“Watkins Uiberall gives you the opportunity to specialize in a particular niche and gain expert knowledge in that area.”
What is your daily routine like at Watkins Uiberall?
I try to make a general plan for the next day before I leave each evening. I usually have several “to-dos” that I need to keep track of, and it feels great to cross them off as they’re completed. I always leave some flexibility for projects that take longer than expected or new projects that come along. Most days I spend the biggest chunk of my time working on the books or preparing tax returns for partnerships, corporations, non-profits or individuals—depending on what deadlines are approaching. Keeping in touch with clients through phone, e-mail or in-person meetings and making sure everyone else involved in the engagement is up-to-date on its progress is extremely important, too.
How have your relationships with co-workers affected your work experience at the firm?
Someone once told me that no matter how much you like your job, you’ll be miserable if you don’t like the people you work with. There are a lot of great people here, and I consider myself lucky to have gotten to know a few people on a little more personal level. Something as small as having a one-on-one lunch with someone or as big as having a holiday potluck together helps build a connection that helps in the office, too. The people I’ve spent time with outside of the office are the people I’m most likely to bounce ideas off of, go to for advice or simply take a break with.
What is typical interaction like with Members of the firm?
When I first started at Watkins Uiberall, one of the Members told me I should call all the Members by their first names—no “Yes, ma’am” or “Here are your files, sir”. I was really surprised and very grateful. All of the Members here are people I see on the elevator and in the halls, and our conversations go beyond just good mornings and assigning work. When I am talking about work with a Member, they make sure I know what I need to do, when I need to do it by, and that I have the tools and knowledge I need to get it done. Questions are always welcome, even if they come up later in the process. I think it is really important to all of the Members that we are genuinely happy here and are truly growing in our understanding of how to help our clients.
How do you work towards your personal career goals on a daily basis?
I think to advance in public accounting, the two most important things for me are to improve my technical abilities and build a good professional network. I’m learning as much as I can through Continuing Professional Education and reading journal articles, but my bigger focus right now is trying to make personal connections. As a relative newcomer to Memphis, I know it will take time to meet people, but getting involved in church and other community activities is certainly a start!
Aleah Looney joined Watkins Uiberall in August 2008. She is a graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where she earned a Bachelor in Business Administration degree in 2007.
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