Tim Messman - Audit Principal

I recently attended a business development and marketing seminar in Chicago sponsored by PKF North American Network, the accounting firm association that PKM is a member of. The seminar was attended by marketing and business developers from accounting firms around the U.S. and Canada. The key speaker was Sam Allred, a noted expert in professional service firm business development. Sam spoke on various topics related to business development, but a couple really hit home for me.

First Sam spoke about how most of us do a number of tasks at an average level of effort. What if we focused on fewer tasks at a higher level of effort? We would likely achieve greater results from those activities, because they become a focus that we pour our heart and soul into, rather than just churning out effort because it is something we have always done or we think we need to do. This, of course, is easy to talk about in theory, but more challenging to implement. It takes a lot of planning and analyzing of the various tasks that are of interest to you and the ones that will be most beneficial. If you have passion for something, you are much more likely to exert a high level of effort. This means we also have to learn to ignore, or set aside, tasks that will not be focused on at the present time. This makes sense in business development, but also in life. We are all often weighed down by numerous activities that are done at a mediocre level with little results. We are just going through the motions! If we really focus on a few of those, we have a much better chance of success.

Second, Sam spoke about the benefits of a niche practice. Fortunately, at PKM, we have always been niche focused and I could relate to this discussion. There are numerous benefits including, providing a focus for the firm, being a recognized expert in the industry, staff members quickly learning from the repetition and as a result can progress more quickly in their career. Due to the success we have seen in our existing niches, we have expanded our niche focus to several other industries that we have serviced. It is exciting to see the firm growing by having a niche practice!

Scott Jones - Audit Staff

If you took a poll of all current PKM employees, I believe that the general consensus would be that the earlier you take the CPA Exam the better. Ideally, it’s best to take and pass the exam before starting work. There are several reasons for this. First, all of the information on the exam that you learned in college will still be fresh on your mind. This gives you a better chance of passing and also, you would hate to have to go back and relearn everything from a class you took several years ago. Second, you will still have strong study and test taking skills from all those years of college. These skills fade over time if they’re not used regularly. And finally, it’s difficult to find a sufficient amount of free time to study for the CPA Exam while working a full-time public accounting job. The last thing you want to do at the end of a long day of work is study.

In order to pass the CPA Exam before starting work, it’s important to set up a realistic exam schedule, always allowing yourself plenty of time to study and prepare for the next section. If you’re motivated enough, it’s good to get a head start on the exam while in grad school. Many of my friends completed the exam before graduating with their Master’s degrees. Be sure to plan ahead, though. Scheduling for the CPA Exam for the first time takes six to eight weeks to process.

I would also like to mention the great benefits that PKM provides regarding the CPA Exam. PKM will reimburse you for study materials and will also pay for exam fees after you pass the exam. They also throw in a nice incentive bonus for passing the CPA Exam before starting work. Really, there’s no excuse for not at least attempting each section of the exam prior to starting work. So plan ahead and start studying for the exam as soon as possible. Get it out of the way before you start work so you won’t ever have to worry about it again. I promise you, you won’t regret it. Good luck!

Sara Cox - PKM Perspective Participant

I was very impressed by the so well planned PKM Perspective Program. It offered me an opportunity to speak to PKM employees at different levels of their careers, as well as learn more about the firm and the strong, friendly culture, which PKM has created. The program was very well balanced with informative sessions as well as time to have fun and get to know new people.

I am very happy that I got the chance to attend this program to understand PKM’s practice, culture and clients. Every part of the program truly was fantastic.

Nick Head - Audit Staff

At PKM we go by the phrase, “Professional service, with a personal touch” and one of the ways we make sure this is true is by getting to know our clients. Investing time in getting to know clients and not just showing up to complete the work is a big part of our job at the firm and makes working on engagements more fun and interesting.

This past week I was at a client in Albany, Georgia where we were engaged to review their IT general controls. One procedure is to go and observe data back up tapes at the client’s data back up location. To do this, I had to ride with Gary, the banks mail clerk and courier. As we pile into his mini-van, he started telling me about his son in the Navy.

To make a long story short, an hour later, I knew more about Gary than the ISO of the Bank. He talked my ear off and about froze me to death with his A/C, but to be honest he made me laugh and helped me get in a better, happier mood. Just one of the many perks of working with good clients.

Anna Barnes - Audit Staff

PKM is the place to work if you really want a work environment where you can have fun with your coworkers and always feel like a vital member of the PKM team. PKM helps every new employee ease into the working world by assigning them a buddy. At our firm, we have buddy events and accountability teams that meet for after hour events like bowling, dinners, and more.

I started working full-time with PKM in January 2008. One of the first events I went to was with my accountability team to Agatha’s Dinner Theater just a few blocks from the office. Agatha’s is a place to eat delicious food while also putting on a show yourself! It is a comedy murder mystery theater where the audience performs the show. We had a great time as each member of our accountability team did their best to act out our parts in a play about campers who got lost in the woods.

My buddy also helped me ease into the work environment at PKM by answering all my questions about what was expected of me and she even took me for a much needed massage!

Erika Jackson - PKM Perspective Participant

The PKM Perspective program is a great way to get to know more about PKM and the public accounting industry. I cannot think of a better way to learn more about a firm. Everyone I met at PKM was very friendly and everyone I saw working there seemed to be happy. I have not done an internship yet, so this program gave me the chance to see what it is like to work at a public accounting firm.

