In First Person

Sam Dillman: How I Became Managing Partner During My First Year at BBD

I remember peaking into the “Managing Partner of the Week” raffle bag at our annual Christmas party and seeing the numerous tickets which had been dropped in there.  I dropped mine in, turned to my girl friend, Erica, who straight out said, “You’re going to win that.”  What was funny at the time was that I actually believed her.  I always have a knack for getting the lucky draw with something.  The only time my Mom gambles is when I’m leaning on the slot machine.  She thinks I am the luckiest.  Then the time arrived to draw the names and what do you know?  Mike Boyle, our managing partner, says, “I don’t believe it.”  Now when I heard him say that I imagined the name Rosemary, our firm accountant, would be called.  Mike had just thanked Rosemary for all she has done, so the “I don’t believe it” line made me believe Rosemary’s ticket was in his hand.  It was actually my name he called.  Everyone looked to the other side of the room from where I was sitting like there was another Sam at BBD I did not know about.  I turned to Erica; she just nodded as if to say “Yes, I was right” and that is when I began to brainstorm.

Now, plenty of ideas came to mind when I received this prize.  Some were too extreme to follow through with, but at the same time I wanted to take advantage of this.  I wanted to have fun with it.  I immediately knew a pizza party and dress down day had to be two of my initiatives.  It was only proper to dedicate it to the Flyers for their game seven.  Of course, I received many emails to expedite salary increases, and I wish I could have tackled every decision my way.  I signed an expense report for Bobbi, and then I was told at home by my family that it was fake and it was only meant to entertain me.  All fun and games at home, but I still enjoyed adding my signature.  Of course, the best part was the big corner office.

The corner office is that known item in a business environment.  Everyone knows what the corner office means.  While Mike was leaving for vacation, I was coming in with my fish tank.  I mean I had to give the fish some light.  It’s pretty bright in the morning too before the sun goes behind the nearest buildings.  Sometimes I would just find myself looking out the window.  I’m sure our partners and others who have windows like that have gotten used to it, but it was new to me.  I was disappointed I did not see a window washer.  Do not worry; this was not hours upon hours of day dreaming.  What can I say?  It was nice. 

All in all, my experience as managing partner for a time was great.  It was unfortunate that I lost a day with Good Friday and a half day with going to the Phillies game, but I definitely enjoyed the time that I had.  I enjoyed all the stares as people walked by noticing me instead of Mike sitting in his office.  I enjoyed all the little things from swinging a mini golf driver to staring out the window at the Parkway during the sunny morning.  I enjoyed the visits and recognition that comes with sitting in that office.  It was a great feeling and I could only imagine the true feeling of accomplishment felt by those who are the real owners of those offices.  It is only a goal that I can strive to achieve some day with lots of hard work. Hey, I have a week under my belt already.

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. 

Sam Dillman: Making Time For Activities Outside of Work During Busy Season

The most important thought that comes to my mind when I read the title of this blog is organization.  I cannot stress enough the power of organization.  It’s what gets me through everything I feel I need to accomplish in one day.  This is a key especially during a busy season for each season is a busy one in our Investment Management Group.  Here is the routine that I “attempt” to follow.

Wake up, go to work, and come home from work, study, gym, sleep.  During a busy time, those are the only steps I can muster.  Some days I don’t get home till after 10PM.  What does that leave especially when you have a CPA exam looming?  Here is my advice.  Wake up early and stay up late.  Take every free minute you have to do the things you need to do.  I even keep flash cards in my car for when I am in traffic or at a red light.  Believe me when I say every free minute.  My gym is open late every night, so I take advantage of that.  I study when I come home after dinner and head to the gym and study there while on the treadmill.  Yes, it is okay to combine the things you want to accomplish.  Just picture me running on a treadmill with a CPA exam book sitting on the frame or me biking with a stack of flashcards in my hand.  It is best to stay active, during a stressful time of work and CPA exam prep.  These events seem like a lot and it makes the day feel very long, doesn’t it?

Organization helps all these events come together.  I set goals and make sure I stick to them.  To be honest, sometimes I fail and that is fine, but just do not make it a habit.  I set a timeline for what I need and what I want.  I prioritize the day according to the activities I wish to accomplish.  I may have to extend studying into my gym time or vice versa.  Breaking into study time rarely occurs, however.  I try to study from when I leave work at 9:45 PM to 11:00PM and then to the gym till 11:45PM.  All this helps when you live 1 minute away from the train station and five minutes away from the gym.  These time tables would be different dependent upon where you live.  This schedule is only for the weekdays.  A weekend is a whole different story.

Of course a busy time requires a six day week, so either a Saturday or Sunday is shot.   I try to study, and I try to spend time with my family, girlfriend, and friends as well.  The week is so consuming that it feels great to do those things.  Actually, I feel like I need to do those things.  However, studying can never be escaped.  If I visit my girlfriend at Temple University, we spend most of our time in the library.  Don’t blame me completely.  She has a ton of work herself.  Anyway, I have been trying to devote more time to those activities on the weekend.  I do plan for them though.  That is how organization comes into play on the weekends.  I make sure I still make time for work and studying.  Sometimes these plans do not work out.  That is just how the cookie crumbles, my friends.  Seems like a packed week, doesn’t it?  Well it is.  However, anyone’s week can be different when it comes to their activities or how busy they are.

No matter the activities or the work, organization is my biggest key to getting everything done.  Plan, schedule, create goals, and try to stick to them.  I also feel that lately I need to do these things and I actually feel better than I have ever felt before.  Everyone will deal with these things differently.  These are just the things that I do to get through a busy time.  Do not worry that the busy season seems like a monster, because you are not the only one facing the monster.  Others are with you and you may feel that life is a shipwreck, but you must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.  Until next time, good luck with all of you and if you think my week is crazy at least I sleep really well at night.  Later gators.

