Getting to Know Brian Burns
October 1, 2010
Brian Burns, one of our General Practice Associates, was recently interviewed by the Western Washington University Career Services interview. Brian talks about how he successfully landed a position at PS, and how he used the Career Services office to help him. Check out the full interview here.
Weekend Golf Tournament
September 14, 2010
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Report from Matt Smith, Tournament Manager:
Since the Tour Championship is next week, consider this your local golf news update. It was a beautiful Saturday at Lynnwood Golf Course, home of the PS Cup. We had 16 competitors, in teams of 2. To save embarrassment of the other 5 teams, I’ll only post the winning scores:
1st place – Matt and Chris Ebert, with a combined net score of 92
2nd place – Bob Bowman and Al Dunnell, with a combined net score of 97
3rd place – Jack Holmes and Dave Hingston, with a combined net score of 99
Everyone had a great time and it was especially nice to see some PS Alumni!
Getting to know Erik and Veronica
August 4, 2010
Last week we introduced you to our six new associates. Today, we talk to Erik Lashley and Veronica Cook to give you a look into what the first two weeks are like for incoming entry-level accountants at Peterson Sullivan.
We assume you probably had offers from other firms. Why did you ultimately choose PS?
Erik: For me it was pretty simple – I didn’t think I could get the work variety anywhere else. I really liked knowing that when I started work at PS, I would be working on both tax and audit for a wide variety of clients. It’s important to me that I gain experience across the board, not just in one area.
Veronica: Honestly, it had a lot to do with the personalities of the people I met. You just seemed like genuine, nice people I would like to work with. PS seems realistic about work/life balance, and I felt like my personality matched up really well with other personalities at the Firm.
What was your favorite part about your first week working at PS?
Erik: I’m not sure I can talk about it… but let’s just say the initiation on the first day. That was pretty funny.
Veronica: I think my favorite part was the fact that I felt like I already knew a little bit about a lot of people. Once we signed our offers in November, it was really great to receive the Firm Update emails and be invited to firm events like the holiday party, the tax party, mini golf, etc. I didn’t feel like a complete stranger walking in on my first day, and that was really nice.
What about all the training you have to go through your first few weeks?
Erik: The training has actually been great. Our schedules are organized well. We know where we’re supposed to be, what we’re supposed to be doing, and what we’ll be learning. Having a clear schedule takes a lot of stress out of the first week.
Veronica: I like what we’re learning. It’s all new material and information, and it’s not boring. Plus, we get great food every day.
What was the most unexpected aspect of your first week in our office?
Erik: I don’t know if it was unexpected, but I think we all felt really taken care of and prepared for.
Veronica: I think it was surprising how helpful everyone is – there is no stupid question. People ask us all the time if we have questions or if they can help, and that’s reassuring. There’s also a feeling that PS cares about what we care about, and that they wanted to hire us as much as we wanted to work for them.
Do you have other questions for our new associates? Post a comment and we’ll find you an answer soon!
Peterson Sullivan Hires Six New Associates
July 28, 2010
Today, our six new associates have officially been employed at Peterson Sullivan for one week. We really like them, and we know you will too. Below you’ll find some “professional” information about them, but keep your eyes out over the next few days for fun Q&A sessions with our new employees so you can get the inside scoop on what it’s like to be a rookie at PS.
Veronica Cook graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Accounting and a degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in International Business. She studied abroad in China for three months, where she learned about the culture, language and history of the Chinese people. She has been working for a graphic service company in Pioneer Square as the primary bookkeeper for the past 2 years, and is excited to start something new with Peterson Sullivan.
Erik Lashley graduated from Seattle University with a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting. Before deciding to pursue accounting, he worked for two-and-a-half years as a revenue agent at the WA State Department of Revenue. Previously, Erik earned a BS in Business Administration from Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. Erik will join the General Practice department.
Taylor Meloy graduated from Seattle University in June with a Bachelor of Arts in Business with a major in Accounting and a minor in Spanish. During the past two years she worked in Accounts Receivable at Madrona Real Estate Services, LLC, a property management firm on Capitol Hill. When not working or in school, Taylor enjoyed travelling to several different Latin American countries to practice her Spanish.
Angela Wahlroth was born and raised in British Columbia, Canada and moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University. She graduated in June of 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and then completed the Master of Professional Accounting program in June of 2009. During her time at Western, Angela was Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi, worked at the Information Desk as the student supervisor, and completed a Tax internship at Clark Nuber. Since graduating, she has worked at Liberty Tax Service and has passed all four sections of the CPA exams.
