these items should play a key role in your decision-making process.

Gone may be the days of people spending their entire career at one firm, but making an informed decision about what may be the best fit for you should lend itself to the potential for a long career at the firm you choose.

About the Author

Ilyssa Blum is a partner with the accounting and advisory firm Rachlin, based in Miami, FL. For more information please visit www.rachlin.com.

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