One aspect about PKM that I think sets them apart from other firms is their belief in work life balance. A lot of firms will tell you that they believe in work life balance, but they do not explain how they try to help you have a healthy balance between work and life. At the PKM Perspective, they explained how they helped their employees balance work and life. For example, if an auditor lives far away from the Atlanta office, they will try and give them clients that are close to where they live so they do not have to spend a lot of time traveling.

PKM is a great company that puts their employees first. I feel that the perspective program gave me the opportunity to have a direct insight on what the company is all about.

Colby Babb - PKM Perspective Participant

Before leaving for the PKM Perspective program, I was very nervous and anxious about the experience. I did not know anyone else who was attending. However, everyone was so polite and generous, and PKM’s employees are very knowledgeable and engaging. After seeing our agenda, I was surprised at the amount of information that we were planning to cover. I really did not think I would be able to retain everything so quickly.

However, PKM did an excellent job of presenting itself and the accounting profession. Not only did I retain what I learned about PKM, but also I’m so excited that I was able to build a relationship with such a great company. The greatest characteristic of PKM, in my opinion, is how they actively desire and do take care of their employees and clients.

Kim Taylor - Executive Assistant

The Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) provides a forum for marketers to improve skills and knowledge to help increase firm revenues. They offer marketers of accounting firms opportunities for education and training, information and resource sharing, and tools to enhance the credibility and impact of marketing and sales within.

Each year AAM holds a conference for their members to come together and this past years event was held the first week of June in San Diego, California. This was my first time attending the AAM Summit and it was a great experience!

The conference started on a Tuesday afternoon and went through lunch on Friday. There were many great speakers and a lot of valuable information to be learned. The opening keynote speaker was Dr. Frank Luntz who spoke on “Words that Work: It’s Not What you Say, It’s What People Hear.”

Some lessons to take away from Dr. Luntz’s presentation were a few things that clients really want from you:

• Accountability in what you do
• Fierce integrity and principles in all you do
• Respect toward what the client does
• Answerable after the fact

For more information about AAM or their 2009 Summit visit their website.

Debbie Sessions - Partner & Chief Operating Officer

In March of this year PKM was very delighted to receive the 2008 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award from the American Psychological Association (APA) in recognition of our firm’s workplace practices that promote employee health and well-being. PKM qualified for this award because the firm is a previous winner of the Georgia Psychological Association’s state-level Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award.

PKM is one of only five organizations from across North America to receive the award this year and is the only public accounting firm in the history of the awards to be honored by the APA. A recent article written in the Atlanta Business Chronicle highlights our firms achievements. Visit the website to view the full article.

Sal Inserra - Partner

At 20 years old the world was a blank canvas with vast opportunities and yet it looks like a map without road references. Even after staring at the map you cannot quite figure how to get to your goal or where you goal is. All that said, I thought I knew exactly the path to take - until I was set straight.

I was enrolled in the City University of N.Y. pursuing an economics degree and employed at JP Morgan. I was a part time employee who transferred from department to department - this did not bother me too much because I enjoyed the change. When I met my mentors I was working in the accounting and analysis group department and had about twelve superiors. If I was going to be honest about it I should name all twelve as mentors but there were two that stuck out - Diane Makoujy and Lou Vitali.

Lou and Diane were officers with the bank who had come out of the Big Eight. They were sharp, witty, successful and great role models. I would have sought their input, but they did not wait for me to ask. They provided me guidance on everything - how to dress more professionally, how to show your “smarts” in a tasteful manner, how to be successful in a team environment and they changed my career goals completely.

After about two months with the group, Lou and Diane decided to take me to lunch and double-team me to convince me to change my major to accounting. They were not going to take no for an answer and it was one of the five days that changed my life.

After disrupting my life and putting me on a new path, both of the meddlers, along with the other ten members of the group, provided me with two-year internship in accounting and analysis. This is the kind of experience that students hope to see before entering the real world. They made certain I was always challenged and provided me the guidance necessary so that a college student surrounded by top flight talent would not lose his confidence.

As I wrapped up my college career it was time to look for a job in the real world and I wanted to take the path of my mentors. I thought a Big Eight accounting firm was the only place for me. Unfortunately, the Big Eight firms did not view the university I attended as a top-flight school. As a result I hit a wall, but a wall is only a temporary obstacle.

My mentors, all twelve of them, heard of my plight and went into high gear. They called folks at the firms they used to work for, schedulers, peers, HR managers and partners. They put their reputation on the line for me and insisted that I be given a chance to interview and they did not take any chances there either. Lou and Diane made me go through practice interviews hitting me with questions and teaching me that an interview should be a conversation. They taught me well, as I received offers from all but one of the Big Eight.

It was bitter sweet to leave JPM. Other than my family, I don’t know remember anyone giving so much of themselves to benefit me. Their assistance was life changing and a key to who and what I am today. Twenty-three years later, I am now a partner with PKM and not a day goes by where I don’t draw upon something Lou and Diane taught me. I try hard each day to honor what they did for me by looking to pass on what I learned to others. Hopefully, there will be a person in the future who will think I had made a difference in their career.

Thank you Lou and Diane.

Laura Snyder - Director of Marketing

At PKM we pride ourselves on standard-setting service with a personal touch. We have broken away from the industry stereotypes and created a work environment that is based on flexibility, communication, and fun! Having such an enjoyable work environment makes life much more enjoyable for our employees and clients.

On March 9, 2008 our efforts at creating such a unique culture were rewarded when PKM was presented with the American Psychological Association’s 2008 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award. PKM was one of only five organizations from across North America to receive the award this year. The firm won in the for-profit category for businesses with fewer than 100 employees. PKM is the only Georgia company and the only public accounting firm in the history of the awards to be honored by the APA.

