At Siegfried, we support Fortune 1000 and other dynamic companies with their most important accounting and finance initiatives, which includes responding to change and driving momentum. To learn more about Siegfried’s work on key client transformations, including mergers & acquisitions, system implementations, process improvement initiatives, and IPO readiness projects, visit the Case Studies on our website.
Siegfried professionals are trusted partners in times of transformation – cutting through the noise in hectic environments, providing clarity amidst rapid change, and creating the space for clients to focus on their most strategic priorities. When Emma, Senior Associate in Washington, D.C., entered her second Siegfried client project at a growing insurance company preparing for initial public offering (IPO), she delivered the direction and results at the heart of Siegfried’s offerings.
“The client’s journey to IPO was complex, with several implementations happening simultaneously,” said Emma. “Having myself, alongside two Siegfried professionals, jump in was incredibly valuable to fill the gaps, allow their accounting team to focus on the day-to-day, and provide trainings that will allow for smoother operations into the future.”
Between supporting the month-end close and financials, implementing new systems and controls, and optimizing processes, Emma was met with several areas that she had little to no prior experience with. But through her confidence, humility, and commitment to learning, she gained client trust, delivered the IPO on time, and experienced fulfillment through the interesting and challenging work that Siegfried promises our professionals.
Gaining clarity and strategic direction
As a family-owned, private company, the client’s accounting team was small and in vital need of support, juggling both day-to-day accounting and IPO readiness activities. When Emma joined the project, they were in the midst of their 2023 and 2024 audits, and she immediately dove in to add value – helping to pull reports and answer questions so that the internal accounting team could stay focused on other strategic priorities.
From there, she assisted with the month-end close and reconciliation process optimization, specifically as these areas coincided with the client’s system implementation of BlackLine. Emma had no prior experience with BlackLine, and she had never posted a journal entry or prepared reconciliations before, but she assumed the challenge with courage and an openness to learn – resulting in mutually beneficial success.
“By the time the BlackLine implementation was complete, I was able to answer questions from the accounting team, as well as review reconciliations, month-end close tasks, and journal entries,” Emma explained. “It was interesting to see how things could be done differently and better – and then implement those improvements.”
Not only did Emma drive efficiencies that enhanced client operations, contributed to IPO readiness, and added value, but she found meaning in the interesting and challenging work she performed.
“We participated in user acceptance testing before BlackLine officially launched, which was, again, something that I’d never done before,” continued Emma. “The opportunity to raise my hand and jump into new areas was very fulfilling.”
A synergistic partnership
Emma’s success in propelling the client to an on-time IPO was driven by her open, determined, and curious mindset. By confidently assuming unfamiliarity and never shying away from asking questions, she built trusting, productive relationships with the other Siegfried professionals deployed, the client’s Big Four consultants, and client personnel.
“With the right attitude, you can develop those closer connections that enhance success,” shared Emma. “By asking questions about the business, different individuals’ roles, and the company’s systems, I gained knowledge, built trust, and developed rapport with the client, especially with the Assistant Controller, who we directly reported to.”
“Humility is important – I was learning from the client, and they were learning from me. Asking questions turned it into that two-way street.”
By the time the IPO came to fruition, Emma had assumed more responsibilities than expected, including assisting the AP department and gearing up for SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) control implementation. These were also compelling areas for Emma, and her Siegfried colleagues promoted this exploration and the expansion of her role.
“As this was only my second project at the Firm, my Siegfried team served as great mentors who supported me in working on interesting projects and ensured high-quality utilization,” Emma reflected.
Value that lasts
Between Emma’s unique perspective from having worked in audit and her mixture of confidence and humility to learn, the client was truly receptive to and deeply appreciative of her work. And when it became clear that their needs wouldn’t slow post-IPO, they sought out Siegfried’s continued help.
“The accounting team felt comfortable with us, trusted our work, and valued our opinions – they wanted us there for longer.”
The client wasn’t the only party who found value in Siegfried’s partnership. Throughout the project, Emma drove tangible results, explored new areas, and enjoyed an overall meaningful professional experience.
“When the client went public, we joined the accounting team in watching the markets open over a champagne toast, which was incredibly rewarding,” Emma said. “It was a special moment, and it was so exciting to have played a role in this transaction.”
Siegfried’s Higher Purpose – to help people transform themselves into better leaders to exponentially improve their lives – extends to all who experience it. Explore how our Higher Purpose comes to life through our unique business model, where clients experience our strategic service offering and our professionals experience interesting and challenging work.
