Edelstein has one more session scheduled with Jina and we look forward to continuing our education to become better allies.  We recognize that there is more work to be done and our firm must demonstrate unequivocally a commitment to be part of the solution to this crisis. It starts with us taking specific steps in the fight against racism, discrimination, unconscious bias, and the other social injustices that have impacted our country.

Edelstein has two more sessions scheduled and we look forward to continuing our education to become better allies.  We recognize that there is more work to be done and our firm must demonstrate unequivocally a commitment to be part of the solution to this crisis. It starts with us taking specific steps in the fight against racism, discrimination, unconscious bias, and the other social injustices that have impacted our country.

We partnered with the Massachusetts Society of CPAs and Jina Etienne of Etienne Consulting for this training. The title of the session was, ‘Unconscious Bias: Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable‘ and we covered key definitions of terms that are frequently used and learned techniques for how to deal with uncomfortable conversations that we may encounter daily.

Edelstein has three more sessions scheduled and we look forward to continuing our education to become better allies.  We recognize that there is more work to be done and our firm must demonstrate unequivocally a commitment to be part of the solution to this crisis. It starts with us taking specific steps in the fight against racism, discrimination, unconscious bias, and the other social injustices that have impacted our country.

This Black History Month, we encourage conversation. For us here at Edelstein, our IDEA Council will be sharing the stories of people who have made a lasting impact on our world. At the end of the month, we look forward to sharing with all of you a recap of these empowering and important people.

Read our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action) Statement here.

As a firm, we understand that there is an on-going crisis in our country.  As we’ve looked inward, and after thoughtful consideration, we’re committed to a new course of action for our firm. We recognize that there is more work to be done and our firm must demonstrate unequivocally a commitment to be part of the solution to this crisis.  It starts with us taking specific steps in the fight against racism, discrimination, unconscious bias and the other social injustices that have impacted our country.

Edelstein has always committed to excellence on our teams, and from our people, clients and friends of our firm for over 50 years – and that’s what we will continue to do into the future.  Our commitment to excellence and to be a leader in our profession has become even more important during the current crisis.  In 2019, we adopted the MSCPA’s “CEO For Action Pledge” to do our part supporting inclusion and diversity in our profession.  But we must do more, and through this important initiative, we steadfastly commit to learning, listening and leading during this pivotal time.

Our concept around inclusion and diversity comes with a commitment to action.  Here are our next steps:

• We are forming an internal council to focus on inclusion, diversity, equity and action (“IDEA”). The IDEA council will include people of different levels within our firm, backgrounds, and life experiences to ensure that it is comprised of members with a variety of perspectives, insights and thoughts.
• We will deliver more robust education and training opportunities for our team members – including specific training with respect to inclusion and diversity.
• Learning and listening are also critical components to make change happen. We have identified tools and resources to guide us, as a collective firm, through this process, including the use of surveys, and gathering actionable feedback from our firm members.  We will also insist upon individual and collective accountability to complete our education and training goals so that everyone is positioned to succeed and be part of the solution.
• Edelstein will also continue to focus on creating a diverse work environment as an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, we will continue to evaluate each qualified candidate as an individual.

One of the best things about Edelstein is our deep sense of camaraderie and fellowship.  The world is changing, and we will continue to support each other, our communities, and our profession in a way that drives change in a meaningful way in the fight against social injustices.  Our strength is derived from you – the people that make Edelstein an exceptional place to work and thrive.  Let’s continue to support, engage and elevate one another today for a better, brighter and more just tomorrow.

As a firm, we understand that there is an on-going crisis in our country.  As we’ve looked inward, and after thoughtful consideration, we’re committed to a new course of action for our firm. We recognize that there is more work to be done and our firm must demonstrate unequivocally a commitment to be part of the solution to this crisis.  It starts with us taking specific steps in the fight against racism, discrimination, unconscious bias and the other social injustices that have impacted our country.

Edelstein has always committed to excellence on our teams, and from our people, clients and friends of our firm for over 50 years – and that’s what we will continue to do into the future.  Our commitment to excellence and to be a leader in our profession has become even more important during the current crisis.  In 2019, we adopted the MSCPA’s “CEO For Action Pledge” to do our part supporting inclusion and diversity in our profession.  But we must do more, and through this important initiative, we steadfastly commit to learning, listening and leading during this pivotal time.

