Russell Bedford in Atlanta: Leading the Way in Employee Satisfaction

With a shrinking pool of finance and accounting professionals, and increased competition from other industries, accounting firms must go the extra mile to foster a workplace culture that not only attracts talent, but also retains the best and brightest in the field.

To remain competitive, accounting firms must stay abreast of the latest trends in recruitment and retention. This involves equipping employees with the technical skills and digital capabilities necessary to navigate the evolving demands of the profession. From traditional accounting skills to proficiency in artificial intelligence and data analytics, firms must ensure that their teams are well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. But as well as keeping up with the latest in technology and skills, firms also need to be innovative in their approach to employee engagement and satisfaction.

According to Steven Horn, a Partner at WBL, and also a Global Board Director at Russell Bedford, it all begins with hiring the right people who are:

Managing Partner, Bruce Benator emphasises the importance of having happy employees. He believes that when employees are content, they produce better work and are more loyal to the company.

The success of Russell Bedford’s firm in Atlanta in keeping their employees happy revolves around three main areas: having flexible schedules, recognition & support, and being family-friendly.

1. Flexible Schedules:  

The firm understands the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. They offer flexible schedules, including options for remote work and compressed work weeks. For instance, during less busy periods, employees can finish early on Fridays. Jamie Burak, Director of People and Culture at WBL, highlights that they prioritise understanding each employee's needs and adjust work schedules accordingly to accommodate life changes.  

 2. Recognition & Support:  

WBL makes sure every employee feels valued and has opportunities for growth. They have a coaching and mentoring program in place to guide employees in their career development. The firm also emphasises that there's room for quick advancement within the company. They encourage interns to aim for full-time associate positions and assure them that the doors to advancement are wide open.

3. Family-Friendly Policies:

The firm supports employees with their responsibilities outside of work. That's why they have family-friendly policies in place. These include comprehensive health benefits, maternity and paternity leave, and support for childcare. Petra Orquiola, Partner and Director of Assurance Services at WBL, appreciates the flexibility the firm offers, especially as a mother of two daughters. She credits this flexibility for her growth within the company and has been with WBL for 18 years.

Such an achievement for a Russell Bedford firm in being a #1 ‘Best Firm to Work For’ reflects an unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. By prioritising employee well-being and professional development, the firm not only attracts top talent but also retains it. Their focus on flexibility, recognition, and family-friendly policies resonates deeply with their employees, making WBL standout in the accounting industry. Stephen Hamlet, Russell Bedford’s CEO, acknowledged WBL’s consistent high ranking in employee satisfaction surveys as a testament to their culture of flexibility and organic growth, solidifying their position as a leader in the field.