Pros
Please note, I won't include pros and cons that are common to public accounting. Also see Marcum LLP reviews for this location - same partners and managers. As for Marcum/CBIZ, It’s difficult to ascertain pros and cons since the company is currently in flux and is being acquired by CBIZ. In the real estate department, associates mainly work in private company audits which have less stringent audit requirements than public company audits. Consequently, there are more responsibilities are assigned earlier in career than other departments, and as a result more learning opportunities.
Cons
The culture did significantly change for the worse after the Friedman acquisition. Marcum was a very appreciative and collaborative partner but one could not help to notice the changes in the company culture for the negative. Gone were the smiles and friendliness of the managers and partners. It's the kind of environment where you smile and say hi to someone and they don't smile back and you can't help to wonder about what is going on. Keep in mind, different offices have very different cultures and expectations but for the real estate department, partners are non-personable and absent. Different managers also have different expectations but almost all are either non-communicative or far too "over-your-shoulder." Turnover is high, probably higher than the industry. If your goal is learning auditing on public companies then this isn't the right fit, and honestly public has a more worthwhile goal than working for bankers, the main users of our work product. Also, specialization (right at entry level) limits exploration and further career opportunities; the department solely and only works on real estate clients. Even though I came to the office nearly everyday, and on days where almost everyone was logged out, scheduling put me with clients whose teams were primarily outside of my office. My advice is seek other opportunities unless there are no other options. As for post-employment, accrued PTO wasn't paid - that's not right. Please also note, this department claims the market is very tight, and perhaps this is the case, or more likely the case can be that there is loss of market share due to audit mismanagement and missed client deadlines.