Professional Development

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.

Students who join our firm as junior members of an audit team for the summer months of May to August undergo a full week of training. During this time, you will learn to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. This training includes an orientation to our firm. It is then followed by learning about different areas of an audit file, compilation engagements, introductory taxation and detailed instruction in the use of the many computer software packages we use on a daily basis.

Students will also gain experience by partaking in assurance and accounting mandates while having an opportunity to view other areas of our practice.

Juniors starting in either the fall or winter will partake in three to five days of training.The number of days of training is constantly changing. We look at the staff members who are starting and analyze their experience within our firm. Since we have many returning summer students and many part-time employees, we must take this into consideration. Often we have additional days of training for staff who have no previous work experience which might include a portion of the training program that is used to train our summer students.

These programs are just the beginning of what will be the Nexia Friedman experience. We realize the importance of getting involved firsthand, and our on-the-job training allows you to put theory into practice right away.

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 assurance engagements. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to deal with smaller clients on a one-on-one basis while you become familiar with all of the service divisions within our firm.

We want to bring out the best in our staff and as such work to continually enhance their knowledge and abilities. To further your professional development, seminars and workshops are held throughout the year to complement and increase your existing knowledge and skills. These cover all facets of the field, including:

• Changes in accounting rules and tax laws
• Annual updates
• Specific topic training (i.e. sales tax, audit methodologies)
• Training to target changing levels in your career
• Soft skills (i.e. marketing, professional standards)

Depending on the topic, some training sessions are for the entire firm, whereas some are only for staff at certain levels. We often tailor training sessions depending on the staff who will be attending. We realize that, at times, the needs of our staff change, and, as a result, we are constantly reviewing and modifying the training that we offer.