Careers
A Great Career Starts Here
We are a single-office public accounting firm located in Salem, Oregon with clients in diverse industries: farms, ranches, manufacturing, construction, trucking, surgery centers, food processing, and other business services. We offer excellent opportunities to people who desire an exciting, dynamic, and intellectual career in public accounting. Lifelong relationships are developed that broaden our horizons and brighten our days.
Working at Kuenzi & Company
Intern to Hire Program
We have developed an “Intern to Hire” program, and many of our people have risen in their careers through this process. They start with us on a part-time basis during their college years and upon graduation are usually offered full-time employment. Initially they are focused on mastering software and file techniques, and fundamental tax and accounting rules and regulations. They work under more than one supervisor gaining experience and exposure to tools of the trade and developing business acumen. All receive training in both the tax and attest functions of public accounting, and later as their career develops may focus on one over the other. However, many business clients require both tax and attest services so a working knowledge of both is desirable.
The CPA Exam
We encourage studying and sitting for the CPA exam early in a person’s career, and reward success with a meaningful bonus. The Firm covers all professional fees and the costs of continuing professional education (CPE). Our professional regulatory bodies require 80 hours of CPE every two years to maintain a CPA license. We also promote a learning environment for our people throughout their careers, including programs for mentoring and coaching.
Administrative Careers
Administrative employees often begin their career at the front desk meeting and greeting clients and other professionals who come to our office. With experience they move to other tasks such as processing projects for clients, managing our project deliveries, and performing other tasks that support our client work efforts.
Professional Careers
Our professional employees generally begin their careers as “Interns” or “Staff Accountants.” As they gain experience and skills, they obtain promotions to “Senior Accountant,” “Manager,” and “Senior Manager.” A general description for each position title used for professional staff follows:
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Intern – part-time during college years, with work ranging from assisting with administrative projects to supporting professional staff on client work projects.
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Staff Accountant – spends most time preparing client projects. Is coached and trained by Senior Accountants and Managers. They usually have from 0-2 years of experience.
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Senior Accountant – is often the “In-Charge” for a project and supervises/coaches Interns and Staff Accountants working under them. Seniors are heavily involved in the preparation aspect of client projects. They usually have 2+ years of experience.
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Manager – a professional with responsibility for multiple clients and multiple projects. Managers are tasked with broad responsibility for work projects and finalizing documents for client delivery. Certification as a CPA is one of the requirements for being promoted to Manager. They usually have 5+ years of experience.
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Senior Manager – an experienced CPA professional with accomplished skills who is developing client relationships and has learned how to manage all aspects of the client relationship.
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Principal – a member of the Firm with the highest level of expertise and client responsibility. Public accounting is a dynamic business and there is always room at the top as the Firm grows and clients are added.
CULTURE
Culture is important to us. We promote a lifelong professional learning environment and encourage collaboration and blending of our people. All are treated with respect and esteem. During the tax filing season and periodically throughout the year we provide noon meals for all. Firm events include Holiday dinners, recreational outings (including mountain climbing), and family time at a summer picnic. Occasionally there is a surprise gift or event just because we like each other.
REMOTE WORKPLACE
Our Firm’s workflow is a digital process, which allows for remote work. For all staff, a workday away from the office from time to time is a wonderfully motivating break from our normal busy routines. Perhaps it will allow for a day at the beach or caring for a sick child. Whatever the purpose, we provide this flexibility to our staff. Where special needs exist, we do our best to accommodate family, children, health concerns or other needs.
The home office can be helpful from time to time, especially where we have it set up for productive work and privacy. It is clear to us, however, that we are social people and that much learning and employment satisfaction comes from face-to-face interactions with other people. For career growth, especially while building experience, it is critical that our people spend most of their working time at the Firm’s office. It is in this work environment that the collaboration, coaching, and training experiences are enhanced.
COMPENSATION
Our full-time professional people are salaried, and administrative and part-time people are paid on an hourly basis. Compensation programs are competitive, and we work in a flexible, professional, and personable environment. Compensation related benefits are listed below:
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Four weeks paid time off
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Nine annual holidays with full pay
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Health insurance
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Disability insurance
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Pretax cafeteria plan (flexible spending account; dependent care)
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Retirement - 401k with 4% minimum matching
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Professional dues
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Continuing professional education
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Achievement bonuses
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Annual profit-sharing bonuses
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
We encourage community involvement and provide opportunities for our people to serve others. The specific organizations we support can be the result of interests expressed by our people. This effort builds self-esteem, character, and other people-related skills. It helps support the business community as well as the underprivileged amongst us. Some of the organizations we support are listed below.
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Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom.
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Marion County Junior Livestock Auction.
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Oregon Ag Fest.
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Salem Chamber of Commerce.
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Salem Free Clinics.
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Community youth activities.
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Marion-Polk Medical Society.
Job Openings
We regularly have job openings ranging from Administrative to Intern to Manager. We are looking for people with business vision and energy, who are able to communicate and motivate others. You will find a link to our current openings HERE. Regardless of formal postings, we encourage Students and other interested parties to send their resumes and inquiries to info@kuenzicpas.com or call our Office Manager, Kyla Halter, to arrange for a tour and a visit about our Firm. She can be reached at 503-399-7306.