In First Person

Kate Rada: Hello!

Hi, I’m Kate Rada and I will be writing about some of my experiences during my first year at BBD.

Just to give you some background information on myself, I graduated in May from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. It was a very hard road, but having both Accounting and Finance under my belt has really helped and prepared me for this job. Along those lines, if you still have time and are debating to take the extra step, at least try to minor in finance because it really helps you obtain a greater understanding in applying accounting concepts. While at WCU, I was a member of the Women’s Varsity Rugby Team, which definitely helped mold some time management skills and gave me various opportunities to get involved in the community.

During my sophomore year of college, I had a tax internship with a regional-size accounting firm located in Delaware.  Although I had a great learning experience there, I assumed that every public accounting firm was just black and white and impersonal like that firm was, but that was before BBD.

In the following year, I decided that I wanted more and I wanted to be able to grow.  I was so excited when I got the call from Bobbi, our HR Director, for the audit/tax internship.  I don’t even know how to begin to explain my amazing internship with BBD.  I was given such a wide array of opportunities, ranging from preparing my first 1120S, vouching invoices, searching through historical records, preparing endless Excel worksheets, and I loved it all.  And of course, during any busy season, you work long hours, but when you’re working with people that are so funny and friendly, time flies by as your crunching numbers.

I just started full-time this past August; I’ll admit I had a bit of nerves coming back but they left once I saw everyone again. BBD has such a warm, inviting environment; this is what makes them stand apart from the rest.

Sam Dillman: Not An Intern Anymore...

As an intern I worked with many teams and on different audits.  It was not until I became a full-time accountant that I had my own start-to-finish audit with only my manager with me.  Boy is it different!  I knew many different items needed to be addressed, but I did not know the real extent until I started full-time.  Of course, I knew the most important areas that required the most work, but there are so many other processes involved.  Let’s just say my full first audit was a real eye opener.

An audit starts with the information that we receive from the client or the administrator.  This step was not within my sphere as an intern.  The information and schedules were provided to me when then I began the work.  Now, a full time employee, I was the auditor requesting the material through our audit request letter.  I was the one making changes to the letter and making sure everything we needed was on that list.  I had more interaction in the whole initial stage than ever before such as the audit planning and more client interaction.  I knew this too when I was going into this situation.  I understood I was not an intern anymore and more responsibility would fall on me.  So right from the beginning, I knew this audit was going to be a completely new experience.

This client was also new to the firm as well, so this added more to my first full experience.  Additional procedures need to be done when we perform an audit for the first time.  It just seemed like everything new that could possibly come up did during this audit.  I accepted the information and worked it.  I made sure to really focus and dedicate myself to this.  I asked as many questions as I could think of; no matter who I asked.  If I ran into a situation I was not sure about, I just asked whoever was closest at the time.  Sometimes I just needed reassurance that I had the right answer.  Other answers eluded me.  That happens when you are going through things for the first time.  I was never fearful to ask a stupid question.  I knew that if I needed help I would have everyone’s support, especially with considering it was my first solo audit.  Everyone was around when I needed them and that was a great feeling to have.  We also had to travel for this audit, which I enjoy.

This travel experience felt different than the times I traveled as an intern.  Maybe it was the feeling of traveling as a full-time accountant and not as an intern.  There could be so many reasons why, but it was a great feeling to be able to interact with administrators one on one like I never did before.  It felt like a whole new game, and I was starting.  This was a trip with Curt (my manager) where the expectations were higher. I knew this was a different trip than all the previous ones.

Overall, I finished this audit with a sense of accomplishment, but with room for improvement.  I am trying to touch both ends of the spectrum.  I finished feeling proud of what I did and with the understanding I can do so much better and will do better.   I’ll be the first person to tell you that. I can take criticism, especially from myself.  It just adds to my tenacity to improve.  I felt like I knew so much more going into the next round of audits.  I knew what to expect and what to look for.  I saw things out of place that I did not see before.  No matter how much time it took, the job would be finished.  It was a great feeling at the same time.  I was working in this area that I enjoyed, and I was part of something huge and important.  I know others like friends of mine who continue to search for jobs.  Finishing this audit impressed upon me how fortunate I am.  I took this assignment, did my best, and will strive to be the best as time goes on.  So, until next time, good luck in all that you do. 

Nick Stever: My First Busy Season

When I decided to go into public accounting as my career choice, I heard many stories about “busy” season.  Most of the time people referred to busy season as tax season and had horror stories about it.  I work in our Investment Management Group (IMG), and our busy season is a little different.  Many of our clients are registered funds with the SEC, and many of them have 12/31 year ends.  This means we have 60 days to complete the audit and issue our opinion because of SEC requirements.  So January and February are very busy.  These requirements mean early mornings and late nights at the office.  There is a ton of work to do, but everyone came together and got it done smoothly.  As a first-year staff in IMG, I work with two teams (consisting of a manager and a senior on each team).  Working with two different teams can be challenging at times, but the key is communication and organization.  Communicating the status of tasks and organizing tasks to be performed really helped get all the work done efficiently. 

