Training is the foundation of our success and the primary reason why our people are so valuable. Early on, our newest hires are assigned to engagements and supervised by professionals, who walk them through the audit and client service process. While we believe that the most valuable learning is gained with hands-on experience, we also focus on continuing education through a diligent training program that includes both internal and external instruction.

Transitional Learning
Our training is tailored to assist new hires in achieving a solid background of accounting and investment company expertise from the first day on the job. We understand that there is a learning curve between school and the office. While college coursework is a critical foundation for your new career, not all of it has direct application in the workplace. We start by training you on our leading technology, including our paperless tax and audit preparation and filing systems; client relationship management system; and award-winning, internet-based performance management system. We then spend several months providing individual on-the-job training, which reinforces general audit concepts and provides you with the building blocks to develop an expertise in the investment company industry.

Ongoing Training Program
We supplement on-the-job-training with an ongoing technical training program. This program focuses on technical development and other growth areas that will aid you as you progress in your career. Newer hires are provided with weekly, one-hour courses throughout the summer; while seniors and managers participate in a handful of half-day and full-day sessions throughout the year. These more advanced sessions are designed to increase your auditing and tax depth and to enhance your professional skills in the areas of managing client relationships and business development.

Annual Fall Training
This off-site, three-day fall retreat is offered to the entire firm by our related company, Cohen & Company, Ltd. The training includes technical, business and personal development programs. Each level and area within the firm has its own curriculum that is tailored toward its particular needs. We share ideas and knowledge among offices, and it’s a great way to build camaraderie with others in the firm.

Specialized Industry Knowledge
Recognizing the vast amount of knowledge that exists outside of our own front door, we also make an investment in external education. Our seniors are encouraged to participate in industry-wide webinars and to utilize other e-learning opportunities to build their technical depth. Managers and partners remain visible in the industry by attending conferences that cater to individuals who service investment companies.

Monthly Staff Meetings
Once a month, a staff meeting is held to discuss management, department and firm-wide issues, as well as technical updates. Process improvement also is addressed. These staff meetings serve as a unique, interactive learning forum and allow us to keep our staff apprised of the practice’s direction and progress on a regular basis.

Ongoing Support/Mentoring
The support you will receive starts from day one. In your first days at Cohen Fund Audit Services, we help ease the anxiety by pairing you with a “buddy” at the office. The program is designed to help new employees feel comfortable in our environment as quickly as possible. After an initial period of time, staff members choose a formal mentor to counsel them on career paths and any other issues.

Professional Challenge and Growth
Our firm has enjoyed a steady growth rate and provides a wide variety of assignments to continually challenge our staff. You will have immediate client contact and, because the size of our clients varies, we often are able to place staff members in charge of smaller clients within months of graduation. At our firm, you will be debating theory and be involved in accounting, auditing and tax decisions very early in your career.

Because of our flexible and dynamic organization, staff at all levels also are involved in most policy decisions; and non-partners hold key positions in the firm and in practice development.