At PKM we promote employee involvement through programs that encourage ideas and innovation to flow in all directions. These programs also facilitate employee solutions to business issues through fun, game-like competitions that develop individual problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. PKM also promotes work-life balance by recognizing our employee’s productivity rather than hours worked. We strive to maintain and improve tailored solutions, such as flexible scheduling, part-time employment, and work-from-home options.

The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. The APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting health, education and human welfare. Their Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards are designed to showcase the very best from among the award winners recognized by APA’s affiliated state, provincial and territorial psychological associations. Nominees for the awards are evaluated on their workplace practices in the areas of employee involvement, health and safety, employee growth and development, work-life balance and employee recognition.

If you are interested in learning more about creating a psychologically healthy workplace or applying for an award for your organization you can visit the PHWA Website at www.phwa.org.

Dorian Bafas - Audit Staff

This past summer I was able to complete a summer internship with PKM and it was a great experience. Not only did it allow me to see what public accounting was about, I had a great experience with the firm. It was wonderful working with many different people and gaining experience with different types of jobs. I was able to do internal audits, SOX 404 work, helped wrap up an external audit and had a week on a 401K audit.

The firm made sure there were different events where we could let our hair down and get to know people in the firm. It also allowed us to meet other people that we might not have been able to work with, such as the tax and IT staff. The events ranged from small groups of us going out to ice cream, to a great time at Agatha’s Murder Mystery Dinner. I also had the experience of working with people from all levels of the firm — all the way up to partners. One of the things I enjoyed the most about our firm is when you sit in the office you can hear people laughing. We have a light-hearted firm where joking and laughing is acceptable and an environment that promotes this. We work hard, but get to have fun while doing it!

When my internship was finished, I knew PKM was the place I wanted to work. I felt comfortable with the people I had worked with and really enjoyed everything we did all summer. I recently finished my MBA and started working full-time at PKM. Not much has changed since going from an intern to a full time employee. The same great people are here and the job is still fun. I am learning something new every day. If you have the opportunity to experience an internship while you are in college, do it! Get your feet wet and see what “the real world” is really like. This could help you focus on classes that would really help you later and will hopefully help you find a great place to work, just like it helped me find PKM!

Tim Messman- Principal

It is amazing what a little teamwork can accomplish. It makes obstacles, which at times feel insurmountable, more manageable. Whether you are behind schedule and facing technology glitches, or on task but feel overwhelmed, teamwork can get you through the bumps in the road. At PKM, each individual is a part of a number of different teams. Whether it be a campus recruiting team, an audit engagement team or a business development industry niche team, the firm’s team based structure allows individuals to utilize his/her talents in a variety of different areas. Some teams are joined by choice (i.e. an industry of interest, a university of preference) and others by assignment (i.e. a client tax engagement or audit team), but regardless of whether you choose to be on the team or assigned to be a part of the team, it is teamwork that helps the firm accomplish its goals. For more information on teamwork, click here to read an article about “Building a Teamwork Culture.”

Ben Brackmann - Audit Intern

As the time draws near for me to begin my career with PKM, I recently found myself thinking back to last fall when I was in the middle of my job search. With my thoughts dwelling upon this new part of my life that I am about to begin, I found myself wanting to revisit what was going through my mind when I chose to come to PKM. What made the firm stand out from all of the others? What exactly did PKM have to offer that was so different from other accounting firms? After all, auditing is auditing wherever you work, right? Well, not really, was the conclusion I came to.

From the time I sat down to interview with Debbie Sessions at Georgia Tech until I left my office interview, it was obvious to me the PKM was and is not the typical CPA firm. The focus and attitude that everything was approached with is just not what you expect when you think about going to work as an accountant—the stereotypical “beancounter” that hides in the back room with his calculator and is a little short on social skills. Sure, you know the type of work you’ll be doing, but the people at PKM seem to approach work in a different way, with a personality and enthusiasm that I didn’t find at any other firm I interviewed with.

Throughout the process with PKM, there was a willingness to share exactly what went on every day at the firm, and an honesty that while everyone at the firm works hard, it is expected that you will also find time to enjoy what you do, and more importantly, enjoy time with people you work with. The recruiting pages of this website are filled with descriptions of events and efforts made to make work fun. I can tell you firsthand that the people at PKM are truly dedicated to keeping this true, because that’s who they are as people. The thing that really makes PKM different is its’ people, and that fact that everyone at the firm believes it, from staff to partner, speaks volumes about the type of place this firm is.

Ryan Barrow - Audit Intern

As an intern at PKM this past summer, I learned more than I ever could have imagined. Every day I came across something that gave me opportunities to expand my accounting knowledge. Everyone that I worked with was always willing to answer all of my questions and help me learn as much as possible. For the first time, I found myself wanting to read my audit textbook to refresh my memory of terms and concepts that I was applying at work.

The reason I was able to learn so much during my internship at PKM is because of the amount of responsibility that you are given. I was not treated like an intern that could only handle certain trivial jobs. I was treated like a staff accountant that could handle anything that I felt comfortable doing. I was not stuck auditing only one section such as cash all summer, instead I was assigned multiple sections of the audit each week. It was my responsibility to complete my assigned sections. If that required getting additional documentation from the client, then I was responsible for getting it. If that required conducting an interview with the CFO or Controller, then I was responsible for the interview. With all of this responsibility, I felt that I was contributing to the firm and actually making a difference.