During January and February, everyone in IMG spends a great amount of time together.  We also manage to have good time though, that is what I think makes BBD different and great.  One way we try to incorporate some fun in the day is having a catch with a stuffed football or wiffle ball.  Usually in the afternoon, a few people will go out to get a cup of coffee.  A good walk always gets your blood flowing and the caffeine doesn’t hurt either.  In the end, busy season was not that bad.  It is just something you have to go through, and everyone helps get through it together.

Frank Rongone: Opportunities For Continued Learning With CPE

As a new hire starting at BBD, I quickly became aware of the plethora of opportunities provided to the staff to obtain the various CPE requirements, such as the 80 hours of CPE credit that Pennsylvania requires of licensed CPAs bi-annually.  The day after orientation, before jumping into auditing procedures, I spent almost a full day evaluating my ethical decision-making abilities through an AICPA self-study professional ethics course.  No more than a few weeks later, I attended an in-house CPE session, which is sponsored by BBD on a quarterly basis.  In that particular session, I was briefed on several topics including 2011 tax changes and Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services.

In December, BBD held another quarterly CPE session, instructed by an outside CPE provider (who I gave extra accreditation to due to the fact that he was a LaSalle alumnus).  This course primarily served as an update on the provisions of recently issued accounting and auditing pronouncements.  In particular, the session brought to my attention the divergence between GAAP and IFRS, but also the progression of the plans for convergence.  I realized that the period of time before IFRS became an everyday reality was much shorter than I imagined.    

Although the topics covered in these courses may not apply in their entirety to my everyday tasks, I value them, because as an accountant, it is important be knowledgeable in practice areas across the board, not just not just one specific focus area.  Although I am not a licensed CPA at the moment, it is great to know that when I do obtain my license, I am at a firm that makes it easy to meet the requirements necessary to keep it.  

Seth Morgan: My First Networking Event

Erin McClafferty, our marketing director, frequently e-mails the firm about upcoming networking events that we can participate in if we want to.  Mid November we got an e-mail about a networking event in Wayne, PA.  The event was sponsored by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce and was designed for young professions in the area.  This seemed like a great opportunity for me to meet other young professionals, and at the very least get some practice socializing professionally.  Another new hire, Frank, decided to go with me to the event so we could have some mutual support in case we were over our heads.  To be completely honest, I had no idea what to expect.  Would I have enough to talk about being so new to the firm?  Am I too young for anyone to take me seriously?  These are just some of the thoughts going through my mind as Frank and I drove to Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Wayne, PA. 

As we walked in, we were met with a loud crowd of already networking young professionals all holding a drink and mingling.  Frank and I grabbed a drink and went to work.  We walked up to two guys in their twenties and just introduced ourselves.  Each of us said who we were and what company we work for, and then each talked more specifically about what our companies do.  One guy was a real estate agent, the other an audio/video sales rep.  Frank was probably more experienced with networking events than I was, but together we held a lot of good conversations with lawyers, a mortgage analyst, a few human resource reps, and an owner of a painting company.  Conversations varied from as general as how business is going during these slow economic times, to just how transitioning from college to working has been with other recent graduates.  We got a good amount of business cards and met some really nice young professionals starting their careers just like we are.  Overall, it was a great experience that gave me confidence to talk with other professionals and realize that networking doesn’t have to be as intimidating as I may have thought.

Sam Dillman: From Intern To Full-Time

When I returned to BBD my first day as a full-time employee after graduation, I was worried that it would feel like the first day of school again. I couldn’t have been more wrong.  It felt like I had not missed a beat.  That’s one of the great things about the BBD family.  Even during my last year at the University of Scranton, BBD made me feel that I was never far from the company even though my internship and summer position had ended.  I said goodbye to my “cube” as an intern and said hello to my new one across from my own manager to begin my next phase at BBD.

I emphasize “my own manager,” because I never had my own manager, my own team, my own responsibility.  That is one thing I needed to understand when I left the role as an intern.  Yes, I had a great role as an intern.  My assignments were engaging and adventurous, but now I was on my own.  I knew I needed to direct myself with some assignments although I could always ask questions in order to make sure I understood everything correctly. I was grateful that I was now a larger part of the BBD team, and I seized the opportunity.   I knew I was depended upon and dependent upon others. I was a part of the BBD family.   We all know we can depend on one another, and I mean that. 

I know that I was always a part of the BBD family, but it really became official for me when I was hired to be full-time.  I can’t really describe it, but I just remember walking through the front door on the first day and feeling a rush, knowing the opportunity I had been given. A feeling came over me, and I thought to myself, “So, this is how it feels, huh?”  

