YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Cohen & Company added to its team and expanded its technology in 2022.
The firm’s Youngstown office saw significant growth of 30% in 2022 and added 12 full-time employees, says Lisa Metzinger, assurance partner and Youngstown office geographic leader. The firm hired employees in niche areas such as accounting advisory, information technology and investment company services.
Cohen expanded its data intelligence services team to help drive internal efficiency across the firm. The team primarily applies data analysis and automation skills to everyday compliance tasks, such as workpaper preparation, data conversions and tax efficiency projects, Metzinger says.
In addition to expanding its team, the firm evolved its approach to retain its current talent. It embraced a hybrid work model and launched an advisory council composed of individuals representing all levels and locations within the firm, including Youngstown. The 27-person council is tasked with finding new ways to drive strategy and emphasize internal engagement, technical expertise, community advocacy and client service.
The firm also continued its partnership with Youngstown State University and the community.
In 2022, 12 of the 15 interns at the Youngstown office came from YSU. The firm hosted a virtual leadership day to educate YSU students about the accounting industry and interviewed them for open opportunities. It also participated in the annual Accounting Student/Practitioner Day at YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration.
Employees volunteered with organizations such as the Rich Center for Autism, Our Community Kitchen and United Way and participated in the 2022 YOlympics, a fundraiser benefiting Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County.
“Youngstown is an important market to us and we look forward to continuing our investment here for many years to come,” Metzinger says.