What is it like to work for Windes & McClaughry? No one can tell you better than our current employees. Read what they have to say about their experience with our firm.

Family seems to be an ever-present theme at W&M: the annual family picnic, the annual party for employees and their spouses or guests, departmental get-togethers and most importantly, the flexibility to attend family events and meet family needs. Many of the partners demonstrate this commitment to family through their actions – it is not just a line on a brochure.

One instance where W&M put people and family first involved my mom, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer when I had been with the firm for just a few years. Because she did not have a spouse, she needed me to accompany her to her many doctor appointments, and to just spend time with her the last few months of her life. It was a very difficult time for me and my family. Unlike my sister, who was told her job was in jeopardy if she took any more time off, I was encouraged by John Di Carlo to take as much time as I needed to be with her, and he often eased my workload so it was not so overwhelming. I was able to focus on her needs and did not have to worry about losing my job. Although I missed a significant amount of time, I was not asked to make it up. This experience demonstrated the caring nature of the partners and ensured my loyalty to the firm.

Before coming to work for Windes & McClaughry, I had neither developed a passion nor an attachment to a career or a company. After really getting to know all of the people that work here, it quickly became evident to me that this would be where I would find my opportunity for a long and successful career. Little did I know that it would also be a memorable and enjoyable process.

Going on eight years with the firm, my fondness – both professionally and personally – for those that I work with has only grown. I’ve made lifelong friends, developed an invaluable skill-set, matured professionally, and advanced my career. The firm has seen incredible growth for several years. That growth has spawned continuous new opportunities for the ambitious. The collective total analysis of the above has made my career plan relatively simple. Learn everyday from everyone. Work hard, smart, and ethical. Be professional and personable. Windes & McClaughry is the type of firm that has rewarded this behavior, and I believe they always will.

When interviewing with various accounting firms and deciding which one seemed like the best fit for me, I was impressed with the opportunities I felt I would have at Windes & McClaughry. The size of the firm seemed to be ideal- I would have the opportunity to work with a large variety of clients and industries. Larger firms tend to specialize staff before they have the chance to gain experience in various industries and smaller firms didn’t seem to have the variety of clients of a mid-sized firm like Windes.

Upon meeting the employees of Windes, I could tell that the corporate culture was one that created a comfortable working environment among staff, managers and partners, which I felt would enable me to perform at my best and therefore allow for my hard work to be recognized. The culture at larger firms seemed to be more impersonal, which I don’t think would have enabled me to gain the confidence in my performance and career that I have at Windes. This confidence has enabled me to take on more challenges and has provided more opportunities for me to quickly grow in my career than I believe would have been possible at another firm.

I have worked at W&M since September of 1982. When I had my son in 1988, I came back on a reduced hour schedule. I kept this schedule following the birth of my daughter in 1990, and for about the next thirteen years. W&M did not put any time limits on how long I kept this flexible schedule. This enabled me to spend more time with my family and to be active and present in my children’s schools, sporting and scouting activities while still remaining active in my career and progressing from a supervisor to a senior manager. During this time I received encouragement and support from both the partners and the staff for the schedule and career path I was pursuing during that period of my life. I was told more than once that family comes first; and, was often asked “what can we do to help you,” when schedules at work and home became hectic. This experience nurtured my loyalty to W&M, and demonstrated W&M’s commitment to family and being flexible in meeting the needs of their employees. Many folks at W&M have become my extended family. Following my return to full time status, I was able to get back on the partner track, and became a partner in July of 2004.

Part of the reason why I chose Windes is the emphasis that is placed on the work-life balance. Throughout the year, Windes sponsors numerous activities that allow its employees to get to know each other on a more personal level. Windes employees are invited to an annual picnic, a holiday party, a costume bowling tournament, and several department-wide gatherings each year. In addition, weekend getaways to Las Vegas, camping trips, and weekly volleyball & softball games are several other activities that Windes employees can participate in. By taking the time to get to know many of my co-workers, I have not only forged stronger working relationships, but also developed many lasting friendships.


I have worked at Windes & McClaughry since August 1997 and think this is a great company to be a part of. One of the things that has made a positive impact was that I’ve been very fortunate to have a number of mentors who have helped me with my professional development. Those mentors have taught me valuable lessons on the unspoken organizational rules and also shared their insights on the internal politics of the business. They have been there for me by simply listening, providing me with guidance and giving me the encouragement and support to get where I am today. The friendships and mutual support were the most important things I’ve gotten out of this experience and have also been one of the reasons why I have stayed with Windes & McClaughry so long. In addition, it’s been very helpful in identifying who to turn to with questions and concerns. I realize that mentoring someone can be a big responsibility because it requires time and commitment. As someone who has benefited greatly from my Mentors, in turn I want to provide others with the same listening ear, encouragement, support and guidance. I participate in the corporate mentor program at CSULB as well as the firm’s mentor program. I hope to provide the type of benefits I have received at Windes & McClaughry to someone else just beginning their career.