A Day in the Life at Calibre CPA Group-
Kari Maisonet, Administrative Assistant
What is your title? Describe what you do.
I have been with the firm for just shy of 16 years now. Staff and partners here affectionately call me the “office Mom.” I have continually grown and adapted to change and structure within the firm, leading me to take on more responsibilities and work within multiple departments. These rolls have exceeded my official title of administrative assistant. I wear the hat of office manager, event planner, assistant to the training and development department, partner’s retreat assistant, in addition to senior administrative assistant…and office mom! I have welcomed these opportunities and taken on these rolls with enthusiasm.
Why did you get into the accounting/audit industry?
While my initial intentions weren’t specifically focused on this industry, (although I was the closest of my proud CPA Grandpa’s 9 children and 52 grandchildren to get into the tax world), I discovered its unique challenges and opportunities, which align well with my skills and interests.
What are three things you do every day? Do you have any morning “rituals”?
In the mornings, I start my day by preparing my dog’s breakfast, and her daily enrichment activity to keep her busy while we are at work, while I brew my necessary cup of coffee, which sets a positive tone for the day ahead (ideally!)
Upon arriving at the office, I prioritize checking in informally with folks that are in the office that day, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, I take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and organization in common areas such as the kitchen and copy room, ensuring they are ready to support everyone’s daily activities. Did I mention how important coffee is?
Once settled, I dedicate time to reviewing and responding to emails, allowing me to stay updated and proactive in addressing any urgent matters. I then create a mental task list based on my priorities, ensuring a focused and productive workflow throughout the day. And…..who needs a coffee?
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
The most challenging aspect of my role involves continuously refining my time management skills through deliberate planning and thoughtful decision-making. I prioritize staying focused on essential tasks, avoiding distractions that could derail productivity. I am proactive in seeking out necessary information to fulfill my responsibilities effectively. However, I also see the importance of being clear about my availability and limits to ensure we work well together, and I’m actively working on managing these effectively.
On the other hand, the most rewarding part of my job is experiencing the satisfaction and happiness of clients or co-workers when I can assist them effectively, contributing to their success and fostering positive relationships within the team or with clients give me a real sense of accomplishment.
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?
The best advice I could give someone who’s interested in pursuing a role like mine is they should excel at: organization, having strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for effective interaction with clients, colleagues, and vendors. Have the ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently, especially when faced with unexpected challenges or last-minute changes. Skills in budgeting, financial planning, and cost negotiation are vital for managing expenses effectively and ensuring events stay within budget constraints. And of course, a touch of creativity can enhance events and daily office life. I am a big advocate for interdepartmental office culture, and I am always trying to set a good office environment and make events memorable and engaging.
What do you like best about Calibre CPA group?
I love how the firm values every role. It’s great to feel like a vital part of the team and see how the variety of my contributions support our overall success.
