As you consider a career with Schenck Business Solutions, you most certainly have questions. So, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions and answers that will help you determine if Schenck is the right fit for you.
What are the benefits of a regional firm over a national or international firm? Because of our wide range of clients and services, Schenck is large enough to provide the opportunities you would normally find at a national or international firm. However, the firm is not so large that you get lost in the shuffle. You have better opportunities to move up and gain increased responsibility at a faster pace. In addition, our focus on non-publicly held clients allows us to fulfill our goal to be the financial advisor helping our clients achieve their goals.
I'm concerned about extensive travel. How much is really involved? Because we focus on local office client service, extensive travel is generally not required. Although it’s possible you will have some overnight travel, most travel will be within a few hours of home.
There are stories circulating about how stressful working at public accounting firms can be. Is there any truth to these stories? Will I feel comfortable working day-to-day at Schenck? Everyone has a different definition of "stressful work conditions." But the general consensus is that Schenck is a more relaxed work environment. Busy season (when financial and tax year ends occur) for those in Business and Tax Services can be characterized by longer hours and an increase in workload. During other times of the year, and for those in the Consulting Services area, workloads vary depending on the needs of clients. Increased workloads during busy season can result in increased free time when client commitments have been met.
I've heard rumors about the long hours during tax season. Is there any truth to the stories about 80 hour work weeks? Schenck offers flexible scheduling based on your needs and the needs of the company. During busy season, our staff are generally required to work extra hours to meet our clients' needs. There is no merit to the rumors about 80 hour work weeks. This extra effort is rewarded during the summer with the opportunity to take compensated time off when the weather is most inviting to be outside and away from the office.
How supportive is Schenck regarding my sitting for the CPA exam? Very supportive. We offer flexible scheduling to let you study and take the CPA exam. We’ll also pay the exam fee—and pay you for the time during which you take the exam for the first time. Schenck also pays you a bonus when you pass all parts of the exam.
What type of training does the firm provide? Will I have a mentor to call or will I simply be "thrown" in? Schenck provides a wide variety of training opportunities, from on-the-job training to continuing education programs. You will have a number of people available to assist you to become more comfortable with your tasks, responsibilities, and clients. The type of mentor you will find will depend on the area of the firm in which you are working. In addition, your mentor will assist you in assessing your skills, areas you would like to develop, and in identifying possible areas of specialization.
I am very active in business and community organizations. How will this interest fit in with Schenck? We actively encourage our employees to become involved in business and community organizations. If you are already involved, those activities will be a valuable asset in your career. If you have not had the opportunity to develop these types of activities, you will be encouraged to find organizations in which you would enjoy participating. Involvement in these organizations is not only a great way to develop relationships with others in your local community, but provides the opportunity to learn new skills.
How cutting edge is Schenck with computer technology? We are very committed to staying competitive with the technology that is available. As a result, we have established a committee that evaluates new technology and determines what is appropriate for our firm. We invest in proven technology that allows us to best do our jobs and provide solutions to our clients. |