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Despite the slump in real estate and worries about the economy, the market for accountants in Los Angeles and Orange County shows few signs of tailing off. Several small- and mid-sized firms will be adding employees in upcoming months, and even beyond.
Consider Windes & McClaughry.
The Long Beach firm, with offices in Torrance and Irvine, will add about 20 employees by the end of 2008, from entry level to middle managemen, says Eileen Harris, director of human resources. Such growth will continue the firm's recent expansion. Today, Windes & McClaughry has about 160 employees, up around 35 three years ago. Though most of its clients are California businesses, the firm has national and international reach through its participation in Baker Tilly International, a network of 128 accounting and business service firms.
Windes & McClaughry has proven attractive partly because of its location midway between business hotbeds in manufacturing, technology, biotech and entertainment. As a mid-sized firm, it affords some of the resources of larger competitors but the opportunity for advancement of a smaller firm.
Each July and December, Managing Partner Jack Hinsche holds luncheons for newcomers during which he takes questions and passes out books on leadership and management. Last year's tome was True Professional by David Maister. The firm also offers a number of flexible and home working arrangements.
Although Windes & McClaughry doesn't focus on recruiting until after tax season, Harris accepts applications throughout the year. When a strong application comes in, she tends to move quickly, even no opening exists. The firm would rather have top talent on call and find the right position than lose a potentially exceptional employee to a competitor.
In weighing applications, Harris expects a strong cover letter. "For a really great candidate, we might contact them the same day," she says. For mid-level positions, Windes & McClaughry seeks CPAs with at least four years of accounting experience, often - but not exclusively - drawing applicants from the Big Four who are looking for larger roles.
Typically, candidates face an initial interview, then a second round of meetings with senior managers and, in some cases, a partner. For key positions, third interviews may be needed.
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Keep an eye out for Singer Lewak Greenbaum & Goldstein. The Los Angeles-based firm is among the country's fastest growing: Glenn Corniello, a partner who oversees hiring for the Singer Lewak's Irvine office, says the firm will add about 40 employees this year, including roughly a dozen at the manager level and a couple of partners.
Over the past four years, Singer Lewak has grown from about 115 to 261 employees, spread over six Southern California offices. (Corniello's location has grown from 32 to 84 workers.) Corniello says the firm hopes to expand into Northern California, Nevada and the Southwest. "We're looking for smart growth," he says.
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