Cg, a Springline company

Vault’s Verdict

Cg is ideally looking for team players who think analytically, are technically competent, and are looking for a long-term career at the firm. Insiders say if you do accept an offer with the firm, you’ll be exposed to the firm’s welcoming, inclusive, and very collaborative culture, as well as the firm’s management team that genuinely cares about its employees.

In addition, Cg is committed to work-life balance; outside of busy season, employees typically work a standard 40-hour week. Insiders also appreciate summer Fridays, the office closure break between Christmas and New Year’s, unlimited PTO, generous health benefits, and a robust 401(k) plan. On the other hand, tax season can require long weeks, and some employees note that staffing shortages can further increase workloads and stress.

Compensation is viewed as fair by insiders, but generally mid- to lower-tier compared to other public accounting firms. However, insiders see this as a trade-off for fewer hours and a healthier work-life balance. In addition, career development is a clear priority. Cg provides structured promotion roadmaps, mentorship, strong training programs, and exposure to diverse engagements. Leadership also maintains an open-door policy, and strategic planning efforts are communicated transparently. With respect to those plans, Cg insiders say the firm has set high goals for growth and improvement—and is likely to reach them.

EMPLOYEE REVIEWS

Quality of Life

• “The work-life balance at Cg is very good. We have summer Fridays and work a typical 40-hour week outside of busy season. We normally have employees working around 55 hours per week during busy season. However, I feel that we may need to increase hours this year due to being shorthanded.”
• “Management cares about its employees. The office is closed Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s. Unlimited PTO. Good benefits package. Hybrid work environment.”
• “Cg really values work-life balance. We do not work nearly as much as people at other firms. We even have summer Fridays, which gives us off on Fridays from June to August. As with any accounting firm, we work a lot of hours during busy season. However, this is expected at any firm, so this is more of a complaint with the profession, not Cg.”
• “Flexibility and understanding that not everyone can be at work every day from 9 to 5, especially with sickness or family matters; getting the work done effectively and efficiently is more important. But the workload can be greater than the capability of the staff working, which leads to some members carrying more weight. And clients having personal cell numbers can make it difficult to shut off work when you are not supposed to be working.”

Compensation

• “Best aspects: the firm provides incentives for bringing on clients via paid commissions; employee referral bonuses; hybrid work environment; summer Fridays; extending Christmas and New Year’s holiday break.
• “In my experience, the firm has been very generous with base compensation and benefits. However, I feel that when it comes to bonuses, the firm can be more transparent with respect to how the bonus amount is determined or what can be done in the future to increase the amount of the bonus.”
• “I believe our firm pays on the mid to lower end compared to other public accounting firms. However, I do think the health benefits are generous as we pay $0 out of pocket for medical. I also think we have a generous 401(k) plan.”
• “I do believe Cg could be more competitive with its salaries. However, we also do not work as much since Cg values work-life balance. So, there is a trade-off.”

Career Development

• “The firm has come out with a pathways to success document that shows what is expected of staff at each level within the firm and also shows what is needed in order for promotion. The firm offers extensive mentorship and guidance for staff in order to achieve their personal and professional goals.”
• “You gain exposure to different kinds of engagements such as nonprofits, nonpublic audits, 401(k), etc.”
• “Cg has a great training program. They also have an open-door policy that allows any level position to talk directly with a partner. The only negative I would have to say is that I wish there were more check-ins than once a year.”
• “My firm has detailed instruction manuals about some areas of our work, but for others there is little to no documentation, which means you have to try to get time with a more experienced team member for training. Team members are always more than willing to help, though. The firm also has detailed roadmaps to career success so that staff knows what is expected of them in order to be considered for promotions.”

Community Engagement

• “The firm is very inclusive in its hiring, training, and mentoring policies and practices. All are welcome and given equal training and advancement opportunities.”
• “They are very inclusive. I am Hispanic and they do not discriminate. They hire many different groups here.”
• “The firm has a good mix of individuals of all races, genders, and those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I feel that all individuals have a fair and equitable chance of reaching their career goals at Cg. I don't feel that any discrimination when it comes to work/recognition has taken place at Cg.”
• “The firm has an Equality, Equity and Inclusion Committee that tries to include different things about individuals cultures and backgrounds. There is a firm policy that you can take a floating holiday for a holiday that is not observed at the firm. Likely there is more that we could do to improve, but I do believe that the firm is making efforts to promote inclusion.”

Business Outlook

• “The firm is very transparent in the growth and direction it sees the firm going and involving everyone in the process of reaching its goals.”:
• “The firm's leadership is very strong and filled with knowledgeable individuals who are always willing to help staff. Each leader wants to improve the firm and has a clear goal to help staff become successful as well.”
• “The firm put together a strategic plan last year and included managers and above in the planning discussions. There have been regular communications about how the firm is tracking compared to plan and growth targets.”

• “The firm has set high goals for growth and improvement. I’m not privy to many of the discussions regarding these goals, but based on my observations, it is very likely that they will all be met.”

Intern Experience

• “You get to do the same level work as the staff. You do not go on coffee runs or get lunch orders. I have no complaints of the intern process.”
• “Best: Flexibility with work schedule changes and willingness of staff to help me learn. Worst: Travel and commute.”
• “I learned a lot as an intern. They offer rotations in each department to see what you are comfortable with and what you may like. It allowed me to see that I truly enjoyed audit. They are very inclusive and a great company with summer Fridays and work-life balance.

Hiring Process

• “Interview and call back process was quick and simple. I interviewed and two days later they responded with an offer. The ideal candidate currently is someone with experience in niche areas for higher level positions, and work ethic, communication, and willingness to learn in lower-level positions.”
• “We let candidates know within one to three days if they are moving on to the next round. Our ideal candidate is someone that thinks analytically and is looking for a long-term career at Cg. We want a team player that is technically competent but also works well with others.”
• “HR is quick to respond, especially after a successful interview. Interviews are done by various team members, and normally interviewees have two to three interviews depending on the job level they are being hired for.”
• “We have an extensive interview process in which candidates meet with HR, then senior employees, then finally partners. An ideal candidate would be someone with some level of experience and also someone who has their CPA license or has a plan in place to study for the exam.”

Interview Questions 

• “Where do you see yourself in three to five years? What is most important to you in selecting your next role? What do you like to do when you are not working?”
• “Have you had any experience in this role before? Where did you go to school? What are your interest/hobbies? Do you plan to take the CPA?
• “What would your co-workers say about you? Where would you like to be in your career three years from today?”
• “What have you learned in your recent classes (based on resume). What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”

UPPERS

• “Great team—everyone is kind and pitches in and helps each other out when needed”
• “An understanding management team that really cares about its employees.”
• “Work-life balance—summer Fridays, unlimited PTO, hybrid work environment.”

DOWNERS

• “Tax season.”
• “Stress, deadlines.”
• “Pay is on the low side.”