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Q & A with Steve:
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for up-and-coming accountants?
I would have to say that the biggest misconception is you could have about this career is probably that it's ALL about numbers. Being a good CPA is really just as much about communication. If you can’'t establish and deliver on the client'’s expectations, then no matter how great your work is, your efforts will be far less meaningful to the client.
It’s also important to remember that in the beginning of your career, your most important “client” will most likely be the firm you are working for, so always have a clear understanding about their expectations of your work and never be satisfied with your performance. Always look for ways to improve firm processes and work flows to add value to your most important client.
Q: What's the toughest business challenge you have ever faced?
Managing growth. First, in order to appreciate growth we had to earn it. We also found that sustainable growth can’t be reactive in nature because we would not be able to deliver consistent, reliable services. We must always envision, plan and then implement our growth strategies based on the team'’s ability to support new business.
So, I would have to say finding that delicate balance between leveraging the team’s resources without taxing our capabilities while we expand our client base has been one of my tougher challenges.
Q: What makes working at Torosian & Walter different than other work experiences?
It’'s different because the culture we foster here is one of caring about fellow coworkers which I believe is a direct result of working together in a team environment. It is not about individuals working independently on their own projects, but rather a group of people all contributing their best to achieve a common goal.
At Torosian & Walter, we find this approach builds levels of trust and helps build stronger personal relationships not common (at least in my past experience) between emp-loyees and employers in the public accounting industry. |
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"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
~ John Wooden
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 Getting
personal...
Q: Where did you grow up and how has it changed?
I was born here in Fresno and have always been proud to call this city home. It has certainly grown up since my youth, but it still has that same sense of community and interconnect-edness that I remember.
In many ways, life in Fresno has improved. There are more diverse activities than ever, and as the population has grown it seems like that feeling of isolation from the rest of the state is not as prevalent as it once was.
From a business perspective, our employee pool of talent continues to grow, which I see as a sign that a more educated workforce is deciding to stay or return to Fresno after college in order to keep their roots planted firmly in this area as they continue to enjoy a great quality of life and increased access to local professional career opportunities.
Q: What are your outside interests?
Golf borders on being a true passion of mine and the only thing that stops it from achieving passion status is my schedule and the amount of time I can dedicate to the sport. I also love attending almost any outdoor sporting event, especially if it involves the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Family time is also very high on the list of activities I enjoy. Whether it’s going to the local nursery and picking plants for our garden, or barbecuing on a warm summer night with my wife and children while we catch up with each other'’s lives, these are the times that bring me a great sense of personal satisfaction.
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