Vault’s Verdict

CBIZ is ideally looking for hardworking, driven, personable, collaborative candidates with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. For students, the firm runs a rewarding internship program. Interns get real-world experience and many opportunities to network with other interns and full-time staff. Meanwhile, career development for full-time staff is extensive and includes technical and soft skill training, mentoring, and clear promotion paths.

Hours are typically long during the busy season, but outside that time a healthy work/life balance can be achieved. Compensation and benefits are competitive, if not average for the industry. Benefits include a variety of health insurance options tailored to employees’ needs, a generous 401(k) match, and an employee stock purchase plan. There are many wellness benefits, such as an outdoor hiking club, an onsite gym, an on-site cafeteria with healthy options, and fitness reimbursements in some locations. 

CBIZ is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion and has created a safe workplace for all. It has various Employee Resource Groups that foster a sense of belonging and community among team members, and there are several related trainings. As for the firm’s business outlook, it is very bright. The recent, transformative acquisition of Marcum created the seventh-largest CPA firm in the U.S., and team members are excited and have a lot of confidence in leadership to continue to steer the firm in the right direction.

EMPLOYEE REVIEWS

Hiring Process

“The firm offers both in-person and virtual interviews, providing flexibility for candidates to engage with recruiters and hiring managers in a way that best suits their needs. CBIZ values a thorough yet streamlined approach, ensuring that candidates experience a welcoming and efficient process while exploring opportunities within the firm. The ideal candidate for CBIZ’s audit and advisory services is a highly motivated professional with strong technical accounting skills, a keen analytical mindset, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service. They should possess excellent communication abilities, the ability to work in dynamic team environments, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. CBIZ seeks individuals who are eager to grow within the firm, embrace professional development opportunities, and contribute to its collaborative and client-focused culture.”

“Interview was very easy and laid-back; callback was quick. Ideal candidate would most likely be someone who pays attention to detail, has great communication skills, and is proactive.”

“Interview process was simple and straightforward; communication with recruiters was efficient. They are looking for someone who is personable, driven, and collaborative.”

“Interview and callback process included a Zoom and in-person interview discussing day-to-day operations and project overflow. Callback process was quick, concise, and efficient on all ends. Candidates should possess strong accounting skills and the ability to juggle multiple clients.”

Interview Questions

“What do you believe are some qualities an accountant should have? Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Name a challenge or difficult situation that you had to overcome.”

“What is the number one attribute about yourself that I should know (as it relates to your employment by our firm)? What concerns do you have about being employed by our firm?”

“Outside of school, what are some of your hobbies? What are your education plans post-graduation? Estimated time until earned accreditation like CPA or CFA.”

“Discuss your greatest accomplishment and a time you received constructive feedback. Tell me about a group project you did in school and how you managed an underperforming group member.

Intern Experience

“The best aspect of my internship was the ability to prepare multiple types of returns while also having plenty of time to get my education, study for exams, and even have some personal time. They never overwhelmed me with work and made sure that I worked on any returns that I wanted to.”

“The best part about the internship experience was getting practical work related to tax. I was working on preparing small returns and components of larger returns. There was also a lot of flexibility allowing me to work part-time when needed to prioritize school. On the downside, a lack of training with a mock return made it more nerve wracking to start on a client's return straight out the gate.”

“The best parts of the internship were 1) getting exposure to the different areas of public accounting (tax and audit) to help us make a decision about which business line we would like to pursue and 2) the camaraderie among the interns and between the interns and lower and upper-level staff.”

“Great, hands-on, real-world experience and a solid understanding of what it would look like to work in the profession longer term.”

Career Development

“CBIZ’s career development opportunities are truly exceptional, with industry-leading annual level trainings that provide professionals with the technical expertise and leadership skills needed to excel at every stage of their careers. Their Emerging Managing Director Academy stands out as a transformative program, equipping future leaders with the strategic insight and mentorship necessary to drive long-term success. This commitment to growth and development not only strengthens individuals but also elevates the entire firm’s culture of excellence."

“They provide a great deal of career development. When I started as an intern, they assigned me a ‘buddy’ to help teach me the tax return preparation and policies of the firm. When I became full-time staff, I was able to select a career counselor. This career counselor helps set me up with goals to achieve not just for the firm but also my potential future.

“The best aspects are being rewarded for your hard work, the ability to be entrepreneurial, and the independence in crafting your path. There is plenty of room for growth, but you need to be your own advocate. You need to let senior management know that you are interested in growing and promoting.”

“If you show the right attitude and are committed to self-development it is easy to get face time with managers and partners and advocate for yourself. I have held four titles in a three-year period, Intern, Associate I, II, and Senior Associate. Everyone who has been here over two years has been promoted at least once.”

Quality of Life

"Work can be overwhelming during busy season depending on your deadlines (work can pile up). Outside of season, though, there are typically fewer internal deadlines, giving you more time to complete certain tasks, which ultimately reduces the stress load."

