Vault’s Verdict

Grassi is ideally searching for candidates who are eager to learn, hardworking, organized, authentic, professional, and innovative, with strong communication skills and an interest in growing with the firm. The firm’s internships provide good learning and networking opportunities, preparing interns well for full-time roles. Grassi also provides many learning and growth opportunities for its full-time staff, including clear promotion paths, the ability to work alongside and learn from senior staff and managers, and a meritocratic culture.

Although busy season typically means long hours, Grassi is dedicated to ensuring staff have work/life balance outside of that time. The firm offers flexible schedules and a strong understanding of outside commitments. According to insiders, the one drawback is that it can be hard to fully disconnect while on PTO. Meanwhile, salaries, benefits, and wellness offerings are in line with the industry average, and insiders very much appreciate that Grassi implemented an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan).

Grassi aims to cultivate an inclusive culture and is focused on diversity. The firm is also focused on giving back to its local communities—it partners with charities and gives employees time off to participate in volunteer activities via the Grassi Gives Back initiative. As for Grassi’s business outlook, the firm is growing by more than 10 percent a year, and insiders rave about the fact that it’s an ESOP, meaning it will stay independent and is not pursuing PE investments adopted by many other accounting firms.

EMPLOYEE REVIEWS

Hiring Process

“I had one interview with three different individuals, each for a half hour—a partner, senior manager, and HR representative. I received a call back the same day with a job offer. I believe the ideal candidate is someone who is willing to learn, teachable, and embraces the company culture.”

“Multi-step interview process, and callbacks on interesting candidates. Ideal candidate is hardworking, communicates well, smart and interested/experienced in our niche industries.”

“The interview process was easy, and everyone I spoke with was very helpful. We are looking for a hardworking person who is looking to grow with the firm.”

“Conversational-based interviews, and generally two or three rounds. Looking for extremely organized, authentic, and professional candidates.”

Interview Questions

“Questions regarding what candidates are looking for and the objectives they want to achieve are a major focus.”

“The firm’s approach is to typically get a good feel for the work performed/experience in the past. No technical questions are asked, as the firm would rather get to know the person rather than their technical knowledge, which can always be improved.”

“Why did you choose accounting/tax/audit?”

“Tell me about yourself. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?”

Internship Experience

“Lots of exposure and learning. Provided great context for university classes.”

“Great networking opportunities. But I interned during the slow time during the year when there was not much work to be done.”

“Prepared me extremely well for a full-time role. I feel very comfortable in my new role because of the positive intern experience.”

“The internship helped me get familiar with various programs Grassi uses, so that when I started full time I wasn’t walking in completely unaware.”

Career Development

“I think the firm does a great job of exposing each level of employees to high level tasks to get a feel for how they could perform at the next level. I am very satisfied with the promotion process, as you really need to earn your promotion rather than being promoted with the group of people you started with (this is unlike another public accounting firm I used to work at).”

“They offer a structured career path from associate through partner. Additionally, the culture is one that encourages growth and teaching.”

“My experience with Grassi regarding my overall career development has been tremendous. The partners at Grassi truly care about their staff and want them to grow. They recognize top performers and act accordingly. They also want and encourage feedback on how the firm can do better. I feel that Grassi is a true meritocracy.”

“Staff levels from intern through director all have the opportunity to work with the partners and understand the thought process behind tax strategies being implemented and can get involved in client development.”

Quality of Life

“The firm is definitely dedicated to helping out with work/life balance for big events, life milestones, and other items of that nature. Of course, there are some restrictions for when time can be taken off based on your role and deadlines, but that is just the nature of the industry. If you need time off for something during this timeframe, though, the firm is very helpful with making things work.”

“Obviously, busy season isn’t great, but it’s much better than at previous firms I have been at. The firm is very understanding of personal/family time and has no issue with leaving the office a little early and logging back on to work in the evening (all within reason of course).”

“A lot of PTO time allowed, reasonable busy-season expectations, flexible working schedule, flexible dress policy, meals provided during busy times. However, PTO usually has to revolve around non-busier times, even after busy season, and when you’re off, there are so many emails that come through internally and externally that it’s hard to mentally relax.”

“They are very supportive of major life events and allow a wide range of flexibility based on your own level and ability to complete the work timely. Post-Covid, there seems to be no ‘off’ period in which you can’t be contacted via teams. I’ll get random messages/requests at all hours of the night.”

Salary and Benefits

“I think our salary and benefits are within the industry average. I feel like am currently getting paid my fair market rate.”

“I think the firm could definitely be more competitive with salary, knowing what the market rate is for similar positions. As far as benefits, I think there could be many improvements.”

“ESOP benefit is going to be great but will take time to accumulate. 401(k) plan and meals are all great. Regarding medical insurance, we are constantly switching providers, which is a logistical pain administratively and current plan does not seem to cover as much.”

“Salary is competitive, and I appreciate the PTO and the 401(k). But the insurance deductibles/out-of-pocket maximums are too high unless you opt for the unaffordable low-deductible plan.”

Wellness Efforts

“There are always healthy snack options, and they have fun games to keep up morale during busy season. They send out emails on techniques to reduce stress and have better time management.”

“We have access to mental health care and the Calm app, but I don't know many people who use it. I'd love to see a gym reimbursement program.”

“They offer Zoom health seminars we can attend, and the health insurance plan gives a small discount on gym memberships, but the real body killer is the hours spent at the computer each week, particularly during tax season. 55 hours a week at the computer is rough.”

“The leadership works with employees to enable them to prioritize wellness. At Grassi, employees are generally treated as family and the company does everything it can to help employees address wellness or other family matters.”

Community Engagement

“The company is extremely supportive of charities and supporting charities that employees want to support. They provide a day to each employee to spend supporting the charity of their choice. Green initiatives are average. We are paperless and recycle.”

“Grassi Gives Back is a great community initiative that allows us to select which charitable organizations we give back to.”

“Always promoting diversity. Very friendly policies for diverse individuals.” 

“The firm promotes charity work, has partnered with a number of charities, and gives employees time off to participate in charitable activities. I think the firm is great with diversity, and I have never seen any issues arise. Very satisfied with this area.”

Business Outlook

“Grassi has recently become an ESOP. This bodes well for future growth and demonstrates outstanding firm leadership. The firm has moved away from the PE model adopted by many top U.S. firms (PE is ruining a ton of reputations).”

“We are growing by more than 10 percent a year, and now that we’re an ESOP, we can stay independent into the future.”

“In staying independent, we have positioned ourselves very well in the market to continue to capitalize on other firms’ lack of service, staffing, and expertise. This gives us a competitive advantage, as does our firm’s entrepreneurial approach. On the downside, I do feel we're behind on the technology and program/process investment side. In addition, we’ve had a lot of tax department losses in the last 12 months in key positions. Both of these things could make it more difficult to support the growth we expect.”

“The firm has grown rapidly in the fast few years and continues to grow at a rapid pace. The firm has a strong tone at the top. No weaknesses to mention.”