Another reason I was able to learn a lot during my internship was because of the amount of exposure to the audit process that I received. As I said before, I was able to complete different sections of the audit and was able to see the “big picture” of the audit better. I was even able to sit in on exit interviews with the client to discuss the findings of our testing. I got to see the entire cycle of performing testing to informing the client of the findings. I was able to see that my findings during testing were actually beneficial to the client, and it made me feel like I was making a difference to hear them say thank you.

I know all of this sounds overwhelming, but the people at PKM are always there for you and you can count on them for help with anything. I know that my internship experience with PKM has laid the foundation and given me the tools needed for a successful career. I can not wait to start building!

Lindsay Newman - Audit Intern

As a spring audit intern, you become acquainted with the business and the people fast. After just three short days of training, you are thrown into a job with a real life client. The great thing about doing an internship with PKM is that you are not alone. If you need help with anything, and I mean anything, someone is always willing to lend a hand. For example, every client has a different dress code, and we, as the auditors, are expected to dress the same. So, when my first client came along I not only asked what I was supposed to wear, but also described a couple of outfits just to make sure. My insecurity over something so small as clothes was laughable, but my senior explained exactly what I should wear like it was no big deal. The point is everyone has questions, and most of us who work for PKM have asked the same question you want to ask! So don’t be shy, we want to get to know you too! Another great thing about PKM is that once you have gone through training the firm treats you as any other staff member. You have your assignments, and you are expected to complete them. As an intern this responsibility gave me great confidence in my audit work. I learned more during my spring internship than I did in a whole year of school.

Along with learning the audit field during your internship you get to know the firm too. The reason I am working at PKM has a little to do with the fact that I enjoy accounting and a lot to do with how wonderful the people are at the firm. If you ever thought that it was impossible to have fun and enjoy work, you were mistaken. Every year PKM holds a busy season game. During the game all of the employees are split up into teams and compete against each other for prizes. Now we all know since we are looking into the accounting profession prizes are not the only thing we seek… we want competition and the busy season game gives it to you! Besides the game the firm also holds parties and functions during busy season to give everyone a break and to have a little fun. Not to mention specific outings for interns! Of course none of these activities would be as much fun without new interns, so please feel free to ask questions. I have been in your shoes, whether it be in recruitment or the actual internship itself. I know that this process can be overwhelming, but with a little help from PKM it can be a lot of fun too!!

Tim Keadle - Partner

Question: Why does PKM host the “PKM Perspective” summer leadership program? Answer: To Give Juniors a “PKM Perspective”

The caliber of students we meet at colleges and universities is phenomenal. And, with more and more students making employment decisions earlier in their college careers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to educate potential hires on the benefits of working with local and regional firms. At PKM, we have a limited number of internship opportunities available and most of these slots go to seniors between their senior and gradute school year. Through the PKM Perspective program, we can give these younger accounting students a better and deeper perspective of our firm and the field of public accounting and better gauge their interest in working with our firm.

PKM Perspective is designed for students that have just completed their junior years of college to give them a forum to see our firm in enough depth that they can make informed decisions when the time comes to choose an employer or internship opportunity. PKM Perspective offers sessions on the firm history, our clients and the disciplines in which we work. During the three-day event, students interact with interns and meet more PKM staff and partners than they do during typical campus and office visits. PKM Perspective also makes time for social functions such as tours and dinners, which are a big part of the PKM culture.

Julie Stevenson - Audit Manager

When you work in an environment as close as PKM’s, your coworkers become like family. And, this summer, there were a lot of “cousins” getting married up and down the east coast. Five PKM employees got married this summer in four weddings between June and August.

Wedding season kicked off in June when audit senior, Rob Tysver, wed his long-time girlfriend at a ceremony in Atlanta in June. Several PKM people showed up from staff to partners to wish them the best of luck and also to have a little fun.

In late June, audit staff, Stephen Clements, was married in South Georgia. While I wasn’t at this wedding, rumor has it, it was a lot of fun.

The first weekend of August, audit senior, Lacie Atkinson, was married on Jekyll Island. It was an event I would not miss — right off the beach! Some of us brought the whole family down for a weekend at the beach and to see Lacie get married.

The last wedding of the summer was between two PKM employees. Several of us traveled all the way up to Rochester, New York just to be there when audit seniors, Jamie Hood and Jenna Bianchi, were married. It was a celebration on the thirteenth tee box at a club where Jenna’s family are members. Avid golfers? I think so!

People at PKM really know how to throw parties, particularly weddings. They were all a great deal of fun!

Jane Elliott - Principal

The old African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I think the same is true for professionals. It takes a “village” to train a professional. Multitudes of people influence and impact your career. Professors provide the educational foundation, families and friends provide the moral base and support, fellow employees provide camaraderie and on the job training, and mentors provide career advice and encouragement. All of these influencers work together to create the well-rounded professional that succeeds in today’s business world.

At PKM, we practice a team-based mentorship approach. Accountability teams, as we call them, are small groups of people who look out for one another personally and professionally. Each PKM accountability team consists of 5 - 6 individuals, including a Partner, a Manager or Principal, one or two seniors or associates, and one staff person. These teams function as a support group for the one another, as well as a sounding board and resource to help the individual member in the area of professional development.

