For 25 years, Abacus CPAs has emphasized one key component in its culture: people. In 1998, Bill Dunton, founder and managing partner of Abacus CPAs, created a cultural foundation focused on investing in employees. This unique approach has fostered a vibrant atmosphere dedicated to cultivating a people-centric mindset geared toward achieving excellence.
A Different Culture
Abacus CPAs stands apart from the conventional mold of an accounting firm. It champions an entrepreneurial spirit, inviting employees to contribute their ideas and take calculated risks. At Abacus CPAs, the focus is on achieving excellence rather than striving for perfection, alleviating the relentless pressure of performance and the fear of failure. “We extend our trust to every employee from the moment they join our team; it’s the reason they’re part of the team,” said Dunton. The firm provides its employees with guilt-free flexibility, so employees do not have to choose between work and personal life. “We gauge productivity, not failures or hours tethered to a desk. Our success hinges on fostering a seamless work-life integration for our people,” said Dunton.
Internal Investment
Abacus CPAs invests a variety of resources in developing employees personally and professionally. “The quality of an organization is an outgrowth of the quality of its people,” said Dunton. “We know that developing our employees is critical in achieving excellence.”
The firm offers internal training programs available to all employees, not just those aspiring to become CPAs. Everyone participates in various soft skills and technical training courses throughout the year, supplemented with bi-monthly lunch-and-learn sessions. Furthermore, an in-house program is dedicated to supporting CPA candidates as they prepare for their exams, fostering a collective spirit of growth and development. “We want each and every employee to flourish and thrive, and that’s why we infuse training materials and programs into their experience right from day one,” said Dunton. In fact, Abacus CPAs has a learning and compliance coordinator and staff certified in Clifton Strengths and the Kolbe Index to guide employees in their unique strengths and support growth.
Abacus CPAs also supports Employee Resource Groups for employees to connect in unique settings. Current groups include remote employees, international staff, a mentorship program and a guide program for employees in their first year at Abacus.
Recognition for Achievements
In a teamwork environment, employees celebrate milestones together. Employees are highlighted across the firm for their success, and every person on the team gets the credit. This eliminates a competitive, counterproductive culture. The firm’s emphasis on teamwork is highlighted through shared celebrations of milestones, fostering a collaborative environment where every team member is recognized. Abacus CPAs annually honors employees who embody the five core values of integrity, ownership, client service orientation, people focus and positive attitude, with the prestigious Values Award Winners.
“Our main focus is creating a culture that empowers our employees, and that inevitably translates into top-notch services for our clients,” said Dunton.
To learn more about Abacus CPAs’ culture, call 417.823.7171 or visit abacus.cpa.
