Last month, during a routine onboarding session at KTP, I posed a question to our newest team members – experienced professionals who had joined us from other firms. “What is the first question most clients ask at the first meeting?”

The room fell silent, filled with thoughtful nods but no spoken answers.

I clarified for them, “Regardless of the firm you come from, the first question you’re often asked isn’t about your professional title, the name of your previous firm, or where you went to university.

Instead

It’s ‘How many years of experience do you have in this industry?’”

This question is fundamental; clients want to gauge who they are dealing with and what depth of experience they can rely on.

At this point, I emphasized a crucial principle from the MIA By-Law on Professional Ethics—professional competence and due care. This isn’t merely a standard to adhere to; it represents a commitment to continual learning and self-improvement.

I stressed that with their years of experience, there’s an expectation for them to know something in Auditing Standards, MPERS, MFRS, the Companies Act 2016, the Income Tax Act 1967, public rulings, and recent tax cases.

An answer like “I don’t know” falls short of the mark and is unacceptable for someone with their level of experience.

It’s not merely about the years spent; it’s about the depth of your experience and your commitment to growth and ethical standards.

Let’s uphold these values as we continue to advance in our field.