Professional Opportunities Orientation Program

The Career Path in Public Accounting Assurance and Tax Professionals Associate Senior Associate Manager Senior Manager Partner

Associate One to two years. Responsible for tax return preparation and/or low risk areas of the audit assignment. Gopher duty

Senior Associate After two years Senior Associate, Senior, In-charge Responsible for planning jobs Main client contact and the driver of the audit/tax return process. Completion of job including financial statements Supervise and train staff Review staff’s work

Senior Associate (continued) Research and summarize technically complex issues Assist manager with day to day client relations Knows the most about the job/project

Manager Usually after 5 years Three basic roles: –Core Business Role Manage multiple engagements Detail review of work papers Day to day client relations Train and supervise senior and staff Relieve partner of daily client stress

Manager (continued) –Human Resources Role Recruiting Advise, Mentor, Coach staff Teach staff through continuing professional education classes

Manager (continued) –Sales and Marketing Role Network with referral sources: attorney’s, bankers Participate in proposal writing and presenting Generate leads for new business Belong to professional organizations: AICPA, State Society’s

Senior Manager 8 to 10 years Same responsibilities as manager except time split is different More time is spent in Sales and Marketing role than any other Senior Managers may have more administrative duties associated with how the department works as a team

Partner 12 to 15 years Final review of audit or tax return Sign-off of audit report or tax return Maintain high-level of client relations: attend Board Meetings, Audit Committee meetings Help client with highly complex issues: strategic planning, mergers, acquisitions

Partner (continued) Generate client leads Prepare proposals and lead proposal meetings Speak at professional organizational meetings Teach continuing professional education seminars

Summary Associate Senior Associate Manager Senior Manager Partner