I know I wish I could spend more time with everyone in the Great Room and not have to spend so much time studying for the CPA exam, but it is very important to me and to BBD.  I will continue to truck through as each exam nears.  That is my overall goal: to have those three letters, CPA, after my signature.  I will write them proudly.  Overall, the transition to becoming a full time employee was an easy one, especially because of my group.  

So, until next time on this blog, hope all is well on your end.  Good luck with everything.  If you feel like making a visit to 1835 Market St. 26^th floor, you can’t miss me.  I’m the one with the tree.  See you soon.

Cristi Tilden: A Jersey Girl Commutes In Pennsylvania

My first day at BBD was on August 9, 2010.  Like any new job I was nervous and had no idea what to expect.  I met with Bobbi, our HR Director, to go over the new hire information: health benefits, time off, etc. After the morning passed I finally settled into my cubicle to fill out new hire forms. Ron Scaramuzza, one of the not-for-profit partners, approached my cubicle and told me I would be going out to a client in the Pennsylvania suburbs the next day. I was excited and anxious. 

As someone who was born and raised in New Jersey, I was very unfamiliar with Pennsylvania. A few of my co-workers, when giving me directions, explained to take the Blue Route to the Pennsylvania Turnpike- that just confused me. I had no idea where the Blue Route was located! 

Most of our not-for-profit clients are in the Pennsylvania suburbs, and some are in New Jersey. One of the clients I helped audit had their offices in a very old house.  The house used to be an orphanage, and of course the floor we were on used to be the old infirmary.  That was a bit creepy. The employees that worked there told me that an older woman used to care for the children and still haunts the old house. Of course knowing this made me quite uneasy if I was the last one there in the building.

Working in the Not-For-Profit Group here at BBD, I quickly noticed that we travel a decent amount.  Within my first month or two at BBD I had learned certain roads and places that I would probably have never explored on my own. The exposure to different places has been such a unique and enjoyable aspect of working at BBD.

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Chris Mefford: The BBD Holiday Party

On December 11, 2009, BBD hosted its annual Holiday party at the Riverton Country Club in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.  Because I am a recent hire, this year was my first time attending the event. 

The party started at 7:30 pm and employees were encouraged to bring guests. At first, I was a little nervous about attending the event,  but when I got there it was a great time. The night was filled with conversation, laughs, and really good food.  The Managing Partner, Mike Boyle, even performed a few roasts of employees and gave out gag gifts.  Some of the employees then had the opportunity to get back at the Managing Partner by performing little roasts and giving him gag gifts of their own. 

Overall the night was a great experience.  I was able to get to know more of my fellow co-workers in a less stressful and more relaxed environment.  In addition to working well together, I got the impression that the employees at BBD really enjoy spending time with each other outside of the office.  It really showed that everyone in the office is down to earth and they get along well with one another.

Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next event!

Chris Watkins: My First Month at BBD

Some students, when they graduate from college, have some concern as to what the working world is like in accounting.  Of course we learned the basics about accounting in our classes, but what is life really like when we show up for our first job right out of college?  I can tell you that I had the same questions going through my head when I started working at BBD.  Even though I had already been out of school for five years, I was in an unrelated field, so I had working experience but not in accounting.  I’d like to share what my first month looked like at BBD.  Following orientation, the members of my team “showed me the ropes” if you will.  I immediately began working on small projects, including reviewing financial statements for errors, vouching expense accounts, and just reading the previous year’s financial statements from some clients to get an idea of what the audits would entail.  Some of this lingo may seem foreign to you, but it doesn’t take long to pick it up.  If I ever had a question or didn’t understand something, my team was always willing to offer a helping hand.  After a couple of weeks, I began to work in the field with Eric and Steve from my team, where they demonstrated certain procedures that we use during an audit.  The bottom line is this: everyone had to begin their career in public accounting somewhere and knows the difficulties associated with getting started.  Don’t be nervous that you won’t know everything right off the bat because, let’s face it, you won’t.  Just be attentive and eager to learn.  Ask questions often and listen to what your team members teach you.  You have the background from school, and they will help you to put it into practice.  My first month brought new and exciting challenges and I look forward to what BBD has in store for me in the coming months.

Chris Mefford: My First Engagement

When I came into work my first week and was told I was going to my first client I did not know what to expect.  I was both nervous and excited at the same time.  I had some experience with not-for-profit audits from a past internship with a different firm.  However, I was still nervous being it was my first engagement.  The next day myself and another NFP staff accountant (Mike Haubrich) walked a few blocks to the client’s office.  When we arrived, I was introduced to the finance staff and the CEO.  We then settled into our work space and began to work.  At first, I was worried that I was not going to know what to do.  However, Mike was very helpful in teaching me what to do and what was expected of me.  At the same time, he did not spoon feed me everything-- I did have to prove myself knowledgeable in some aspects. 

 

After the first few days at the client, the nerves faded away and I became more comfortable in what I was doing.  I credit that mostly to Mike and the other staff at BBD.  They were very helpful in teaching me what I needed to do and explaining the reasons behind the actions.