Embark, a decent idea executed poorly. - Recensione dipendente - Manager presso Embark

Management In my opinion management sets a poor example for the firm and lacks vision other than growth at all costs. Embark endeavors to grow by hiring more and more business development people (who have never worked in accounting/consulting) and trying to monetize their networks. There is significant turnover within BD and it is very political. Further, management loves to talk about openness to new ideas and wanting to delegate responsibilities, but in practice all decisions are made by the same 3-5 individuals regardless of the issue or experience. If you are not one of the founders "guys" you are very much on the outside. Because of these facts it is very much a fly by the seat of your pants organization and rash decisions rampant. Culture Embark preaches culture above all else and overall the culture is positive if you don't challenge the status quo. The moment you challenge anything it is considered a culture rift and that person is gone. Personally I know multiple employees who were let go and 'cultural difference' is always the reason given. Staff development One positive of Embark is the Jr levels can be compensated well. Consultants compensation is based on a variable scale which promotes working more hours. The downsides to this are in a situation like COVID or when simply not assigned, employees take a 50-75% pay cut. Additionally, there is absolutely zero staff development. No program, no plan, if you are not learning on your engagement Embark does not care. You are billable and that is the bottom line. This leads to large differences in skill level across the same level of employees and a severe lack of personal growth. Client Service To put it simply, Embark sells its clients fools gold. We portray ourselves as experts, but in reality most of the staff have only ever worked in audit and have little to no real world experience. Often consultants are on client service day 1 with no training or guidance and a go figure it out mentality as well as being told not to inform clients that they are new to the firm. This puts staff in difficult positions. Embark is very concerned about selling the work and much less concerned about executing on it. I would not recommend hiring Embark for anything other than temporary accounting work.