By Debra Solomon Baker
BOB OFFERMAN
Managing Partner,
Hochschild, Bloom & Company
More than three decades have elapsed since Bob Offerman
first accepted a staff accountant position
with Hochschild, Bloom & Company. Today, Offerman, the managing partner, is thrilled to admit that he still
learns something new every day.
This ability to grow, and to help others grow, is, at least in part, why Offerman loves public accounting—and, especially, his firm.
It is, of course, an industry that has been fraught with major
scandals, which, Offerman says, can make running an accounting firm that much more challenging.
However, the corporate governance issues arising from the Enron situation and the frauds identified at WorldCom and Adelphia, along with the passage of the Sarbanes Oxley legislation, have created a renewed interest in quality accounting, auditing, and tax services- exactly what Hochschild, Bloom & Company provides.
“We have strong relationships with our clients, mainly because we give each of them so much personal attention,” Offerman says. “We are always there for them and we make sure that what they need gets done.”
“We look forward to the opportunity to serve our clients in this changing regulatory environment by continuing to provide timely and effective professional services.”
Hochschild, Bloom & Company, entering its 60th year of service, is comprised of certified public accountants, consultants, and advisors who offer a full range of traditional accounting and tax services. Its roughly 2,500 clients have needs ranging from the completion of individual income tax returns to the management of revenues in excess of $150 million. The firm serves businesses with accounting and tax services, and has developed several niche
practices, including the auditing of governmental units and employee benefit plans.
With offices in Washington (Mo.) and Chesterfield, Offerman expects the firm to continue to grow, but also to remain independent.
“We enjoy the fact that we
work autonomously,” Offerman says. “In the CPA world, that’s
pretty unique.”
On the other hand, Offerman’s lengthy tenure with Hochschild, Bloom & Company is not unique. It is, he says, a place where employees, and clients, tend to stick around for a long, long time.
The firm is a member of both the Center of Public Company Audit Firms and the Private Companies Practice Section of the AICPA. In addition, it is a member of the AICPA’s Governmental Audit Quality Center and the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INSIGHTS
What is the best part about being in your leadership position?
“The best part about being a leader is seeing others succeed, and know I might have played some small role in their success!”
PAUL J. MCKEE JR.,
Chairman,
McEagle Properties LLC
“There are two aspects of leadership that I find most rewarding. The first is watching current and emerging leaders develop in their roles. The second is striving to ensure that every aspect of our business is fully aligned to meet the needs of our client, the serious long-term individual investor.”
DOUG HILL
Managing Partner,
Edward Jones
“The best part about being St. Anthony’s CEO is the opportunity to be a good listener. When you think about the thousands of
people from all walks of life who walk through our doors....if we don’t listen to them and understand their desires, well, what are we doing here?”
THOMAS H. ROCKERS
President & CEO,
St. Anthony’s Medical Center |
