MRPR Podcast

Summary

In this podcast episode, Jeffrey Kleckler from Walsh College interviews Cooper Dan and Justin Kemp from MRPR, a midsize CPA firm with 50 years of history. They discuss the firm’s culture, emphasizing work-life balance, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional growth, including CPA assistance. The firm hosts regular social events and engages in community service. MRPR offers paid, part-time internships primarily during tax season and provides pathways for students and graduates to transition into full-time roles. The discussion highlights the supportive environment and diverse career opportunities available at MRPR.

Takeaways

• 😀 MRPR is a midsize CPA firm with offices in Southfield and Saline, Michigan, employing around 50 professional staff members.
• 😀 The firm offers a full range of services, including audits, reviews, tax services, and business advisory, and just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
• 😀 MRPR provides a flexible work environment, including remote work options, with only two required office days per week for staff.
• 😀 Work-life balance is a high priority at MRPR, with a supportive and flexible culture that accommodates employees' personal circumstances.
• 😀 The firm organizes various team-building events, such as monthly appreciation lunches, annual picnics, and outings to Detroit Tigers games.
• 😀 MRPR is heavily involved in community service, participating in initiatives like 'Operation Backpack' and food drives for local charities.
• 😀 Full-time job opportunities are available at MRPR, requiring a bachelor’s degree in accounting, with the preference for candidates pursuing or holding a CPA license.
• 😀 The firm offers CPA assistance, including reimbursement for testing and study supplies, supporting employees working towards their CPA qualification.
• 😀 MRPR's internship program is typically part-time, lasting from January to April during the busy season, providing students exposure to different service lines.
• 😀 Interns at MRPR work 2-3 days a week, allowing them to continue their studies while gaining hands-on experience in areas like tax, accounting services, and audits.
• 😀 Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and a passion for learning are highly valued at MRPR, alongside technical proficiency in accounting.

Q & A

What is MRPR, and what services do they provide?

MRPR is a mid-sized CPA firm with offices in Southfield and Saline, Michigan. They offer a full range of services including audits, reviews, financial statement preparations, business advisory, and consulting. The firm serves both small and large clients with a variety of professional services.

What makes MRPR's company culture unique?

MRPR’s culture is defined by its open-door policy, flexible work schedules, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Employees have the opportunity to collaborate with senior management and partners, not just seniors, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Additionally, the firm values community engagement and hosts several team-building events throughout the year.

What is MRPR’s stance on remote work and work-life balance?

MRPR offers flexible scheduling and remote work capabilities to promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees are required to work in the office only two days a week, and if they need more flexibility, the firm encourages open communication to accommodate individual circumstances.

Can you describe some of the team-building and community events at MRPR?

MRPR organizes several events for employees, including monthly worker appreciation lunches, picnics, holiday parties, an annual Tigers game outing, and volunteer activities like Operation Backpack and food drives. These events help build camaraderie and provide opportunities to give back to the community.

What types of career opportunities are available at MRPR?

MRPR primarily offers full-time career opportunities, including staff and experienced positions. While a bachelor's degree in accounting is required for most roles, candidates seeking their CPA license are highly encouraged but not mandatory. MRPR also offers CPA assistance for employees pursuing certification.

What qualifications are required for positions at MRPR?

For most full-time positions at MRPR, candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting. While pursuing a CPA license is preferred, it is not mandatory. MRPR is open to considering candidates with varying levels of experience, from entry-level to more experienced professionals.

How does MRPR support employees who are pursuing their CPA licenses?

MRPR offers financial support for employees pursuing their CPA licenses, including reimbursement for testing fees and study materials. The firm also provides a supportive environment to help employees balance work responsibilities with their study needs.

What is MRPR’s internship program like?

MRPR offers a paid, part-time internship program during the busy season from January to April. Interns typically work 2-3 days per week, balancing their academic commitments with on-the-job experience in tax, audit, and business advisory services. Successful interns often transition into full-time positions after graduation.

What soft skills does MRPR look for in potential employees and interns?

MRPR values strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively in teams, and a professional demeanor when dealing with clients. A passion for continuous learning and personal development is also essential, as the field of public accounting is always evolving.

How can someone apply for an internship or job at MRPR?

Candidates can apply for positions and internships at MRPR through the firm's career page at mrpr.com, or by attending career fairs at schools like Walsh College. They can also directly submit their resumes to MRPR’s professional staff for consideration.