Overview
Introduction
KSM is the largest accounting firm in Indianapolis and one of the 50 largest in the U.S. It employs over 500 people and provides a full range of accounting, audit tax, and business consulting services. KSM works for clients of all sizes, from entrepreneurial startups to established middle market companies (to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers).
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Vault Verdict
KSM is looking for positive, open-minded, proactive, individuals who have good problem-solving skills and are willing to learn on the fly. KSM runs a very effective internship program in which students get hands-on experience, a good look at what a full-time role with the firm is like, and access to senior staff members who are willing to help. For its full-time staff, KSM offers many opportunities to gain technical and professional skills, access to mentors, and the ability to grow in a supportive, helpful environment, filled with seniors who care about juniors’ development.
Like at most public accounting firms, busy season hours can be long, and it can be difficult to achieve work/balance during busy season. However, outside the busy tax season, a healthy work/...
About the Company
KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller) is the largest accounting firm based in Indianapolis and one of the 50 largest in the U.S. It provides a full range of accounting, audit tax, and consulting services. KSM has roots going back to 1942 and today serves clients of all sizes, from entrepreneurial startups to established middle market companies (to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers). Its industry expertise includes construction, dealerships, family offices, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing and distribution, not-for-profit, real estate, technology, transportation, and veterinary.
KSM employs more than 540 people and is led by CEO Tim Cook, who formerly worked at Ernst & Young. KSM is an independent member of Prime Global, a network of professional services firms whose membe...
Employee Reviews
“We work in a demanding profession, but we try and balance the demands of the job with the demands we all have in our lives. We strive for work/life integration by providing flexibility with when, where, and how we work. Our industry has very stressful deadline seasons and thus it is critical that we get time away to recuperate. KSM has very generous PTO policies and also instituted ‘unplug days’ where the entire firm is encouraged to close their electronics so that we have time to unplug from the demands of serving our clients.”
“The best aspect of the quality of life at KSM is the firm’s understanding when personal issues arise and being very understanding when issues come up. They also encourage us to take our PTO and not respond to emails while on PTO. They even encourage us to take small breaks during busy season to decompress for a short while.”
“The work/life balance here is better than at most public accounting firms. Talking with my peers, I have a much more manageable workload, and I am almost never contacted outside of reasonable hours for work (aside from busy season, of course). However, the workload can be very inconsistent. I often feel like I go from weeks where I am working long hours and struggling to meet deadlines to weeks where I am desperately looking for more ways to meet my chargeable hours goal.”
“KSM is the gold standard in public accounting for respecting and actively promoting the use of PTO. I have never once felt that I could not take PTO as long as I planned properly around client deadlines and communicated with my engagement teams proactively. If I do these things, then there is no pressure to check anything work-related while on PTO. Also, KSM gives employees the option to work under a modified work arrangement, which means that an individual can work less than a typical busy season workload. This is desirable for those who may need more balance at home and are willing to sacrifice a little bit from a compensation/raise perspective.”
Getting Hired Here
“I started with an on-campus interview with our talent coordinator. I then was called back to do two in-office interviews with two separate partners. I believe we are looking for candidates who come in open-minded and ready to learn on the fly. There is no expectation when you join as a college student.”
“The firm has a quick turnaround time and does not ‘ghost’ candidates. They also ask those in the roles to help interview and offer their opinions. The ideal candidate is someone who knows the technical aspects and meshes well with the group. We want someone who is willing to learn.”
“I believe KSM is seeking a proactive, positive individual who has good problem-solving skills. Even if technical accounting knowledge is lacking, these soft skills are extremely valuable. Technical knowledge is easier to teach if the individual has an open mind and willingness to learn.”
“My interview experience was a bit different since I had a couple touchpoints with KSM prior to applying. I initially interviewed at a college career fair and then traveled to the office to interview with two tax directors. Everyone was friendly. Interviews were conversational yet professional. I felt like the interview process gave me a good glimpse into the firm culture. I have heard from several people at KSM that our company is not necessarily looking for the candidate with the best resume or most impressive credentials. My company instead looks for positive, upbeat individuals who are looking to learn and work with others. I believe this is why our culture is so positive.”
Perks & Benefits