Citrin Cooperman reviews

constant cutting of personnel after Blackstone purchase leading to low morale. Performance review cycle was broken. No opportunities for lateral movement. Big growing pains.

Full disclosure - 10 years at firm that was acquired last year. Spent 1 year with Citrin. No AICPA dues paid - I’ve never worked for a firm that does not pay for this. Way too focused on billable hours that cannot actually be billed. WIP does not equal revenue in all cases if you want a repeat client. Raising fees and billing crazy rates just to make the payment to the PE owners may help today, but when the client leaves, how do we make the payment next year? No focus on client service. Only increased billing. Turns down so much work because of “risks” that don’t actually exist. The firm is run by accountants and lawyers. It seems like none of them have ever spoken with a client. Mandatory RTO 4 days a week for Directors and above with pay consequences for not obeying. This includes having to scan a QR code daily, from the in-office WiFi to prove you are in the office. Professionals should be trusted. If a partner is not doing what they should be doing, get rid of the partner. Don’t punish everyone. Funny thing is I agree with the policy but not the execution. Getting to leave early on Fridays when it is not busy is cool, but it’s not a “benefit” if we have to make up the 3 hours earlier in the week. Not nearly enough investment in IT. The computers are meh, WiFi only works about 40% of the time, and there are at least 2 emails every day about a program not working. Fine with outsourcing to India, but the focus on moving everything over there is a bit over the top. Too many sticks and not nearly enough carrots. That’s now how to lead.