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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

SPECIAL REPORT: Maier Rosenberg

Maier Rosenberg often works as a management consultant with expertise in accounting, performance and compliance. He has helped companies with debt financing, acquisitions and divestitures while also implementing operational improvements. Prior to joining CohnReznick, Maier was chief operating officer for a middle-market manufacturing company. He also currently serves as a member of CohnReznick’s private equity and venture capital practice, giving clients analysis on investment targets, financial due diligence and post-merger integration. FIRM: CohnReznick LLP SPECIALTIES: Assurance, business consulting, manufacturing and wholesale distribution, financial services, aerospace and defense HOBBIES: Motorcycle riding, spinning and yoga Question: How has experience as a COO helped you as an accountant? Answer: It allows me to speak to businesses in their language and I understand the challenges and pain points that they experience. Why accounting? I was always good at math and people told me I should become an accountant. But who knew that math plays such a small part in accounting? Guess I just got lucky here! Most interesting aspect of your job: Being exposed to so many businesses and best practices for over almost 40 years, I enjoy navigating companies through challenges and milestone events. I really enjoy meeting new people and forming relationships with them. I am proud to say that many of my clients are now friends. How do you get new clients? Through networking, taking leadership roles in various organizations including ACG LA (Association for Corporate Growth, Los Angeles), as well as referrals from existing clients. In addition, I speak often as a moderator or panelist on industry-specific events that showcase my expertise. How does your personality help you as an accountant? The qualities that help me as an accountant are my passion, being personable and curious. I am not afraid to ask difficult questions. I enjoy talking with my clients about their businesses and challenging them to achieve even greater success. I apply my passion and personable approach while advising clients. Typical work week: About 50 hours, but a lot more during busy season. Favorite out-of-the-office activities: I enjoy going on vacations with my family where I can spend quality time with my wife and daughters and have new experiences together. How has accounting changed during your career? Technology has changed accounting dramatically. When I started, there were no personal computers or fax machines. Now with current technology we are able to be more responsive in a short time frame. Accounting has become more complex over the years which has created the need to specialize in order to deliver a superior product. If you could change one law or accounting rule, what would it be? I would reverse the decision on the new pronouncement regarding accounting for leases.  It is creating additional work that does not lead to a value-add. Most memorable experience: While working on an audit of a bank, I was in the conference room with my audit team as well as audit teams from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the state. All of a sudden, while quietly reviewing work papers with one of my team members, the entire team of the state auditors started to suddenly pound their fists on the conference room table in a slow rhythmic beat. Then, to my surprise, the lead auditor from the state began to sing “Glory, Glory Halleluiah.” It lasted for about five minutes. My team and I were so shocked by this random behavior that we finally excused ourselves from the room and burst out laughing once we were out of earshot. What gives a “power accountant” his/her power? Accountants derive “power” from knowledge, creativity and execution of the plan. Your role within the firm: I excel at delivering excellent client service, while leading multiple industries for our office in southern California. I am known for my commitment and passion for networking and connecting people, which has resulted in my success as a rainmaker. I also enjoy developing future leaders of the firm through mentoring and teaching business development courses. Your life at tax time: The first word that comes to mind is “intense.” On April 29, I issued five audit reports. What a relief! Advice for others considering a career in accounting: If you are willing to make the commitment, and are passionate about what you do, accounting can be extremely rewarding.

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