As the accounting industry evolves, the focus on enhancing the employee experience is growing in importance. Attracting and retaining top talent goes beyond offering competitive salaries; it’s about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. “The future of accounting is not just about the services we provide to our clients,” says Bruce Zicari, CEO and Managing Partner of The Bonadio Group. “It’s also about building a workplace where our People can thrive.”
Bruce shares the below insights on how embracing technology, prioritizing hybrid work, fostering mentorship, and creating a culture of inclusion contribute to creating a fulfilling employee experience.
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Leveraging Technology to Empower Employees
Technology is constantly transforming the way accounting firms operate, but one of its most important impacts lies in how it empowers employees. By automating routine tasks and utilizing AI and data analytics, employees are freed up to focus on more strategic, consultative work. “AI and data analytics are not just efficiency tools,” Bruce notes. “They allow our team to engage in more meaningful, value-added tasks, giving them the opportunity to grow in their roles.”
The shift toward higher-level, consultative work enables employees to have a more direct impact on clients’ success, which in turn leads to greater job satisfaction. Providing staff with the tools they need to innovate and deliver insights boosts morale and engagement, creating a positive cycle that enhances both employee and client experiences.
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The Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility and Autonomy
One of the most significant changes in recent years is the rise of hybrid work models. Firms that offer flexibility in where and how employees work are seeing higher levels of employee satisfaction and retention. Bruce underscores this shift: “Employee experience is at the heart of what we do. Flexibility in the workplace has become a critical factor in keeping our People happy and engaged.”
Hybrid work enables employees to achieve better work-life balance and empowers them with the autonomy to structure their workdays in a way that meets both personal and professional needs. This approach fosters a culture of trust and drives productivity and loyalty. At the same time, we recognize the importance of balancing remote work with being together in person to foster a culture of collaboration and support. By thoughtfully blending the flexibility of remote work, when appropriate, with opportunities to connect face-to-face, we uphold our commitment to being better together, creating an environment where both client relationships and employee well-being thrive.
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Building Relationships Through Mentorship Programs
Employee experience isn’t just about work-life balance, or the tools employees use—it’s also about the relationships they build along the way. Mentorship programs play a critical role in supporting employees’ professional and personal growth. “Mentorship is about helping people develop not just as professionals, but as individuals,” Bruce explains. “It’s a way to ensure that our People feel connected, supported, and encouraged.”
At TBG, we prioritize mentorship as part of our broader commitment to fostering a positive employee experience. Mentorship within our firm is not limited to one-on-one guidance but is also supported through initiatives like our PROMISE Teams. These cross-functional teams bring together employees from different service lines and levels, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. This sense of community not only accelerates career development but also strengthens connections across the firm, contributing to a more inclusive and engaged workforce.
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Creating a Culture of Inclusion
DE&I is more than just a corporate buzzword—it is an essential component of a thriving workplace. Firms that invest in DE&I initiatives foster an environment where all employees feel valued and respected. “DE&I is about ensuring that everyone has a voice and an opportunity to succeed,” says Bruce. “It’s critical for creating a workplace where people want to stay and grow.”
A strong commitment to DE&I enhances employee experience by promoting a culture where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. At TBG, our DE&I initiatives help us create more inclusive teams, which leads to better collaboration, innovation, and overall satisfaction for our employees. This focus on inclusion is key to maintaining a workforce that feels motivated and supported.
The future of accounting isn’t just about adapting to technological advancements or changing business models—it’s about creating an employee experience that empowers people to do their best work. From embracing flexible work models to fostering mentorship, the goal is to build a workplace where employees can thrive.
Bruce sums it up perfectly: “When we put our People first and invest in their growth and well-being, we create a better experience for our clients and a stronger, more resilient firm.” By focusing on enhancing the employee experience, accounting firms can not only attract and retain top talent but also create a culture that drives long-term success and innovation.
If you’re interested in listening to our full conversation with Bruce, check out our first ever TBG Talks: Expert Insights for Your Business Success podcast episode: “The New Accounting Playbook: Developing an Employee Experience for the Future.” And if you’re interested in an internship or career at TBG, we encourage you to visit our internship page or view our current openings. Whether you’re a new college graduate or an experienced professional, we’d love to connect with you and support you in finding the right career path!
