Vantaggi
Working at ParenteBeard has provided me great work experience. I have worked on clients from small businesses all the way up to publicly traded and multinational companies. I have been exposed to many types of industries including: manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, insurance, higher education, non-profits, foundations, senior living, and more. Unlike many big 4 firms, in my experience, ParenteBeard will work with you to direct your career in the direction you want to go. So if you like working in one industry but not another, they do all they can to put you on the type of clients and work you enjoy.
Another plus is that with having many different offices in the mid-Atlantic region, many employees have successfully transferred from one office to another. So if your personal life causes you to move you do not necessarily need to leave the firm.
Another important thing to note is that ParenteBeard is a progressive firm. The firm is on the cutting edge of technology and social media in regards to the accounting industry. They also have a diversity new higher initiative which is something desperately needed in the account field. The firm also seeks to higher many non traditional employees and has other initiatives to move women into leadership positions.
Finally, the thing that I enjoy about the firm the most is the people. There are a lot of quality people here who care about the well being of others. They truly want to see other people succeed in their careers!
Svantaggi
ParenteBeard's compensation base is good and consistent with the industry, but there is no bonus for positions below the manager level, and fringe benefits like their wellness plan are not necessarily up to par with other firms or companies in the NYC area who offer free gym memberships or other reimbursement programs. You are also required to have a car or access to a car, which to my knowledge is not the norm for most NYC firms.
The only other cons I can think of are consistent with all public accounting firms, including long hours during busy season.