From the beginning, I have seen an audit from the planning to the wrap-up stage, which many of my classmates in other firms still have not had the chance to do almost a year after graduation. I am also involved in performing both audits and preparing tax returns, which is helpful because I did not want to specialize in only one area. Malin Bergquist has been very supportive while I was preparing for the CPA exam, allowing me to study during my unassigned hours. Because of this extra time I was able to pass all four parts of the CPA exam within 10 months of graduation.

Public accounting, and Malin Bergquist in particular, offer job stability and security in an often volatile economic and uncertain corporate world. The firm has remained stable, unlike many other firms following the SOX 404 implementation period, who have slowed hiring or resorted to layoffs when non-recurring work is no longer plentiful. The firm also values and has rewarded my hard work and professional achievements with three promotions in four years. I've been exposed to a multitude of professional education courses and personal improvement workshops, which have made me a better auditor. Malin Bergquist supported me 100% when I pursued my CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner designations, and I have used this knowledge while servicing my clients.

One of the big attractions for me in choosing Malin Bergquist was the size of the firm and the depth of its practice areas. I have had meaningful interaction with colleagues at all levels in my first year as a staff accountant, and do not feel like a “number” but rather someone making a valued contribution. I have been impressed with the firm's partner involvement and have worked one on one with niche leaders, learning as much as I can from their wisdom and expertise. All of these attributes are combining to give me valuable work experience in both audit and tax engagements with exposure to international businesses and public companies. Ultimately, this provides me with a solid foundation for preparing to take the CPA examination, and a range of options for my future career path at the firm.