Pros
CPE opportunities are plentiful. Lots of research resources. Managers, directors, and principals in other offices are happy to help with complex tax questions. Unlimited PTO. "Dress for your day" dress code (I usually wear jeans and a polo shirt). Opportunities for a broad range of professional experiences. Emphasis on career development (including an "alumni" path in which CLA can assist placing you with a client). Management encourages and spotlights community service performed by employees. Salary and benefits are decent. 401(k) program. Annual bonuses are not paid in cash, but you do get a bonus paid into your 401(k) account. Free coffee. Very fast growing and constantly acquiring new locations. Opportunities to transfer to other parts of the country if desired. If you ask for a particular professional experience, those who have the ability to make it happen will do their best to make it happen.
Cons
Training and quality of CPE is inconsistent. The company has started a new branding effort along with some cliched corporate "rah-rah" nonsense over the past 2 years which is annoying and confusing. Busy season is a drag, but it's probably no worse than any other firm (probably somewhat better, given comments I've heard from folks who have come in from other firms). Some things said publicly by top executives have left me scratching my head. Some execs come across as aggressive, dopey jocks. There is a nominal attention to diversity at the corporate level, but in my office (approx. 80 employees) there is not a single person of color. I know this is not the case at all offices, so minority recruitment needs a consistent plan across all offices. My office has about 20 principals and only 3 are women (in fairness, many of the partners are close to retirement and we have a lot of good managers who are women, so this may change). Since there are 120+ offices, culture varies widely. My office is fairly boring and is basically what you would expect of a cube farm type office. However, other offices allow dogs at work, have happy hour for employees, etc. No cash bonuses.
