Cohen & Company Cares About Employees, Community
Editor’s Note: Cohen & Company takes the prize for having the most employees nominate their employer. The accounting firm is based in Cleveland and operates a rapidly growing office in Youngstown. It also is one of the headline sponsors of Great Places to Work.
Submitted by Jessica Foster, Senior Manager
Cohen & Company
201 E Commerce St., Youngstown Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – When I first interviewed with Cohen, I loved the fact that I could service sophisticated clients throughout the country while living in my hometown and earn a competitive wage (one more common with “bigger” cities) while doing it.
Working at a public accounting firm with an excellent reputation within the industry was important, but not as important as all the intangibles offered by Cohen that I now consider the reasons that I stay in public accounting, a field with high burnout and turnover.
As a former teacher, community impact has always been a personal priority. I had not imagined that I would be able to make a greater impact through working at Cohen than in my teaching career. Through board service, volunteer opportunities, projects large and small, Cohen partners with nonprofits throughout the [region] and the country to give back.
Being able to work from home (or the car or anywhere) allows me the flexibility to not miss out on life. Accountants’ deadlines are notoriously miserable but because of the flexibility to work from anywhere, I do not have to miss out on the life events that fall during tax season.
While these things contribute to why I love my job, nothing parallels the people…You know that what you have is something special when you choose to spend your free time with your co-workers.
Here’s what others say:
Lisa Metzinger, Partner: Cohen & Company has adapted to a hybrid work environment. The firm allows the flexibility to work from home a few days a week and be present in the office with coworkers to enjoy time together and achieve a healthy work/life balance even during the busiest times of the year. Our location in downtown Youngstown has helped to maintain an amazing relationship with Youngstown State University but also helps us to be active members of the revitalization of downtown. Cohen employees enjoy a “dress for your day” dress code, regular firm-provided meals and events, and compensation that allows for a good quality of life in the Valley. A committee has been formed to encourage and provide opportunities for community service and volunteerism throughout numerous nonprofit organizations. Employees are loyal and treated as equal team members, which has enabled us to double our headcount over the last eight months.
Serena Taylor, Administrative Assistant: The work life balance and flexibility of this company is amazing. I have never worked for a company that has been so understanding, and willing, to work with you and your personal life situation(s).
Milos Mijajlovic, Data Specialist: In regard to the public accounting industry, this firm is very different. We still work the crazy hours like the industry does around deadlines. But [the firm puts] so much effort into making tax and audit season as less painful as possible.
Matthew Tomko, Senior Accountant: Cohen & Company is a great place to work because the firm provides us with opportunities to learn, grow and specialize in various industry and technical areas.
Melissa Pauloski, Manager: This is a firm that truly cares about its employees. Flexibility with a hybrid work environment helps to create a work/life balance for each individual. … I’ve also made some of the best friendships while working at Cohen, people who have seen me through the highs and lows that life brings and I wouldn’t know what to do without them.
David Pecchia, Manager: Professionals who work at the Youngstown office are very helpful, kind and humble. And they are very smart, too… It’s a fun place to work and a great way to make a living.
John Stoops, Senior Accountant: Culture, culture, culture. Cohen & Company offers a unique culture with a flexible work environment. Our people go above and beyond to help our clients and to build relationships with our staff. It is a fast-paced learning environment with great pay and benefits.
Erica Moran, Senior Marketing Specialist: From leadership to staff, everyone knows your name and treats you with kindness, respect and appreciation. Leadership truly cares about your growth as an individual and professional. The open-door policy allows you to bring ideas to the top and be heard as if we all have a seat at the table.
Others offering testimonials are William Pletcher, senior manager; Jackie Podolsky, manager; Jill Campbell, bookkeeper; and interns Stone Elias and Stephanie Dickson.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