Laura Snyder - Director of Marketing

In a time when corporate scandals continue to make the headlines, it is so rewarding to work for an organization that is recognized, not for its unethical behaviour, but instead for doing the right thing. Today, Howard Wolosky, the Executive Editor of a leading accounting publication, Practical Accountant, commended PKM’s Managing Partner, Phil Moore, in his article entitled “Choices by a CEO, a CFO, and an Accounting Firm.” The article, which outlined the legal ramifications of two highly publicized corporate scandals, provided a glimmer of hope to readers at its conclusion. Hope came in the form of knowing that not all companies are unethical. He said, “in all three situations, conscious decisions were made and there was probably no expectation by the participants that that they would eventually receive public recognition at the same time, or that they would have the direct and indirect short- and long-term consequences that they will have.” Thanks, Howard, for seeing the connection and focuses on the positive and not just the negative.

Patrick Kim - Manager

Yesterday morning, I had the opportunity to attend an awards ceremony where PKM received the 2006 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award. This event was hosted by Ed Baker, publisher of the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Dr. Joni Prince of the Georgia Psychological Association. I am very proud of our organization and always have been, and to have an outside organization publicly recognize PKM for doing what we do was a great moment for me. I believe that we always try to make the office and the work environment a fun place, which creates a positive work environment. The 2006 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award recognizes our ability to acknowledge the link between organizational performance and employee health and well-being and the practices we are active with to not only recognize that link but also make that connection.

Phil Moore - Managing Partner

Today, I read a blog posting called “Dysfunctionality and the Winning Ad Agency Team” written by Bart Cleveland, partner and creative director at McKee Wallwork Cleveland, a small advertising agency in New Mexico. What could Bart and I possibly have in common? After all, Bart and his coworkers live in a right-brained world of words and visuals; I head an accounting firm that lives and breathes number and facts. Despite our stereotypical differences, if you look beyond the obvious, just a little bit deeper, many aspects of our firms seem quite similar.

Reading Bart’s blog about the “buzz” in his office gave me a feeling of warmth, similar to the feeling I often get in my own office, as PKM comes to life each morning. Since I’m an early riser, my hours of quiet transform, later in the morning, into a hubbub of activities as people get reacquainted and ready to begin their days. This activity, this coming to life, is palpable and so invigorating. Even after all these years, I’m amazed and proud of the PKM relationships, formed over hallway conversations and cups of coffee, through which our employees transition from coworkers into friends.

Bart also talks about winning teams, which I too feel we have at PKM. With dozens of unique personalities and skill sets blending into a single functional unit we are ready to tackle whatever the world has in store for us. Both firms have “a clear single-minded goal” to provide an exceptional service to clients through an atmosphere filled with the “sound of laughter of a winning team.”

Like Bart, PKM employees are “selected for more than their technical skill.” “Personality is as important as technical acumen.” In an earlier blog, posted on September 11, 2006, I talk about this as a key component of the PKM culture. I couldn’t have written it better myself! To me, Bart’s blog also describes PKM in a nutshell.

Jamie Hood - Audit Senior

After five long years of college, many hours of independent study and sitting through four grueling parts of the CPA exam, adding the CPA credentials to the end of my name was a very proud moment. I can still remember the first time I saw it in writing…Jamie A. Hood, CPA. It was in a proposal for a new public company client for which I am now serving as the in-charge auditor. While I sometimes complained about the study workload, the time and energy was well worth the investment. The CPA credentials demonstrate quality and value to clients and prospects, just another small way that I add value to my firm.

What advice do I have for accounting graduates preparing for the exam?

1. Take the exam as soon as possible, preferably before you start working full-time. Many of my friends took the summer between graduate school and their first day on the job to take a study course and sit for the exam. Getting it out of the way before the demands of a full-time job are added to your plate is a great idea. But, if you can’t, some firms like PKM offer fully paid study days prior to the exam, which are extremely helpful.

2. Study for one part at a time, take the exam for that part, then prepare for the next. By systematically tackling each of the four parts, you increase your ability to master and hopefully pass each section.

3. Be sure to sign up for a study course such as Becker. Statistics show that Becker students pass at twice the rate of all CPA Exam candidates who did not take a Becker Review course (according to Becker and AICPA published pass rates). That alone is worth the cost of the study course. Not to mention that firms like PKM often reimburse for course materials and reward bonuses after passing the exam.

Sal Inserra - Partner

Did you know that one out of every 30 people will have their identity stolen? Take it from me, someone who has experienced it - it is NOT fun! While I can laugh at it now (refer to Individuals Make the Firm Culture post dated September 11, 2006), it was no laughing matter at the time. If the $6,000 worth of average damage isn’t bad enough, think about the 40 hours of time it takes the average person to make things right again. And, for college students preparing to enter the work force, identity theft can cause additional problems during your job search due to undetected errors on credit reports that could raise flags with potential employers. To reduce the risk of this happening to you, consider the following advice:

1. Be vigilant about your mail. Use secure United States Postal Service drop boxes to send mail. And, shred junk mail and bank, credit card and other financial statements before discarding.

2. Safeguard private financial statements and personal identification such as social security cards, drivers licences and birth certificates.

3. Check your credit report regularly. It is available for free annually and as easy to access as a phone call or a few clicks of a mouse.

4. Be careful where and how you use personal and financial information over the Internet.

For additional details on how to protect your identity, refer to the article entitled, “17 ways to avoid ID theft on campus” at bankrate.com.

