Pros
If you are looking to gain knowledge and experience, then the Shafer Group is the place to be. Working in a paperless environment, the workloads are managed well and there are knowledgeable staff available to teach you. Some of the practices at this firm are very progressive and well done. Most of the management have a "hands-off" approach.
Cons
While the training and knowledge are the best, the overall culture of the company is lousy. The non-professional staff are expected to work 40+ hours with no additional compensation. The work-life balance is also non-existent. The overall attitude of the owners is that you owe them first and then if there is still time, then you can go home to your families. If you are looking for employer assistance in gaining your CPA license, then this is also not the place to be. There is no assistance of any kind. Time off request for study time will also be denied. You would be better off calling in sick to get in a day of studying. While the company does offer medical and dental plans, the medical plan is a PPO with a $10,000 deductible. Lower level staff cannot afford to pay that particular deductible and there is also no guarantee that the service will be covered. The owners of the company also do not offer any assistance in off-setting the high deductible cost of the plan. There is a bonus program. It is paid out only twice a year. The first pay out happens about mid-way through the year and you only receive half. The other half is held until the end of the year and if you do not meet your billable hours, then the deficit is deducted from the years first half bonus. If you leave the employment of The Shafer Group before the bonus is paid out then you forfeit any unpaid amounts.
