Corporate office culture (tax and accounting)
Pros
DriveTime's culture is truly open, collaborative and team-focused. Every member of the team is accessible and appreciates other departments' inputs and ideas when solving a technical or operational problem. On the tax side, we are constantly asked to participate in key business decisions and suggest the most "tax efficient" way to solve problems for the Company, our shareholders and our customers. Our flow-through taxation structure creates significant technical challenges and ample chances for research and learning. DriveTime being privately held permits the tax department can spend more time reviewing and current and prospective tax planning and looking for process improvements - in both income and sales tax. We insource our income return preparation and frequently review complex issues around stock compensation, transfer pricing, R&D and state and local tax credits and incentives, among other things.
Cons
DriveTime and its senior leadership constantly challenge the status quo and look for ways to maximize business value. Some on the outside may see this as a "con" because it involves consistent attention to non-routine matters and sometimes "up and down" schedules. However, I think this environment gives each employee a significant chance for growth and tax and accounting technical development for those with the right attitude.