Part 2: An Intern’s Point of View: 7 Things You Need to Know about HORNE

Last week I told you about the first four differences I’ve experienced since I’ve been at HORNE. Below, I round out the list with the last three differences and why I am choosing HORNE.

5. HORNE Values People Before Profits

The support at the HORNE business advisory firm is exceptional. The sense of belonging is encouraging and fosters an environment of positive people who feel a connection with the work they do. HORNE realizes that people are much more effective when they actually enjoy what they do. They work hard to make sure their team members are genuinely satisfied. There are countless examples of team members who get to experience Fearless Unrivaled Flexibility in unconventional ways and those who were interested in practicing in a different focus area wishing to achieve their full potential. Each time, HORNE worked to meet the team members’ needs because they know what is good for each team member is good for the firm.

6. HORNE is Authentic

HORNE’s Executive Partner, Joey Havens, is a fantastic example of authenticity. There is no question that Joey has confidence in this firm and, more importantly, in the people who make up this firm. Not only is he confident, he is invested. He is consistently engaging with team members and doing what he can to invest in the people who invest so much into this firm. What’s different about Joey is his vulnerability. He writes blogs for the firm that are funny, encouraging and most of all empowering. The way he shares his own life experiences, (both failures and successes) makes him influential. He is an excellent leader setting the standard for an honest, authentic and confident workplace. This authenticity is embraced by the rest of the firm. During my time here I have seen team members encouraging and empowering one another, investing in each other’s lives, and putting into practice the things Joey encourages. The fact that team members are listening to and closely following their executive partner says a lot about the quality of the firm’s leadership.

7. HORNE Embraces “We”

American culture is famous for its individualism and egocentrism. We live in a culture that is all about “me and my goals.” HORNE has challenged the very core of that mindset and is setting a new standard for the reasons we do things. While HORNE adamantly values the individual and helping people find their place, they recognize that there is much more to life than fulfilling your own goals. The core value of serving a calling higher than self often challenges us in a healthy way to look for opportunities to serve. At the foundation of the wise firm, HORNE believes in “we and service.” These are not just words written to make people feel better; these are often the reality of what makes someone truly excellent. At HORNE we are striving to see beyond ourselves and look for ways to serve our team members, clients and communities. Even as an intern I’ve had opportunities to embrace this mindset and it has changed the way I interact with people at times. It has encouraged me to not only give my time to do things like our Summer of Service projects, but to serve the people I’m working with by offering to help on projects that may not be my own. HORNE has helped me embrace this “we” mindset that goes above and beyond what American culture expects of us. It is a mindset that sets us apart and helps us stand out as people who strive for excellence in everything that we do.

These are just a few of the things that make up the culture of HORNE. The combination of a solid foundation, authentic leadership, a healthy culture and encouraging team members makes for a fantastic work environment. Accounting firms have very different cultures and I have experienced that HORNE is doing an exceptional job going above and beyond expectations. These seven differences set HORNE apart from their competitors and were significant factors in my decision regarding where to work full time. I have chosen HORNE as the place where I want to begin my career in accounting but not just because there are exceptional career opportunities. I’m choosing HORNE because they are authentic, committed, concerned for their people, and have created an atmosphere that makes me believe I can achieve my full potential as a member of the Wise Firm.

About the Author
Megan Hudson is an intern who changed her mind about what it means to work at a regional firm. She has accepted a full time offer with HORNE and will begin her part of building the Wise Firm in the fall.