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Creating a Niche and Growing Professionally

I started at Windham Brannon in 1994 as an Audit In-Charge.  At that time, the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan practice was quite small. About six years after I started, after I had already been promoted to Manager, a single new client nearly doubled the size of the practice.  As I spent more time on employee benefits, I realized how much I enjoyed it and how much potential there was to grow this particular niche.

I began networking with service providers, attorneys, and human resource directors who deal with these plans.  Our principals gave me advice, support, and a tremendous opportunity. Today, as a principal with this prestigious firm, I attribute my professional growth and advancement to that amazing support and trust.

Windham Brannon affords its professionals the opportunity to do the work they enjoy, which in turn allows you to focus on what you do best – or as we like to say, “Soar With Your Strengths.”

Flexible Schedule, Compassionate Co-Workers & Clients

I started at Windham Brannon over ten years ago as a Tax In-Charge, and now I am a Senior Client Service Manager. I had never worked for a public accounting firm, nor thought I would. But on a visit, I really liked the atmosphere and the people. And once I started, I enjoyed it so much I convinced one of my former co-workers to join me (That individual is now a principal!).

I worked full time until 2005, when I had my twins. I asked if I could work part time after maternity leave, and developed a proposal that outlined my ideal schedule and gave it to the human resources director. It was a unique request, a first-time move from full to part time for a WB professional, but the HR director, one of the tax principals and I came together on a schedule that met my needs as well as those of the firm.

The support I received a few years later was even more gratifying. I was six months pregnant and my older son became so sick he had to be quarantined. I couldn’t come into the office to work, and as a part-time employee was without paid vacation. But my co-workers donated vacation time to me so I could still get paid. Their support was infectious: clients and co-workers sent me numerous kind messages through a website I set up to provide updates on my son’s health, messages I will save to share with my son when he is older.

Windham Brannon offers competitive salary and benefits, but it also offers a great work-life balance and collegial environment. Maybe I didn’t plan to go into public accounting, but I am so happy I did because it brought me to Windham Brannon.

From a Big Four to Windham Brannon

I worked at a Big Four firm before Windham Brannon, primarily on one large public audit. About half the time I was traveling, which I tired of quickly. So I began researching other firms. I interviewed with several, but decided to join Windham Brannon because I really enjoyed the people I met during my interviews.

A big plus for me at Windham Brannon is that I am exposed to a variety of industries through private company audits. Previously I focused mainly on one area of a public company audit, such as cash or accounts receivable, and didn’t get much exposure to other audit components – or other industries. Plus, most of our audits are local, so I travel little, which suits me better.

My most memorable experience at Windham Brannon to date was wrapping up a large audit during the summer of my first year with the firm. Our team didn’t have much experience with the industry, but by working together and asking good questions, we were able to produce a superb audit for the client. It was a terrific learning experience, an accomplishment for the whole team, and confirmation to me that I had made a great choice. Windham Brannon was the right place for me.

Another Move from a Big Four

Like many of my Windham Brannon colleagues, I came here from a position at a Big Four firm. I worked exclusively on individual tax returns, including those of the firm partners. When I wanted a more flexible schedule, I decided to leave the Big Four firm. While the larger firms say they are flexible, I found our executives unwilling to accept less than full time from their staff.

I began at Windham Brannon in 2004 as a contractor. I enjoyed my work, but soon left to move to Michigan. A few years later, I was moving back to Atlanta and I immediately contacted Windham Brannon; I didn’t even consider another firm. I came back as a contractor in 2008, but went to full time a year later. Thanks to the people here, and the support of our human resources director, the transition from full time at a Big Four to contractor and then again to full time was quite comfortable.

One thing that stands out to me about Windham Brannon is the high standards set by our leaders. The quality of our work and our professionalism are evident in everything we do.

I recall that on my first day at Windham Brannon one of my co-workers walked me around door-to-door to meet every employee. The people truly make Windham Brannon special.

I suggest that someone looking for a particular kind of work or position in an accounting firm talk to someone at that firm doing that kind of work. For example, I was able to talk to someone at Windham Brannon on a flexible schedule, and she assured me the firm was supportive: the real deal, not just talk.