At FMF&E, professional growth is more than just a concept—it’s a core part of our culture. We believe that investing in our employees’ development not only enhances individual careers but also strengthens our firm as a whole. One of the many ways we support this growth is by encouraging participation in programs like the PS+ Business Leadership Initiative (BLI). Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Micaela, one of our team members, about her experience in the program and how it has shaped her career.
A Transformational Learning Experience
Micaela shared that participating in the PS+ BLI program has had a significant impact on her professional development. The program consists of two in-person training sessions along with multiple webcasts focused on leadership and professional skills that are essential in everyday work.
“I really enjoyed our first in-person session because it allowed me to connect with other supervisors and managers from different PS+ firms across the country. It was a great opportunity to share our experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn how others have overcome them. The networking aspect was invaluable, and I still stay in touch with many of the professionals I met.”
A Culture That Fosters Growth
At our firm, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive. Micaela highlighted how the firm supports professional development through structured programs, ongoing training sessions, and mentorship opportunities.
“I feel that our firm genuinely cares about our professional growth. The fact that we have opportunities like the PS+ BLI program shows that the firm wants employees to advance beyond just meeting deadlines and completing work. The program also required us to implement a project that adds value to the firm, demonstrating that leadership is open to new ideas and that employee contributions are truly valued.”
The Power of Mentorship and Support
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the mentorship provided throughout the process. Micaela worked closely with her mentor, Cheryl, who helped guide her through the project’s implementation.
“Having Cheryl as a mentor was incredibly beneficial. I’ve worked with her before and always looked up to her, but this experience really deepened my understanding of what it takes to implement a successful initiative at our firm. She helped refine my ideas and keep my project on track. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Allison Whiting (INTENT), who provides soft skills training within our firm. Since my project focused on developing training sessions around giving and receiving feedback, her insights were invaluable in making the sessions more engaging and interactive.”
Applying New Skills to Everyday Work
Beyond networking and mentorship, Micaela emphasized how the program provided practical leadership skills that she has already begun applying in her role.
“One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of delegation. During the program, I realized that many of us struggle with delegating tasks, but it’s essential not only for personal growth but also for developing less experienced staff. Leading a project team forced me out of my comfort zone and helped me build confidence in delegation—something I now consciously apply in my day-to-day work.”
Endless Opportunities for Development
Looking ahead, Micaela sees boundless opportunities for professional development within our firm.
“The great thing about public accounting is that it offers so many avenues for growth—whether in leadership, technical expertise, industry specialization, or interpersonal skills. I hope that by sharing my experience with the PS+ BLI program, I can inspire others, especially newer team members, to take advantage of similar opportunities. It’s easy to focus solely on completing audits and tax returns, but taking the initiative to develop yourself not only benefits your career but also contributes to the firm’s overall success.”
A Commitment to Continuous Learning
Micaela’s experience is a testament to our firm’s dedication to employee development. We believe that investing in our people is investing in our future, and we are proud to support initiatives that empower our team members to grow, lead, and innovate.
If you’re interested in learning more about our team and available career opportunities at our firm, we encourage you to reach out and explore the many ways you can enhance your career while contributing to our shared success.