When ticking off the reasons why he joined Springfield-based accounting firm BKD LLP, Wyatt Jenkins cites professionalism, high ethical standards and a good benefits package.
But the primary reason Jenkins says he joined the accounting firm was the opportunity to pursue his professional passion.
"They're big enough that they give you the opportunities to do virtually exactly what you love from Day One," says Jenkins, who audits banks and related entities and has worked for BKD about four years.
"They don't push you in any direction" Jenkins says.
If you know where you want to go, they have the paths to get you there," Jenkins adds.
BKD is one of the10 largest CPA and advisory firms in the United States, with 32 offices in 12 states, according to www.bkd.com.
John Wanamaker, managing partner for the southern Missouri practice, says that kind of flexibility is what's required to attract and retain "the best of the best people."
Wanamaker says BKD's first-year accountants are exposed to a variety of industry specialties.
"After the second year, they get to pick what industry they work in," he says.
"You get to choose where your passion is."
BKD also offers coaching and mentoring programs to help employees achieve their goals and strives to offer a good benefits package.
The company pays for 50 percent of health insurance premiums for employees and their families.
"A pretty good claims experience helps keep the premiums down," Wanamaker says.
Through the plan provider, employees can access wellness programs to help them with diet plans at discount rates and other programs.
Employees are eligible for the 401(k) plan as soon as they start, and annual salary increases are based on individual performance.
"Because we compete, we ensure our people are being compensated at or above market levels," Wanamaker says. "Right now, with the tremendous recession, we're still giving raises, but not to the extent we were a year ago."
The company also pays for all continuing education and lays out a curriculum for staff "all the way up to partner" to ensure requirements are met, Wanamaker says.
Wanamaker describes BKD's culture as "very people-focused," and Jenkins cites the firm's flexibility in terms of work-life balance as a plus.
"They rely on their people to be ... responsible with their time, but if you need to take care of your son's doctor's appointment, fine, go do it," Jenkins says.
Wanamaker notes, "Their personal life is very important too."
BKD's Springfield employees also get to enjoy a new, environmentally friendly workspace.
After 22 years in Hammons Tower, the company moved on Aug. 31. BKD now has a 109,000-square-foot, $21.5 million headquarters right across the street at 910 E. St. Louis St. Developed by Kansas City-based Opus Northwest, the facility has several features aimed at earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Silver certification, including bicycle storage and showers.[[In-content Ad]]
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