I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Hartley, Partner in Charge at Anders CPAs and Advisors, on Podcast Episode #72. Our conversation took me on a journey through Dave’s unique career path—a blend of traditional accounting and cutting-edge technology—and left me with actionable insights that I’m excited to share.
A Journey of Unexpected Turns
Dave’s career story is one of adaptability and resilience. Initially, he had dreams of being a pilot, but a wise friend redirected him to accounting—a field where, as he said, “you need to study accounting because you will always have a job if you’re an accountant or a CPA.” His experience began at Ernst & Young, where he embraced the world of audit. According to Dave, “there’s no better place to start your career” than in audit, as every assignment brought new teams, new challenges, and new learning opportunities.
Embracing Remote Work and Building Relationships
One highlight of our discussion was the challenges and rewards of remote work. Dave shared how at Anders, his team of 60 gathers every Monday morning for a virtual meeting. This daily ritual isn’t just about updates—it’s a chance to connect personally. The meeting includes:
- Team Announcements: Celebrating personal milestones.
- Weekly Topics: From favorite superheroes to humorous anecdotes.
- In-Person Retreats: Biannual gatherings that foster deep relationships.
He emphasized, “if you’re starting your career as a remote employee, the last thing you want is to work 40 hours on your own.” Instead, he advised finding an organization that invests in regular, meaningful interactions. For those embracing remote roles, a proactive approach is key. When I started my remote position, I scheduled a brief introductory meeting with colleagues, which immediately made a positive impression. As Dave noted, “just because I’m a remote employee does not mean I just want to sit here and not engage with anybody else.”
Key Lessons from Diverse Experiences
Dave’s story also covers the highs and lows of transitioning from public accounting to industry. He shared his time at Arthur Anderson—a firm with a storied past—and the unexpected challenges that came with its collapse. His experience taught him that, “bad things are going to happen to you. The question is, how do you respond?” This wisdom translates into three actionable strategies for any accounting professional:
- Embrace Learning: Whether in audit or tech consulting, continually build your skillset.
- Take Calculated Risks: Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone. As Dave advised, “raise your hand and say, I’ll go do that.”
- Cultivate Relationships: Invest time in personal connections; they are the backbone of your professional success.
Actionable Advice for Navigating Your Career
Reflecting on our conversation, I gathered several practical tips:
- For Remote Workers: Proactively introduce yourself and schedule regular check-ins.
- For Career Changers: Don’t be afraid to pivot; every challenge is a learning opportunity.
- For Networkers: Remember that early relationships in your career can last a lifetime.
Dave’s blend of technical expertise and personal resilience is a reminder that success in accounting is not just about crunching numbers—it’s about growth, communication, and adaptability.
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