Caroline McCormick - Audit Staff

Throughout my final year at Georgia Tech, I worked in an administrative position at PKM, helping Gail, the firm’s controller, with her duties, Andy, the firm’s administrative technician, with his copying and filing duties, and anyone else that needed assistance. It was a great way to learn the ropes before starting audit work, providing me with a solid foundation of the supporting processes at the firm. The only downside: now that I’m full-time a few of the employees are all too eager for the chance to send me an email for being late with my time entry - a thankless job I was responsible for this past year! (although that will NEVER happen!).

With the foundation under my belt, I’m excited to move on to more technical work. Administrative work was helpful to get a behind-the-scenes look at the firm, but it left me itching to dive into real audit work. I’m learning more in the field than could ever be possible in a classroom environment. Now, I finally understand the meaning behind the notes and tick marks I observed on work papers in my administrative capacity. I’m looking forward to more pieces falling into place as I spend more time on audits.

Based on the success of my position, the firm has hired another Georgia Tech accounting student to take my place. The firm requested that I train Scott and I’m really enjoying that new responsibility. He is catching on quickly, is enthusiastic about the position and is a positive addition to the PKM family. I will continue to work with Scott to ensure that he is up to speed in his basic administrative functions. I’m a little sad that this part of my job is over, but it is even more exciting to start a new chapter in my career.

Vaughn Olson - Audit Intern

The first week of my internship was training. I was not able to make it in the first day due to a school conflict and they had no problem working with it, which was great. Training was very close and there was a lot of interaction between the interns. The group was small so it was really comfortable and our trainer was very intelligent and eager to answer all of our questions. All questions were answered respectfully, there were no stupid questions as far as the trainer was concerned. Wednesday we were taken out to watch the Atlanta Braves and view the game from really good seats. The employees at PKM are always up for a good time.

The second week started off with a field trip to the Managing Partner’s lake house on Lake Oconee. This was a good opportunity to see what the people running the firm are doing to plan for the future. The rest of the week I went to Carrollton and took part in a 401k audit. I was able to work on projects to see if the employees are getting what they should have been from their employers and from what their deductions stated. The work papers that I did were on Excel and all I had to do was ask for help when I got stuck. All of the employees are eager to help because everyone was in this situation when they were finishing up or done with school.

The third week was in Buckhead, right down the street from me. I worked on an outsourced internal audit for the bank’s main location. I was able to count the cash at the bank in the vault. I had over 250,000 dollars go through my hands before lunch. I got to use one of those automatic counters that you see in movies like bad boys 2. It was very interesting to see all that cash in real life. I was able to see what it is like to have a client nearby which can be pretty irregular in the world of auditing. Tim Messman, a manager, invited me out to Lake Lanier to go waterskiing on Wednesday.

The fourth week I spent in Gainesville. I had hoped that, during my internship, I would learn more about where things are located in the state of Georgia and that is definitely proving true. I worked on an outsourced internal audit for the Bank’s only location. This week solidified my thinking that as an auditor in the Atlanta area you would definitely want to live inside the 285 Perimeter. Every day that I would go home to Buckhead I would wonder why these people would subject themselves to dead stopped traffic everyday while I would fly home.

The fifth week was pretty short. We had vacation on Monday and Tuesday due to the holiday weekend. When we came back on Wednesday we went on a tour of the Federal Reserve. We were able to see where the southeast’s financial influence goes to work. Thursday I worked on a GAAP Disclosure checklist to see if companies were reporting in their financials all the information they were supposed to be reporting on. It was a lengthy and difficult assignment because so much of it is new. It was a great opportunity to get more used to the technical writing that will be very common in this field. We went to UGA Thursday afternoon and watched a group of PKM employees help put together a fraud discussion video. Who knew that accountants were so Hollywood?

Laura Snyder - Director of Marketing

You really never know how far the Internet can reach, until you’re trading e-mails with someone overseas at 9:30 PM! Last night, I discovered that PKM’s Off the Ledger recruiting blog was read by an accounting professional in the UK. Dennis Howlett posted a comment to our blog and featured our site in a post on his blog at www.accmanpro.com. He commented “Yours is the first firm I have come across anywhere in the world that is not only open, but understands the value of innovation to the business and its clients. Great stuff.”

Off the Ledger was also mentioned on the blog authored by Rick Telberg at the Bay Street Group at http://www.telberg.com/telbergblog/archives/476-Porter-Keadle-Blogs-for-Recruits.html#comments. He commented “Hats off to PKM…” for starting a recruiting blog.

Jenna Bianchi - Audit Senior

‘Would you like to be a model, a PKM model that is?’ I thought I would never in my life hear those words. That is until PKM decided to have a photo shoot for our recruiting brochure. A few weeks after hearing those words I found myself at a photography studio with multiple outfit changes in hand ready to smile for the camera. Needless to say, I was a bit apprehensive about the whole situation.

The recruiting brochure focuses on capturing the transition of a college student into the work force. At the end of the day, I think that our group of models not only captured that transition, but did it the PKM way. There were eight of us that participated in the photo shoot - each unsure as to what was about to happen. There were two group pictures and five individual shots taken. Early on in the day everyone seemed a bit tense and nervous, but the photographer was great and allowed us to relax and have a good time. By the time lunch came around we forgot that we were working!

In the end, I think that the brochure was a success - actually some of the pictures from the photo shoot accompanied an article written by Debbie Sessions that appeared in the Journal of Accountancy. I never imagined that one tiny question would lead to a photo shoot that resulted in national recognition!

Phil Moore - Managing Partner

Our firm takes pride in being different from other CPA firms. We look to hire individuals who are not only good technically, but have characteristics that make them interact well with other PKM associates and clients.