Sam Dillman: Survive and Thrive In the Shark Tank

When it came to searching for a job, I was pretty fortunate.  The University of Scranton conducts a Business Expo on campus every year which attracts recruiters from all over the tri-state area.  The students are provided with an opportunity to network, submit a resume, and just gain experience in that kind of environment.  This event during my junior year introduced me to BBD, and we all know the rest is history.  The Expo is very much like a shark tank with recruiters circling and the students acting like minnows in the middle.  I know it sounds scary and intimidating, but do not let it be.  You need to walk right up to a shark and be confident.  Make sure that shark remembers your hand shake.  Rule #1, and also I think the biggest, be the biggest minnow in that tank and you will survive and, hopefully, with a job in hand.  Being confident may be the most important rule, but it is sure not the last.

A big way to succeed in a situation like this is to research. The university provided every student with a list of recruiters who would be attending the Expo.  Study that list.  Research each recruiter that you want to approach or investigate all of them.  I recommend the latter.  It is best to go into every situation with all the knowledge you can handle.  You never know what may arise.  A smart minnow knows its sharks. That is Rule #2. Be ready to handle the situation when the approach is made, nail your introduction, and be engaging with your conversation.  So, Rule Two: Know your sharks.  Next, plan your route.

I have to give a friend credit for this part.  He thought of this while we were preparing for that Expo.  Summarizing, it says to plan your route and survive the tank.  In essence, plan your route and know the location of all the sharks. Have a list of sharks you want to approach first and others to save for last.  That seems like a fundamental rule.  You have practice sharks and then the man-eaters.  You test the waters.  It is best to have these kinds of plans.  It is a learning experience for most.  Do not think you are the only fish who works that angle.  Work every angle and every turn in your route. That is Rule Three. Also, do not get ahead of yourself. That is Rule #4.

Do not rush into these situations, and do not rush to get out of them.  Stick around a bit.  Do not look ahead of you or behind you.  Keep your eyes and your mind on the shark.  We all know what happens to the prey when their eyes leave a predator.  They get eaten.  Sometimes the best strategy is to keep the conversation going and motivate the shark to remain engaged.  Stay calm and cool like the under side of a pillow.  Do not get ahead of where you really need to be.  That is Rule #4.

Rule #5 states that you should dress like your interview means everything to you. Break out the good stuff. If for some reason, things did not go well, at least you will leave a good impression by your appearance. That leads me to Rule #6. What do I do if it goes poorly?  I am only kidding about Rule #6. There is no Rule #6.  Your time in the tank will not end poorly.   Just follow the other 5 rules.  They seem fundamental, I know.  You probably already know them.  It is still a good feeling to know that every minnow has a similar experience.  Just try to be the biggest and the smartest.

In summary, be confident, research, plan, stay your ground, and look like you are the best.  I hope these fundamental rules can take you a long way.  They did for me in this situation and I have great confidence in you.  Good luck in all that you do.  Until next time…

Sam Dillman: The CPA Exam- Studying Toward the Light at the End of the Tunnel

CPA EXAM, CPA EXAM, CPA EXAM, CPA EXAM – Keep saying those words to yourself, because you’re going to be looking at them for a long time.  So many words come to mind when I try to relate to the exam.  I can’t just choose one.  I’ll leave so many frightening ones out.  I am sure everyone has heard of Becker.  That’s what I use.  I went with the trend.  Can’t beat statistics, right? I can’t recommend it enough, but it does not teach itself.  No matter how good the study material may be, it’s the student using it and taking the test.  I think my good friend, Peter Olinto, from Becker says it best: “There is an inverse relationship between happiness and passing the CPA exam.”  There you are.  That sums it up pretty well, I think.  In other words unhappiness = pass.  Now, I am not telling you this to scare you.

The quote is realistic.  This is not a relaxing time at the beach.  This test demands time and dedication.  That’s my advice.  These are needs that must be met.  The instructors reiterate during every lecture that your Friday night will be spent in a library and just accept that fact. Personally, I do not do that.  I choose my room, but I do unplug my television and turn off my computer’s internet. Call me a geek, but you just really need to crack down when it comes to this material.  I am trying to get this finished as quickly as possible, so a bunch of crazy months will lead to a career full of greater opportunities.  I always tell myself this when I run into a wall studying or I think of 6-4-2.

No, that is not me attempting to add.  It is BBD’s glorious bonus for passing the exam:  6 grand for passing the first year which is my goal, 4 grand for 2 years, and 2 grand in 3 years.  I use this as my light at the end of the tunnel.  That is a lot of money to add to my cookie jar.  If the exam was easy, these bonuses would not be offered, and there would be many more CPAs out there.  It’s a challenge to complete.  That’s why BBD offers the bonus.  It is important to the firm that a CPA certification is reached, and they provide you with that added motivation.  Trust me.  It is definitely working on me.

All in all, scholars, you need to find that motivation.  You need to find that light and you’ll get there…eventually.  It is going to take time, dedication, and I’ll throw in a ton of effort as well.  If you do that, you will pass. You will succeed.  I just can’t wait to finish and have the ability to write those big fat letters after my name, C P A.  I just got chills.  So, remember there is an inverse relationship between happiness and passing the exam, but a relationship that will provide happiness for the rest of your life.  Until next time, good luck with everything you do.  I should be studying now, but I am writing this in my cubicle along with watching my fish slam its body against the wall of its tank.  Yes, I have a fish now, along with my tree.  Stop by and I’ll introduce you to “Bobbi THE Fish.”:: slam ::

 

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.