Matthew Flint joined Maillie in the midst of a global pandemic. Since then, he’s grown into a senior role and discovered what makes Maillie a standout firm for early talent. Here, he shares how his experience unfolded and why Maillie has been the right fit from day one.
Q: Your first day wasn’t exactly typical. Tell me about it.
A: My start was definitely unique, but one many new hires also encountered in 2021. I joined during COVID, so at first everything was fully remote. I remember my only in person interaction with my new coworkers happened before I started when I picked up some files in the Maillie parking lot. After that, everything was 100% virtual for almost three months. Even though my onboarding wasn’t in person, I felt like the firm did a great job of making me feel like I was supported and part of the team.
I was able to meet people from all levels, including partners, and the training was structured to cover both tax and audit. Starting out in my career, that really helped me feel prepared. And when we were able to come back into the office a few months later, it was also great to physically meet all the people and familiar faces I’d been working with.
Q: Maillie gives new hires the chance to explore different areas of accounting. How did that play out for you?
A: That was one of the main reasons I joined. At a lot of firms, especially with bigger ones, you have to pick audit or tax right away. At Maillie, you can do both for your first couple years. I started out thinking I liked audit more, but I gave tax a real shot too. It’s different when you’re actually doing the work versus sitting in a college class.
After two years, I leaned into audit and assurance, which I’ve stuck with. But getting to experience both sides helped me make a confident decision. I appreciated that I didn’t feel boxed in from the start.
Q: What’s the culture like? How would you describe working with the team at Maillie?
A: Supportive, flexible, and respectful. Everyone’s working toward the same goal of getting the job done well and on time. But if someone’s overloaded, people step up.
The other big thing is access. Partners are approachable and doors are open, literally and figuratively. You can pop in to ask a quick question or reach out on Teams and get a response the same day. That kind of responsiveness is a huge part of the culture here.
Q: What kind of impact have you been able to make in your work?
A: I have to say that the nonprofit audits I get to do definitely stand out. Some of the clients I work with support people dealing with homelessness, food insecurity, HIV/AIDS. You really see how the funding for these organizations is being used, and for me it’s rewarding to know that my work is a part of what helps them continue with their mission. It’s just another example of why I value being part of this team.