In order to fit into the PKM culture, you need to understand that at PKM, practical jokes are commonplace, but the banter goes both ways. Staff members play jokes on partners, and partners play jokes on the employees. From interns and senior managers to administrative assistants and partners, all firm employees are treated equally. And the practical jokes underscore both our firm’s unique culture and the equality of the employees.

One prank that comes to mind was played on a partner after his identity was stolen. At the next firm-wide meeting, we made him a new identity. We morphed his face with someone else’s, gave him a new name, social security card and driver’s license. We even made up some credit cards for him. Although what happened to him was serious, he laughed louder than anyone at the new name and face we created for him.

Matt Ams - Audit Intern

At the beginning of every PKM internship is a week-long training session. Training is a good opportunity to learn about the firm, its clients, and how you can contribute to the practice. Although training can be long, and sometimes frustrating, I learned more in a week that I typically do in an entire semester and met a lot of great people.

The first real job of my internship was working on a 401(k) audit. It was here that I got the chance to put into practice some things I learned in training. It was challenging to interact with the client when you are not sure yourself what should be happening with some of the numbers. My in-charge did a great job of helping me through the process.

The following week, I was provided my first opportunity to see how a bank branch operates when I did a cash count as part of an internal audit. I was able to count the cash in the vault and in the teller’s drawers. Along the way, I learned about bank policy, safeguarding of assets, and various security measures. It was fun seeing a behind the scenes look at banking.

After changing directions in my fourth week, I learned why it is so beneficial for firm’s and/or individuals to specialize in industry niches. After working with banks for two weeks, I was assigned to a financial review at an insurance client. This week provided more challenges than expected. I had to be on site at 7 A.M. and insurance companies have different regulators and therefore different reporting practices. It was hard to changes tracks and get my brain working at 7:00 in the morning. However, I did learn a lot on this client and greatly expanded my knowledge of the insurance industry.

After taking my refreshing, paid two-day Fourth of July holiday, I returned to the office for the most challenging project of the summer. One of the partners assigned two other interns and me to a GAAP disclosure checklist project. This really forced me to look at various disclosures required by the SEC and various other regulatory bodies to see if the financial statements and their supporting notes had been prepared correctly.

Near the end of my internship, I again had the opportunity to perform a cash count. The only difference was that this bank had more money. I also tackled some new sections in the Internal Audit as well as perform some walk-throughs of various internal controls. I felt that I was better able to accomplish my work as my internship progresed, and was satisfied with the progress I made.

Anne Lane - Audit Intern

The first week of my internship, I spent all of my time at the office in training. I was told that, most likely, I wouldn’t be back in the office for that amount of time throughout the rest of the internship. I felt as if I was receiving a crash course of the information I would need to survive the summer. Our first week was a great way to get to know all of the other interns, since we trained during the day and went to group events at night. My favorite outings were the Atlanta Braves game and the dinner at our managing partner’s lake house. The interns had a great time getting to know each other, as well as all of the partners in a relaxed and fun environment.

After my first day at a client as a summer intern, I learned that training can’t prepare you for a real day of work. Although I felt lost during the first few days, I gradually became more comfortable and confident in the work I was doing. The other two members of my audit team helped me work through any problems I had, and they were completely understanding of my many questions. By the end of the week, I felt like I was finally beginning to understand the job of an auditor.

My second client was an overnight trip. I really enjoyed getting a taste of the auditors’ traveling lifestyle. My favorite part of working on an overnight engagement is that I got to know my audit team better by carpooling and eating dinner together every night.

By the fourth week of my summer internship, I started getting the hang of working with new audit teams every week. As soon as I met the group I would be working with for the week, I knew I would really enjoy the engagement. I had a great time getting to know new people from the firm and seeing how they interact on a daily basis. I learned that although PKM is a hard-working firm, the people create an environment that makes you want to come to work every day.

Greg Foster - Partner

At PKM, we believe that ideas and innovation should flow in all directions, not just from the top down. To encourage this thought, the firm developed a unique problem-solving program called INNOFIX - short for Innovation Fixation. This program recently earned PKM a Practice Innovation Award from Practical Accountant , one of only 30 firms throughout the nation recognized for its achievements.

INNOFIX allows the firm to unleash the problem-solving ability of its employees by giving all employees a chance to make a difference. Through periodic competitions, INNOFIX helps to identify “problems” within the firm and define “solutions” for improvement. INNOFIX affects all aspects of the firm (i.e., recruiting, retention, compensation, culture, services, scheduling, work/life balance, marketing, client relations, education, quality control, technology).

We believe that all employees have the power to innovate, to change the client experience, to give the firm a competitive advantage, to make the firm more productive and profitable, to reenergize the firm and set examples for the industry.

To that end, we also believe that you have the power to help us innovate. We want this blog to be helpful to you. So, please let us know what we can do to make it better.

Anne Lane - Audit Intern

PKM is great about having evening activities for interns. This is a great way to get to know the people you are working with outside of the office. One night, we went to a Braves baseball game, had a fun dinner at the Chop House and watched the game at Turner Field. Another, we went to see the musical, Chicago and had a wonderful time.

The firm also hosts a special intern/partner dinner at the Managing Partner’s house at Lake Oconee in Cuscowilla. This was a great experience to actually meet and get to know each of the partners. It is rare that the partners of a firm take this much initiative to make sure that interns are having a successful internship. We were able to discuss the overall work environment of PKM while having stimulating conversations over dinner.

