"I looked at my husband and told him I couldn't do it anymore. I needed a break. In hindsight, I probably should have said something to the firm, but I didn't want to be judged. I thought leaving would be easier.”
Katie decided it was time to move on, so she pivoted to become CFO at a law firm.
“The role and flexibility seemed like the right fit because it was at the leadership level and fully remote. Unfortunately, it wasn't all it was cracked up to be.”
Because the firm was nationwide, she was responsible for addressing real-time problems from the East Coast to the West Coast. Katie found herself working long hours year-round with little control over her schedule.
“In public accounting, you typically decide when to coordinate your meetings. You know your summer days aren't as long as they can be in the winter. I'd much rather work 10 hours when it's raining all day.”
Katie shared her professional struggles with Elaine Ervin, a Moss Adams partner with whom she stayed in touch. Elaine asked if she’d ever thought about returning to Moss Adams.
“She told me there were no hard feelings, no burned bridges, and the firm would be happy to have me back.”
Katie returned to the firm in 2022 as a senior manager and was met with a warm reception.
“I got some messages from people even before I started. They were all very appreciative and welcoming.”
Because the COVID-19 pandemic expanded the firm’s existing workplace flexibility, Katie works from the Seattle or Tacoma offices, on-site with clients, or at home, based on her work and family responsibilities.
“I live closer to the Tacoma office than the Seattle office, so occasionally I'll work out of Tacoma. I’m transparent and speak up about what I’m going to do to make sure I’m available when people need me.”
Coming back also created new opportunities she hadn’t anticipated, such as a month-long visit to the India office.
“Our colleagues in India are so friendly. Someone made me chai from a family recipe. We played cricket one day with all the team members. I would never have done those things if I were just vacationing there.”
The Moss Adams network has also created new possibilities for Katie stateside, such as speaking engagements and support for continued education.
“I’ve gotten opportunities because Moss Adams is well-known in the industry. I wouldn’t have necessarily had these experiences on the outside. It’s great to be back.”
We’re Better Together
In 2022, rehires—or people who left Moss Adams and eventually rejoined the firm—accounted for nearly 9% of our overall hires. We’re thankful for our rehires who’ve returned, and we truly appreciate those of you who’ve been with the firm throughout the years.
Welcome home, Katie!