When I think about my journey in accounting, it’s clear that working for a mid-sized, local CPA firm like Veris has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. From my early days at a mid-sized firm in Washington, D.C., to seven years at a small firm in Summerville, South Carolina, to my current role at Veris, every experience has reinforced my belief in the value of mid-sized CPA firms—not just for accountants but for clients too.
If you’re a professional considering your career path or a business owner evaluating accounting partners, let me share why small to mid-sized, local CPA firms stand out as a choice that fosters growth, collaboration, and meaningful results.
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Broad Expertise for Professionals and Clients
As an accountant, I’ve valued the chance to work on a variety of services at Veris. My career began in audit, focusing on construction and real estate accounting at a mid-sized firm. Moving to Summerville, I expanded into business and individual tax preparation, advisory services, client accounting services, and bookkeeping. At Veris, I combine all these skills, working across industries and providing tailored solutions for each client.
For clients, this breadth of experience means they get a partner who understands multiple aspects of their financial picture. Unlike larger firms, where specialists often handle narrow segments of a client’s needs, Veris offers a holistic approach. Whether it’s tax planning, financial forecasting, audit and attest needs, or bookkeeping, we see the big picture and ensure all the pieces fit together.
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Personalized Service and Relationships
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career at Veris is the personal connections I build with clients. At larger firms, clients often feel like just another account number, passed between departments or handled by junior staff.
At Veris, our clients work directly with experienced professionals. I meet regularly with business owners, real estate developers, and nonprofit leaders, learning about their goals and tailoring strategies to their unique situations. These relationships foster trust and collaboration, making it easier to navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.
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Faster Turnaround and Proactive Advice
At Veris, we pride ourselves on being nimble and responsive.
Clients appreciate that when they call or email, they’re speaking with someone who knows their account intimately and can act quickly. This agility allows us to provide proactive advice—whether it’s adjusting a tax strategy mid-year or helping a client respond to changing market conditions.
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Customized Solutions, Not Cookie-Cutter Services
Larger firms often rely on standardized processes, which can lead to a one-size-fits-all approach. While these methods might work for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and individuals need flexibility.
At Veris, we specialize in tailoring solutions to meet our clients’ specific needs. For example, my background in construction and real estate accounting allows me to craft targeted strategies for contractors and developers. For clients in other industries, we leverage the diverse expertise across our team to provide equally customized advice.
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Opportunities to Innovate for Professionals and Clients
One of the reasons I love working at Veris is the freedom to innovate. Whether it’s implementing new technology for client accounting services or suggesting creative tax strategies, I’m encouraged to think outside the box.
For clients, this means they’re not stuck with outdated methods or generic advice. Instead, they benefit from modern tools and forward-thinking approaches that save time, reduce costs, and enhance profitability.
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Community-Focused Service
At Veris, we’re deeply connected to our community. Having spent seven years working with businesses in the Charleston area, I’ve seen firsthand how small to mid-sized, local firms can make a big difference.
For clients, this local connection means we understand the challenges and opportunities unique to their industries and regions. We’re invested in their success because it directly impacts the community we share. Larger firms, by contrast, often lack this local focus, treating clients as part of a national portfolio rather than neighbors and partners.
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Cost-Effective Expertise
For many clients, one of the biggest advantages of working with a small to mid-sized, local CPA firm like Veris is cost-effectiveness. Larger firms come with higher overhead costs, and those expenses often get passed down to clients in the form of higher fees with less personal interaction and adaptation.
At Veris, we deliver the same high-quality expertise with a more exhaustive personalization of services for every client’s unique situation. This allows our clients to access personalized, professional services at a cost that makes sense for their budget—especially important for small businesses and nonprofits.
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Work-Life Balance for Professionals—and Better Outcomes for Clients
From a career perspective, the flexibility at Veris has been a game-changer. I’ve found a supportive environment that allows me to deliver my best work without sacrificing my personal life.
For clients, this balance translates into better service. At larger firms, overworked staff often leads to mistakes, miscommunication, or delays. At Veris, our team is energized and focused, ensuring we deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Final Thoughts: Why Small to Mid-sized, local CPA Firms Make a Big Difference
For me, working at Veris has been the most fulfilling chapter of my career, allowing me to combine technical expertise, meaningful client relationships, and innovative thinking. For clients, small to mid-sized, local CPA firms like Veris offer unparalleled benefits: personalized service, faster turnaround, cost-effective solutions, and a team that’s deeply invested in their success.
Whether you’re an aspiring accountant or a business owner looking for financial guidance, consider the advantages of a small to mid-sized, local firm. At Veris, we’re one of the largest local CPA firms, but we still hold ourself out to be a firm that provides big firm fire power, with small firm values when matched up against a bigger, national or regional firm. We’re proof that sometimes, smaller is better—for professionals, for clients, and for the communities we serve.