When traveling, PKM makes the most of nights away from friends and family. While in Birmingham, Alabama, we were invited to eat dinner at one of the lake house of a client. He took us out on a boat ride on Smith Lake. It was such a relaxing night. I have had many wonderful opportunities during my internship to enjoy new experiences and meet many fascinating people. During that trip, I had a birthday, which the firm and the client helped me celebrate. They made dinner reservations at Hot and Hot Fish in Birmingham. We had such a great time and I enjoyed talking with everyone outside of a work environment. They truly made me feel special on my birthday.

Caroline McCormick - Audit Staff

Since PKM focuses its efforts on the banking industry, each year the firm hosts a tour of the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta. It is a great opportunity for accountants to gain perspective in their field. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone working in the financial arena. It was awe-inspiring to be able to peek into the processing and control rooms and observe first hand what we had learned about in my introductory bank training class.

We were also able to go into the board room and sit in the same seats that Board of Directors sit in when they discuss the local economy and the potential impacts of their policy decisions. One very significant issue has been Hurricane Katrina, which impacted the entire area that the Sixth Federal Reserve District covers, either directly or indirectly. It was a great example of the unique logistical issues the board faces in times of disaster.

The tour helped us appreciate the functions of the Fed, from monetary policy to regulation to payment system operations, and impact of their decisions all over the region and the country. The entire experience adds to a greater understanding of the environment that our clients function in and therefore helps us serve our clients better.

Candice Gaston - Audit Staff

WOW! Since starting back full time with PKM, I have truly enjoyed every minute of my experience! My internship was great and full-time looks to follow suit. My first few days, I conducted my training with Patrick Kim (coincidentally another Manager that began as an intern and later signed on full-time). We walked through a few of the procedures and tests that we conduct in the field and reacquainted myself with the firm’s technology systems. The exciting part was my BRAND NEW LAPTOP coming into my possession! This new computer is BEAUTIFUL and I have promised to take extra great care with it!

The rest of the week was spent at a client in Covington, Georgia. Covington is very close to my hometown, so I got to spend sometime with my parents one night and the commute was very easy. Everyone out here (the client and my fellow engagement peers, Rob and Anne) have been super friendly and very helpful! I look forward to coming back to this client later in the fall for the year-end audit. I worked on the following sections: Due From Banks, Community Reinvestment Act Testing, Premise and Equipment and Reg Y: Appraisals.

So far, I REALLY love my job and my company! Everyone helped me get back into the “swing of things.” Week 1 down and tons to go!

Rob Tysver - Audit Staff

What do you think about doing after work? You just put in nine hours on the job, and living in Atlanta you know that you have at least an hour drive home, no matter what direction you are heading. One of the great things about being a team member at PKM is the close relationship you form with your co-workers.

Take this for example: After a long day at a client site, the manager on the job invites the audit team to join him on his boat on Lake Lanier for some water skiing and tubing. We had three people in our group that were able to make the event. Knowing we had some extra seats on the boat, we began calling around to fellow co-workers to invite them for an evening on the lake. We had a few nibbles, but only caught one. This person happened to be an intern who had just joined the PKM team for the summer. We stopped by a local grocery store to pick up subs, drinks and chips. Next thing I know we are casting away for a great late afternoon. We couldn’t have asked for better weather or lake conditions! After about eight attempts and some coaching from the boat, I finally got the water skiing down (but not before a number of face plants into the water!!).

This was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to kick back, relax and enjoy the company of my fellow co-workers. Who would have thought that instead of making the long drive home I would be able to enjoy an evening of fun on Lake Lanier

Stewart Pilsch- Audit Staff

In September, I start my first job — one that I’m already familiar with and anxious to get started. I’ll be an official member of the PKM team. How did I get here? Through an incredible internship experience and the realization that coworkers can become your best friends.

Who says work can’t be fun? My internship at PKM taught me a ton, but it was so much more than just work! Sure, I put in long hours and got a feel for what life would be like in the public accounting profession, but it is the social side of my internship that made the difference. The relationships I established at PKM started at the office, but they didn’t end there. Social activities and events such as Braves and Hawks game outings and dinner/social hour get-togethers, made my internship experience feel more like I was hanging out with my college buddies than with coworkers. Why should that matter? It made me realize that in a highly stressful profession like public accounting, it really matters who you work with.

During my internship, a group of about twenty PKM employees (interns included) met in Buckhead for dinner and to shoot pool and share survival stories after completing the first of our three-month busy season. It really helped me to see that others were experiencing the same stresses and that by being together and sharing our experiences my new best friends were there to support me, just as I was for them.

Everyone got along so well that it made me think that these work relationships were just like those you experience with your best friends from college. In fact, I began to feel like my PKM friends were my best friends from college. When my internship was over, I had to return to school to finish my degree and study for the CPA exam. During that time, I played the role of the guy who moves away for a few years only to realize he misses his friends and then comes back and it is as if nothing has changed. Now that I’m back and ready to officially start my job, I now join the guys at the gym and the pool and play with them on their sports teams. And, on the weekends…we hang out.

These social activities that I first experienced as an intern and that I am now enjoying more regularly as a soon-to-be full-time employee of the firm, gave me a different perspective on the job opportunity and where I fit culturally within the firm. I’m a firm believer that people should enjoy work. I think the people who are most successful and most self-satisfied in life love what they do. I’m also a firm believer that your coworkers and employers have a huge impact on how much enjoyment you get out of work. That’s why I think I made the right choice joining PKM. Every time I leave the office I feel like I have done something important. I’m a valuable member of the team and I couldn’t have done it without my new best friends.