A Day in the Life at Calibre CPA Group-
Earl S. McKay, Manager
What is your title? Describe what you do.
I am a Manager in the AFS department. I primarily do bookkeeping, financial statement preparation and payroll preparation services for various nonprofit organizations. I also provide audit and budget preparation.
Why did you get into the accounting/audit industry?
In college, I first majored in accounting before switching to an international business degree. While still in college, I took an accounting job and have stayed in the field ever since.
What are three things you do every day? Do you have any morning “rituals”?
Every morning I check my emails to see if there is anything I need to prioritize that morning. Then I create a checklist of things I’d like to get done that day. I then check in with my staff members I’m working with to plan the day.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is dealing with last-minute requests that completely shift my day or week, especially when those requests aren’t anticipated or on my radar at the time. On the other hand, the most rewarding part of my job is when I’m working with an organization whose mission I personally believe in is doing well, it gives me a boost knowing that I help contribute to that in some way.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a role like yours? Are there specific character traits or skills/certifications they should possess?
I would say outside of the standard accounting background and knowledge, having strong personal skills is important because you’ll be dealing with many different types of people with different personalities and different levels of knowledge. That doesn’t mean you need to have a Type A personality, but it does mean you need to be patient because not everyone works or learns the same way, so being able to be patient and listen to others is important. Being able to adjust your work style to your clients to make them feel comfortable and have confidence in you and what you are doing is very important.
What do you like best about Calibre?
What I like the most about Calibre is the support I get from my staff and supervisors. I know I rely on them when I’m in need of assistance and guidance.