Paige Wakasugi graduated this past spring from the University of Washington with a Masters degree in Tax accounting. She also received her Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Washington. Paige worked for Boeing in their sales accounting department for two years prior to graduation.
Megan Winskill graduated from Seattle Pacific University with an undergraduate degree in Accounting. During her time at SPU Megan served as both an accounting tutor and as the President of the University’s Lambda Upsilon chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. While in school, she worked as a part-time nanny.
Softball Season Ends with an Epic Battle
July 20, 2010
Last week Peterson Sullivan played KPMG #1 in the playoffs. We gave up some early runs, but powered back and took the lead through some nice hitting and good defense. We led by a few runs going into the bottom of the sixth inning, and KPMG #1 was able to tie the game at 16 all. This is when the epic defensive battle began.
We came up in the top of the 7th and didn’t score a run. However, the gloves began to shine and we were able to hold KPMG without scoring a run, and the game went into extra innings. It was amazing! Both teams did not want their season to end and the defenses really put on a show to watch. It was pretty exciting.
Neither team could score a run until the 12th!!! inning. With darkness falling, we came up in the 12th inning starting near the top of the lineup. We finally were able to bust through and punch a couple of runs across. However, a couple good hits and a crazy swinging bunt later, the other team was able to get a few players on base and get a few runs across to tie the game up again. Then they put the winning run across the plate, and the epic adventure was over.
Chris Ebert, Team Captain, says “It was the most exciting softball game that I have ever participated in and I am very proud of the way everyone played in this game. I hope the team feels the same way. This was the best season we have had in a long time.”
Step Forward to Cure TSC
July 1, 2010
Step Forward to Cure TSC® is the TS Alliance’s largest national fundraising event, organized by local volunteers and families who are affected by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in more than 30 communities across the United States. This successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for TSC research but also raises awareness about TSC and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.
On a rainy weekend last month, Peterson Sullivan employees joined together to participate in the Step Forward walk and support one of their co-workers, whose daughter is diagnosed with TSC. Despite the weather, everyone had a good time.
Western Washington University Career Fair
May 20, 2010
Thanks to accountants (and WWU alums) Keaton Wersen and Brian Burns for attending the Business Career Fair at Western Washington University in Bellingham last week. They both had a great time and met some fabulous candidates! We look forward to recruiting at WWU this fall on October 12.
For a closer look at our recruiting schedule, visit our College Recruiting page on our website at: http://www.pscpa.com/careers/college-recruiting/
WSCPA New Professionals Networking Events
May 13, 2010
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The first WSCPA New Professionals Event of the season kicked off on April 29. Peterson Sullivan is proud to be a sponsor of these events, which provide our employees with a wonderful opportunity to mingle with other new professionals and sharpen their networking skills.Everyone gathered at Daniel’s Broiler in Bellevue for a wine tasting. Peterson Sullivan had over 20 employees attend the event and everyone had a great time.
On April 29, we attended and exhibited at the Washington State Not-for-Profit Conference at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Ray Holmdahl and Becky Borek attended the sessions and enjoyed catching up with clients and friends. Peterson Sullivan employees staffed the booth all day, and we want to thank Jennifer Crofoot, Davy Lau, Jessica Li, Kanako Matsumoto, and Ashlea McLaren for keeping things running so smoothly.
This year’s conference featured keynote speaker Dan Pallotta, author of “Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential,” and a special appearance by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, along with keynote speaker Kristin McSwain.
To keep up with our other events, visit our Seminars and Events page on our website.
Powerful Change is Possible!
May 6, 2010
Peterson Sullivan people turned out in full force on April 27 at client Wellspring Family Services Powerful Change Luncheon. Thank you to attendees Ray Holmdahl, Sharlyn Turner, David Lee, Bob Bowman, Nathan Hartman, Mark Raker, Rebecca Borek, Ben Altmaier, Rebecca Keever, and Kanako Matsumoto who made Powerful Change possible! At the event, where Peterson Sullivan was a table sponsor, $417,231 was raised to help children and families in the community. These funds will go directly to support Wellspring Family Services’ work to prevent & end homelessness for families, stop domestic violence and help children succeed.
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Take a look at some photos of the event from Dani Weiss photography.Caspar Babypants dedicated his new song, Happy Heart, to six year old Rena Mateja and Wellspring Family Services.