"Great PTO and sick leave programs. You're very encouraged to use all your time once busy season is over in order to relax and spend time with family and loved ones. However, busy season is busy, and it's an 'all hands-on deck' mentality. It's not horrible but be aware of the nature of the business: 55+ hour weeks from January to April."

“Best part is the flexibility (outside of busy season) to be able to maintain a positive work/life balance. Worst part of the overall quality of life is the emphasis on time tracking and time entry.”

“During the non-busy times, it is fairly easy to work reasonable hours. However, at certain times of the year working 65-75 hours is required due to client demands, which can be exhausting.”

Salary and Benefits

“Salary is on par with other public accounting firms in the area—higher than most of the smaller firms and some of the larger firms, but also not as high as other large firms. Benefits are standard, though health insurance costs seem higher than what I’ve experienced at previous firms with not much added benefit. 401(k) match is industry standard, maxing at 3 percent if you contribute 6 percent. There are some miscellaneous benefits programs to take advantage of, and there are some benefits that I wish we had. Vacation accrual is low for the industry, and increased vacation time is tied to tenure with the firm, rather than position.”

“Salary is fine but not great—it’s on par with what other folks I know are making. Benefits such as free breakfast on Tuesdays and free lunch on Wednesdays are great, as are free busy season meals and unlimited remote work time.”

"Salary is generous (the cost of living right now is just through the roof). Medical benefits could be better, but overall, they're adequate. HDHP is available so the HSA is a major plus., 401(k) plan is okay; it is very nice that there is an employer match. And the perks are great (i.e., pet insurance, meals during busy season, teladoc services, even therapy."

“CBIZ offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a variety of health insurance options tailored to employees’ needs, a generous 401(k) match, and an employee stock purchase plan that provides a valuable opportunity for long-term financial growth.”

Wellness Efforts

“We have an online Wellness program. Just engaging in these initiatives rewards you with insurance benefits. We have an employee-available gym. And we have in-office wellness programs, such as free healthy morning food being offered once a week."

“Depends on the office, but healthy food options are brought in regularly versus fast food. Online resources are there for employees in need."

“The firm sponsors local 5Ks, encourages employees to participate in a busy season step challenge organized by the MA Society of CPAs, offers lunches during busy season. The firm also supports individual wellness spending by subsidizing a portion of such wellness spending (e.g., fitness equipment or classes).”

“CBIZ provides an Employee Assistance Program, offering short-term counseling to help employees manage challenges at home and in the workplace. The firm also publishes the monthly ‘Wellbeing Insights’ eMagazine, which offers practical tips and resources on topics such as mental health, nutrition, and work/life balance.”

Community Engagement

“CBIZ demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion through its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), notably the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) ERG, which fosters a sense of belonging and community among team members. CBIZ has implemented a national Green Team to develop practical and actionable solutions supporting sustainable environments within its local offices. The company values reducing its environmental footprint, efficiently using resources to reduce waste, and making green choices.

“Great trainings and a safe workplace. Many programs to give back and allow all employees to take part in, such as donating gifts during the holiday season (toys for tots), donating clothes, and even our annual day of service where (if you choose to participate) for one day you’re dispatched to a local food drive to give back and serve/help out for a day.”

“Locally, we see a lot more women rising up into leadership positions, but it is still a challenge for working mothers as they struggle to accommodate the workload expected in this field with motherhood and actively participating in their children's lives. There still aren’t a lot of women in senior leadership positions locally. The firm has made progress for LGBTQ+ individuals and race and ethnicity, but more can always be done. The firm supports community involvement by allowing (and encouraging) up to 8 hours of community service for each employee each year.”

“I’m part of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) employee resource group. The group is amazing, providing support and camaraderie to people of the group as well as allies. There are also many cultural holidays/months celebrated throughout the year and a highly encouraged philanthropic days for employees.”

Business Outlook

“The merger with Marcum is providing the firm with additional expertise that complements our existing expertise very well, and the synergies are expected to help us drive a growth in revenue. Staffing and the need for local talent remains a challenge.”

“CBIZ’s acquisition of Marcum LLP marks a transformative milestone, positioning the firm as the seventh-largest accounting services provider in the U.S. The integration of Marcum’s expertise and resources not only accelerates CBIZ’s growth trajectory but also solidifies its standing as an acquirer of choice in the professional services sector. As a result, CBIZ is well-equipped to drive sustainable, long-term excellence for its clients and stakeholders. The acquisition has been seen in a positive light from our office, increasing employee morale around the excitement of these future growth opportunities.”

“We continue to grow in size. We are coming off a large acquisition of another top firm in 2024. Demand is high, and business growth is strong. Due to strong and positive company culture, employee morale is high. However, it is a very competitive landscape. And clients themselves are competitive as they often think about switching accountants and firms if any mistakes arise or if they are upset with the price. So, due to competitive landscape, it can be a stressful job and stressful to keep clients happy.”

“Business looks strong. We are the largest professional service provider to middle market businesses and have a strong leadership group who guide us in the right direction. They are open to speaking with lower-level employees and their doors are almost always open.”