If you’re an accountant who is not familiar with Rita Keller, well, you should be. Rita is one of the most respected consultants to the CPA profession, with a keen sense of what CPA firms are facing nationwide with internal management, operational and partner issues. A facilitator and prominent speaker, Rita has the chops. She’s widely known for her leadership, presentation and implementation skills and her passion for CPA firm management. She’s also one of the nicest people you’ll meet.

During a recent meeting with Rita, we discussed a wide variety of issues that firms and public accountants are facing these days. In a three-part series of posts, we’ll touch on some of those points.

Young accountants. Rita’s no longer in her 20’s, so what the heck does she know about young accountants? Plenty, let me tell ‘ya.

Let’s start with interns. Rita advises all interns to make sure that they get business cards and then hand them out liberally. Sounds old school? Maybe, but there’s an underlying theme in Rita’s sage advice to young professionals and that is to take the initiative and grab the bull by the horns!

If you’re a young accountant at a firm, Rita’s going to tell you, “If your schedule’s not full, worry!”  Meaning, don’t be afraid to go to a partner, stop by their office, make yourself known (but not be a pest)…and speak up. States Rita, “Most partners want to talk with you. Ask for work even if you’re swamped and don’t be shy. Ask questions, have broad shoulders and be personable.”

Delegating upward is also important for young accountants. It’s a skill that Rita says is underrated and undeveloped for so many young accountants, but is an ability that partners and senior managers respect and recognize.

Rita is impressed with the work ethic of today’s young professionals, but she stresses, “Do not send work back to your manager and then go hide out! Also, ask to go along to marketing events, mixers and Chamber meetings. Most partners will look upon this very positively and will hold you in higher regard for taking the initiative.”