Smaller CPA firms offer many attractive career advantages for dedicated professionals. Because of their size, it is easier for small firms to adapt to the aspirations of individual staff members. What types of opportunities will be available to you? When you are meeting with firm leaders as part of your job search, be sure to ask about the following:

Access to top people

At smaller CPA firms, young staff members work directly with partners and other senior staff, on engagements in the office or in the field with clients. This offers a great chance to learn about clients and their businesses, and about the firms services.

Variety and responsibility

At smaller firms, staff typically get to sample different types of business challengesas part of their learning process. Many young CPAs find early on that they are taking responsibility for various aspects of an engagement and working directly with client personnel. In addition, smaller firms can adapt your assignments to your own personal interests and strengths, rather than asking staff to follow a set, one size fits all career track.

Respect for staff opinions

CPAs don't simply consult with business owners -- they are business owners themselves. In smaller practices, the partners often include staff members in their brainstorming and encourage them to share their ideas about the firm's team, not simply one of thousands of employees.

Exceptional Training

At many small firms, staff members are involved in an engagement from start to finish, instead of working on just one facet of a project. This makes it possible to gain a broad understanding of business processes early in your career. In addition to these on-the-job opportunities, CPA firms also provide great training and continuing education.

Community Involvement

CPAs are business leaders who generally are very involved in their communities. In many cases, even relatively new staff members have the opportunities to represent the firm at business events and meet other local business leaders. CPA firms also are very much involved in community volunteer efforts.

A respect for work/life balance

CPA firms were among the first business organizations to respond to professionals' desire to maintain a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives. Although deadlines are a fact of life at CPA firms, staffs at smaller firms often have a say in when and where they do their work. Many firms offer flexible and alternative schedules, as well as telecommuting, part-time positions and other options that make it possible for staff to take control of their time. In addition, firms whose main clientele are based on their local communities often don't require business travel.

Your own career timetable

Smaller CPA firms typically do not have set expectations about when and how their staff members should advance. It's true that there are numerous opportunities for ambitious staff members, but its also possible to build a career ladder that includes time for raising a family, taking care of aging parents or exploring a variety of career options within the firm before advancing along any particular path. You can write your own ticket, based on your unique aspirations and life situation.

Be part of a firm family

It can be a lot of fun to work at a smaller CPA firm. The profession has very high standards for competence and integrity, which means that you'll be working with an intellegent, committed and thoughtful group of people. They're also people who understand the value of relaxing and socializing once work is done. Many firms have regular social functions, including parties, trips to sporting events, family picnics and firm-wide games and competitions. And like an extended family, CPA firm members also are known for offering tremendous encouragement to each other in good times and bad.