Our concept around inclusion and diversity comes with a commitment to action.  Here are our next steps:

• We are forming an internal council to focus on inclusion, diversity, equity and action (“IDEA”). The IDEA council will include people of different levels within our firm, backgrounds, and life experiences to ensure that it is comprised of members with a variety of perspectives, insights and thoughts.
• We will deliver more robust education and training opportunities for our team members – including specific training with respect to inclusion and diversity.
• Learning and listening are also critical components to make change happen. We have identified tools and resources to guide us, as a collective firm, through this process, including the use of surveys, and gathering actionable feedback from you.  We will also insist upon individual and collective accountability to complete our education and training goals so that everyone is positioned to succeed and be part of the solution.
• Edelstein will also continue to focus on creating a diverse work environment as an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, we will continue to evaluate each qualified candidate as an individual.

One of the best things about Edelstein is our deep sense of camaraderie and fellowship.  The world is changing, and we will continue to support each other, our communities, and our profession in a way that drives change in a meaningful way in the fight against social injustices.  Our strength is derived from you – the people that make Edelstein an exceptional place to work and thrive.  Let’s continue to support, engage and elevate one another today for a better, brighter and more just tomorrow.

Since Edelstein has published our IDEA Statement and formed our IDEA Council, we have:

• Held four, firm-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings that were led by Jina Etienne of Etienne Consulting.
• Held one diversity, equity, and inclusion training for our firm leaders and IDEA Council.
• Our IDEA Council hosts monthly Town Halls that reflect on diversity, equity, and inclusion content. These Town Halls also provide a forum for team members to discuss ideas to make Edelstein a more inclusive firm.
• The IDEA Council meets monthly to plan activities and content.
• Weekly emails and social media postings are published to recognize certain diversity months.

Our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts continue to evolve as we find new ways to diversify our team, educate our team, and have everyone feel included.

We worked with Building Impact to kick off the day with a virtual firm-wide community service project.  We put together winter essentials kits for Veterans being served at The Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, MA.  We were happy to help support such a great organization, and so close to the Veteran’s Day holiday.

After welcoming remarks from Director of Marketing, Casey Blake, the agenda was kicked off by Amy Pitter, the President & CEO of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA).  She shared industry updates around diversity & inclusion, economic trends, how firms/the profession are being impacted by COVID, and CPA evolution.  We then heard from HR Director, Lisa George, as she reflected on the ways that 2020 has brought us together as a firm.  A large contributing factor to this year’s agenda was the announcement of our firm’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Action) Council.  Partner, Dave McKay, shared not only the goals for this council, but the message that will guide our firm around this very important topic.  Also this year, R. J. Gold & Company merged into our firm.  Managing Partner, Scott Kaplowitch, sat down for a Q&A with Robert J. Gold to discuss the industry and the reasons why our firms coming together made sense now more than ever.

We then heard from Christina Frei, the founder of Innate Marketing Genius.  Prior to the event, all firm members were asked to take a 5-minute assessment to understand what their ‘marketing type’ is.  Christina shared with us the highlights of each type and why having different types within one business makes it stronger.

Department overviews were provided and anniversaries were acknowledged.  We were excited to share promotions of seven of our team members. Willy Chan, Kathryn Clark, Jon Liff, Wendy McSheffrey and Omar Tejeiro are all being promoted to the newly created Senior Manager role.  Bob DiBari and Danielle McDonagh were both promoted to principal.

We wrapped the day up with goal setting for 2021 and looking ahead with the experiences we’ve gained over this last year.

Throughout 2020 and specifically the messaging of this event, we recognize that each of our differences makes our firm stronger. We continue to learn from one another, support one another, and listen to one another.

• Competitive compensation and benefit packages
• Profit sharing and 401(k) plans
• Flexible Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous vacation time, referral bonus program and flexible work arrangements
• Educational assistance and study time
• Firm-sponsored social events throughout the year
• Tax season meals, massage, yoga, snack drawer, end of busy-season celebration and other fun diversions
• Developmental Coaching

COMMITTEES

Community Service

Edelstein encourages and supports involvement in professional, charitable and civic activities, and hold quarterly volunteering events through our partnership with Building Impact.

Fun Committee

Our Fun Committee plans our firm’s social events, which include a post busy season celebration, a summer outing, and more!

IDEA Council

Edelstein has a committee focused on our diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts. We hold quarterly trainings, monthly Town Halls, and communications throughout the year.

Women’s Initiative Committee

Through our Women’s Initiative, Edelstein addresses the key barriers to women by providing career advocacy and mentoring, female role models, and policies and practices that promote work/life balance.