Flexible, Rewarding and Family-Friendly: The Recipe for WBL CPAs + Advisors Success in Being the Top Firm to Work For
In a highly competitive and dynamic industry, being recognized as the best place to work is not an easy feat. But that's exactly what WBL CPAs + Advisors achieved in September 2023, when they were named the #1 Top Firm to Work for by Accounting Today in their size category across the USA.
WBL CPAs + Advisors, formerly Williams, Benator and Libby, has been assisting businesses and individuals in Atlanta and around the world for 41 years. The firm is an active participant in Russell Bedford International, with partner Steven Horn, a member of RBI board of directors.
"It starts with hiring the right people who are collaborative, friendly, and bright. We have created a culture of camaraderie where the team works together to provide our clients with the best possible service while helping each other develop and grow as professionals. And it continues with the partners who work side-by-side with associates and maintain an open-door policy for open communication," said Horn.
Managing Partner, Bruce Benator emphasized that happier professionals translate into better work and resolute staff.
"Our firm is our people, and it is particularly important to us to be a 'great place to work' for them and for our clients. When accounting professionals have so many opportunities available, it is critical that we offer them an environment where they can have career advancement, an opportunity to learn and grow, a strong financial package with the benefits that are important to them, and the work/life balance they need for their personal happiness and wellbeing," said Benator.
Jamie Burak, Director of People and Culture said the leadership at the firm works hard to make WBL a wonderful place to work with a focus on flexibility and organic growth.
Flexible schedules
WBL offers a hybrid work environment and flexible schedules, including compressed workweek and early Friday options during non-busy months. Ensuring associates maintain proper work-life harmony is important to the firm. "We look at schedules, assignments, and workloads. We choose not to take on more work than we can manage. We encourage people to come forward and let us know what their needs are, as life changes. We work hard to prove that you can have a challenging and rewarding career in public accounting, and not have to sacrifice your personal life for it," she said. We also make time for fun activities such as attending sporting events, sponsoring happy hours, hosting lunches and dinners, and giving back through community service.
WBL's diversity, equity and inclusion initiative was created from employee feedback, Burak shared, along with its "just for you" personal holiday. "We have firm-recognized holidays when the office is closed, but we have a diverse environment with a number of different cultures," she explained.
"We cannot be closed every day for cultural purposes, but we can adjust with a personal holiday that associates can use for whatever they want to — a religious day of worship, a cultural holiday, a birthday —We recognize that we need to give people the flexibility to observe things that are meaningful to them."
Rewarding & Uplifting
We want every intern to know they have the potential to be successful in our environment and become a full-time associate. And our associates know that they can move up quickly and obtain added responsibilities. Our focus is on building the foundation for bringing people up through the organization. We also have a coaching and mentor program that empowers associates to select their own coach to assist them with career growth
In addition to regular coaching meetings, twice a year we have career development discussions in which every associate meets with a partner to discuss their aspirations and progress. We encourage associates to be open about their needs and we make a conscious point to accommodate requests, whenever possible.
Family-Friendly
WBL offers many family-friendly policies and programs, including comprehensive health benefits, maternity and paternity leave, and paid childcare, which is so important to parents. Women at WBL know that their career opportunities in our firm do not have to come at the expense of their families.
Marissa Nash, a senior manager in WBL's Tax Planning and Compliance Services department and mother of three chooses how many hours she wants to work. Though she is currently part-time, it does not stop her from contributing in a large way to the firm. She continues to be a thought leader, manager, and coach to many in the firm, and a presenter for client events.
Partner and Director of Assurance Services, Petra Orquiola, who has spent the last 18 years at WBL, agreed that the culture at the firm has always been supportive. With two daughters of her own, the flexibility WBL has offered has been essential to her growth in the company.
"We have participated in the "Best Accounting Firms to Work For" program for 10+ years and have been listed high on the list each year, but to be named the number 1 firm in our category is truly an honor. Employee feedback via surveys is a significant component of the selection process. This means that our associates resonate with our culture, growth opportunities, and work-life harmony," said Burak.
WBL CPAs + Advisors is not only one of the best accounting firms to work for in the U.S., but also a trusted partner for businesses and individuals in Atlanta and around the world. If you are looking for a firm that values its people, its clients, and its community, contact WBL today and find out how they can help you achieve your goals.