Six interns recently had a chance to go “Behind the Cs” and sit down with RSM US LLPs top executives to talk about the accounting industry, RSM’s culture, career advice and much more. Read on to see what Kaleb Kier took away from spending an hour with CFO Doug Opheim.
 |
| Kaleb Kier (Left) and Doug Opheim (Right) |
Spend an hour with RSM Chief Financial Officer Doug Opheim and by the time you are finished you will feel like you hold the key to success both as a business professional and in your personal life. I had the opportunity to do just that along with another Minneapolis intern and not only learned about those keys to success, but also learned more about Doug and what he is passionate about.
One of the greatest things about our conversation was that Doug is he just a guy like us (well, obviously he has a tremendous talent and his track record can prove that), and loves to have fun just like anyone else. During our conversation, he continually stressed that we should make sure we enjoy ourselves outside and within work. Some of the ways Doug has fun outside work is to golf and attend Minnesota Twins games as a season ticket holder.
In addition to having fun in your life, Doug could not be more adamant that we need to find our personal brand. That is, identify and maximize your strengths, and minimize your weaknesses. He became so successful because he feels he did this (and I can’t disagree with him). Doug’s career started, and continues to grow, with RSM. He found his strength, which was auditing, and used that to his advantage to get on the fast track to partner, Board Member and eventual CFO in a fairly short amount of time.
When asked what his biggest accomplishment was at the firm, he said it would have to be when the firm bought back its non-attest assets and business from H&R Block. It turned a Midwest regional firm into a national firm that provides services just about everywhere in the country! He was incredibly proud to have such a large impact on the whole process and is very proud we as a firm have stayed true to our roots. All of the 90 RSM locations across the U.S. still have a Midwest family and community culture, no matter which office you visit, from east coast to west.
As we wrapped up the meeting, he had one last piece of advice to add. “Throughout your whole career, keep climbing the stairs to improve yourself … but remember when you’re heading up to turn around and help others up those steps along the way.” He said he would not be in the position he is in now if it weren’t for someone who chose to turn around, stick their neck out for him and help him up.
One of the greatest things about our conversation was that Doug is he just a guy like us (well, obviously he has a tremendous talent and his track record can prove that), and loves to have fun just like anyone else. During our conversation, he continually stressed that we should make sure we enjoy ourselves outside and within work. Some of the ways Doug has fun outside work is to golf and attend Minnesota Twins games as a season ticket holder.
In addition to having fun in your life, Doug could not be more adamant that we need to find our personal brand. That is, identify and maximize your strengths, and minimize your weaknesses. He became so successful because he feels he did this (and I can’t disagree with him). Doug’s career started, and continues to grow, with RSM. He found his strength, which was auditing, and used that to his advantage to get on the fast track to partner, Board Member and eventual CFO in a fairly short amount of time.
When asked what his biggest accomplishment was at the firm, he said it would have to be when the firm bought back its non-attest assets and business from H&R Block. It turned a Midwest regional firm into a national firm that provides services just about everywhere in the country! He was incredibly proud to have such a large impact on the whole process and is very proud we as a firm have stayed true to our roots. All of the 90 RSM locations across the U.S. still have a Midwest family and community culture, no matter which office you visit, from east coast to west.
As we wrapped up the meeting, he had one last piece of advice to add. “Throughout your whole career, keep climbing the stairs to improve yourself … but remember when you’re heading up to turn around and help others up those steps along the way.” He said he would not be in the position he is in now if it weren’t for someone who chose to turn around, stick their neck out for him and help him up.
No comments:
Post a Comment