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NMW: What made Neff + Ricci decide to combine with Moss Adams? Sandy : We were a great firm before, but as Moss Adams we are even stronger. Moss Adams has additional specialties which are exciting, such as apparel, utility services, food and agriculture, telecommunications, forest products, and hospitality. Our resources for national speakers are far greater and these experts have a very high level of experience in their specialties. Utilizing their expertise and knowledge is really helpful. This benefits our clients. It has been a profitable combination. Valerie: One of the reasons was to expand the opportunities for all employees and increase service to clients. Neff + Ricci was a great place to work and this combination adds additional value for our wonderful clients. It is a comfortable environment for clients and employees. Sandy: Moss Adams is the twelfth largest accounting and consulting firm in the United States, and the largest headquartered in the West. NMW: Does the firm specialize in any particular type of accounting? Sandy : Just like Neff + Ricci, Moss Adams focuses on what we call niche areas. Valerie specializes in automobile dealerships, government, and closely held businesses. I specialize in construction and real estate, nonprofits, and also closely held businesses. The goal for accountants at Moss Adams is to succeed by helping clients become successful. When you come on board as a Moss Adams client, we work to help you understand and evaluate the financial aspects of your business, and to help develop strategies in relation to your goals. Valerie: We work in teams and specialize in a specific area—audit, tax, or consulting to bring forward the best knowledge base. NMW: What is Moss Adams’ business philosophy? Valerie: The best thing I can say is that we really try to give the best service to all of our clients, no matter how large or small. We partner with them in their success. Many of our local clients have been with us for 50 years. Sandy : Our philosophy is taking care of our clients with timely, quality service. The company is 93 years old and our many outstanding employees have a true passion for their work. Valerie: We are growing and taking on more business. That is a sure sign that the Moss Adams philosophy is working. NMW: So tell us, what is the male to female ratio at Moss Adams in Albuquerque? Valerie: The firm’s professional staff is comprised of 36 men and 61 women. We are working toward, and hope to create and promote, a better balance of advancement for women. The policy of Moss Adams is very encouraging. The company provides flexibility options for those with families or other outside responsibilities. That is especially attractive in recruiting women. Sandy : I was the first woman CPA in the firm I worked for in Florida, where I began my career in accounting. When my husband and I merged with Neff in 1999 there were no women partners. Then Valerie was promoted. There are lots of opportunities for growth at Moss Adams. That is exciting. The composition is starting to shift—not only in our office, but in the entire accounting field. NMW: Can you give our readers an example of career progression in the accounting field, and company benefits at Moss Adams? Valerie: I worked in a small accounting firm, then in private industry before joining Neff + Ricci. At Neff + Ricci, I started as a staff person, was promoted to manager, senior manager, then partner. Moss Adams is a highly supportive environment. The opportunities are there. Work hard and you will move up. Sandy : Offering benefits, such as flexible hours, is necessary in order to keep good people. The opportunity to work part-time is appealing to some and helps retain employees whether they are taking care of children, elderly parents, or are working towards an advanced degree. We have several associates who work only during tax season. When the benefits and environment are good, people stick around. We believe we have the best employee retention rate of the accounting firms in the city. Valerie: Several employees are working to get the total 150 hours of university courses required for the CPA exam. Some employees are working towards advanced degrees and some wish to increase their knowledge of accounting and finance. Sandy : Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are required to have 40 hours per year of additional training or continuing education. It may be more difficult to continue your education in a small firm because it can be tough to find appropriate courses locally. Moss Adams provides national training. It is more cost-efficient and the training is highly specialized. It is really great to have that benefit. NMW: What do you like best about working in the accounting field? Sandy : I love working with clients. It is very rewarding to help someone understand how to read their financial statements and to learn how they can improve their lives financially. We do a great deal of compliance work. There are also many ways to prepare a tax return and we can help to save our clients money. I also love working in New Mexico. It is a wonderful place to do business. Valerie: I have to agree. I’m a New Mexico native and I wanted to do business here, close to my family. I am a single mom and I’m proud to let my daughter know what I do for a living. The attitudes of the people are positive and contagious. It is a great place to be. NMW: Does Moss Adams have a favorite charitable organization in Albuquerque? Sandy : We all have our favorite charities. One entity we work with is the Presbyterian Ear Institute. The program was started by Dr. Karl Horn, a specialist who developed the cochlear ear implant. If a hearing problem is identified early, a child can receive an implant that enables him or her to hear. It is a blessing to watch children who were hearing impaired hear normally. Valerie: Our charities are as diverse as the people who work here. We work with many nonprofit organizations—the Albuquerque Community Foundation, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Make a Wish of New Mexico Foundation, the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, and the United Way. NMW: So, what do you do when you are not helping others to succeed in business? Sandy : I love to run and work out at the gym. This gets rid of the stress. I also love to travel. Valerie: This past year I have been involved in Leadership Albuquerque. It is a great program! I have learned so much about our city. There are many wonderful things happening in New Mexico. On a personal note, I really enjoy scrapbooking and spending time with my daughter, Bailey. NMW: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers? Sandy : I do have a funny story for you. My younger child was born on April 15. I received flowers at the hospital with 1040s rolled into them, and for years my son thought the reason for the big party on April 15 was his birthday. Actually, both of my children grew up in the office. They both learned how to use the copy machines and computers at a very early age. NMW: Do you have any advice for women who are considering going into the accounting field? Sandy : Be determined and persistent. Don’t give up. Have a positive attitude, work hard, and most important, enjoy your work and you will succeed. I wish you could interview all the women we work with at Moss Adams. They are a wonderfully diverse group of people. The men are great as well. Valerie: Another thing to think about is that choosing accounting will not only help you in your career, but in your private life as well. The accounting knowledge allows you to be a well-rounded businessperson. It helps to organize your personal life. Accounting is like a puzzle. Putting all the pieces together gives you a complete picture. The opportunity to keep learning in the accounting field is exciting and fun. Sandy : Success is measured in many different ways. Surround yourself or your business with people who want you to succeed. Moss Adams invites you to call (505) 830-6200 for career information or business opportunities. Look for these six things when choosing an accounting firm
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NMW: Speaking of degrees, do you see many employees taking additional professional development courses? 
Connie Thompson is a writer, director, and producer of creative, corporate, and motivational video scripts, articles, and press releases. Contact her at (505) 994-1977, or at