The Friedman Difference
Our responsibility to our clients and the accounting profession is one which we take very seriously. In our continuing pursuit to deliver high quality services, we recognize the importance of developing an environment of learning in which our people can cultivate their talents, maximize their potential and become an integral part of the business world. We believe that our people are the key to our success. This is the premise behind our hiring, training and development activities.
Nexia Friedman recognizes that its consistent growth is dependent upon the talents and achievements of the individual members of our team. In order to maintain this growth, we strive to find highly motivated people with a desire to pursue their personal and career goals within the accounting profession. Our responsibility is to act as a bridge between university studies and professional practice by providing formal training on-the-job training, professional development courses and seminars. We pride ourselves in taking a personal interest in each individual’s career development.
Part of what makes us different is our recognition of the fact that accountants are no longer simply technicians. We realize that accounting is an interdisciplinary type of profession which requires skills and talents from a wide variety of areas. We strive to hire people who exhibit strong interpersonal, organizational and technical abilities. We believe that, through the development of these skills, one can attain the highest level of success within our firm and the accounting profession.
The Working Environment
We recognize that highly-motivated professionals require an atmosphere that is creative and informal. For this reason, we have worked hard to create a stimulating and professional environment for our staff. It has been our experience that individuals perform more effectively and efficiently in an informal environment which encourages friendly cooperation and communication.
We create this atmosphere by stressing the individuality of our staff members immediately upon their arrival at Nexia Friedman. Team work is emphasized and new members of the firm are supported and encouraged by their colleagues and are able to progress at their own pace.
Creating the Perfect Fit
As part of our dynamic culture, we have developed a flexible working schedule. We allow students to work part-time during their school semesters. Even once students begin working full-time but are still studying toward their uniform final exam, we allow staff to work four days a week in order to help alleviate the pressure of attending school and work.
Our modern approach even extends to chartered accountants with many years of experience who have decided that they would like to work part-time due to other aspects in their personal life.
Our flexible schedule allows Nexia Friedman to keep our team members motivated as this helps staff members develop their own schedules and improve their quality of life.
Performance Appraisals & Career Advancement
You will set the pace for your own advancement at Nexia Friedman because all promotions and salary reviews are based on merit as well as seniority. We recognize exceptional performance and reward it accordingly. We believe that communication among our staff members is of the utmost importance.
A formal evaluation is held once a year to review your technical and overall work skills. In addition, regularly scheduled informal reviews are held in order to inform you of your progress and to provide you with feedback on your performance. Performance reviews and appraisal reporting systems lead to the evaluation of your strengths, areas for improvement, personal growth and training needs.
We recognize that although every individual begins their career in assurance, they may choose to specialize in other areas. At Nexia Friedman, we encourage our staff to explore other areas of expertise and to transfer between departments if one so desires.
Training Programs
Nexia Friedman strives to provide an environment in which individuals can achieve their maximum potential and attain our high professional standards. To meet this objective, we offer diverse and comprehensive formal and informal training programs.
This first step is an introductory seven day training course. This course aims to translate the trainee’s theoretical knowledge into the practical tools that they will require. It includes different areas of an audit file, introductory taxation and detailed instruction in the use of the many computer software packages. All pertinent materials, including professional engagement, audit and income tax manuals are provided.
The next step involves regular in-house training sessions, seminars and workshops which are held throughout the year to complement your on-the-job training. These courses cover all facets of accounting, assurance, tax, professional standards and business management techniques. Our aim is to provide our staff with insight into relevant accounting and assurance issues, changes in tax legislation and the newest developments within the profession.
Even though we have formalized training programs, we recognize that the best training one can ask for is the training that one receives on the field - the hands-on experience. We have created an atmosphere that emphasizes a team work approach with a constant support system at every level.
Our on-the-job training allows you to put theory into practice. You will visit clients, learn their systems and controls, examine records and express opinions. You will develop a strong understanding of the accounting profession and gain practical business experience by working on audits. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to deal with smaller clients on a one-to-one basis while you become familiar with all of the service divisions within our firm.
Consistent with our commitment to excellence and dedication to the profession, we insist on the highest standards of training in preparation for your professional career. We are proud of the training programs we offer and the outstanding results we have achieved. Each of our programs is designed to help you develop strong professional accounting skills, and an understanding of business and practical experience within the profession.
Campus Recruitment
Members of the Nexia Friedman team partake in all campus recruiting events. We participate in all career days and recruitment cocktail parties as it gives us a chance to meet the students and allows us the opportunity to discuss the career path that could be waiting for you at Nexia Friedman.
We often encourage students to attend one of the tours organized by the Universities as it is a good opportunity to view our premises and meet staff members of various levels in an informal atmosphere.
Summer Student Program
Students join our firm as a junior member of an audit team for the summer months of May to August. As students are coming from various Universities, the year in which a student would qualify for the program varies. Students gain experience throughout the summer by partaking in assurance and accounting mandates while having an opportunity to view other areas of our practice.
Students may choose to work on a part-time basis often one day a week in their final year of University prior to joining the firm on a full-time basis upon the completion of their University degree. Students often enjoy working part-time as it keeps them connected with the other members of the firm and helps them maintain their knowledge.
Applying to Nexia Friedman
At Nexia Friedman, we derive a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction from our work. We believe this is reflected in the atmosphere of our firm. We recognize that our strength and success is dependent upon the performance of our people, and therefore we have created an atmosphere which stressed learning and individual attention for all of our employees.
For this reason, we focus our efforts on the development and the goals of every member of our team. We respect the importance of your educational training and offer encouragement and support at every turn of your academic career. In our continuing effort to provide our clients with the highest quality professional service, we seek to attract talented, intelligent and motivated people.
Although academic standing is important, it is not our primary concern. However, excellent interpersonal skills, a commitment to professional achievement and personal integrity are absolutely essential. If you are interested in a challenging, rewarding career and are looking for a firm that is young, growing and progressive, we would like to meet you.
