Mary Jo's Story
Mary Jo is MORE than an accountant, she's an amateur photographer. Like focusing her lens, she adjusted her schedule to capture memorable experiences at work and at home.
Mary Jo Richard didn't plan to work a flexible schedule when she started with the Firm in 1986. But shortly after, Mary Jo arranged to work nine months of the year, while spending the summertime at home with her family. "Working a less than full-time schedule created a win-win situation. I was able to recharge and spend time with my young children and develop outside interests when the Firm was less busy," reflects Mary Jo. "Twenty years ago, not many firms approved of flexible schedules; Eide Bailly was on the cutting-edge. I would tell people about my schedule, and they were impressed!"
Even while working an alternative schedule, Mary Jo advanced professionally, and in 2000, she was invited to join the partnership. Before becoming partner, Mary Jo chose to return to a full-time schedule, though it was not required. In fact, the Firm adopted a change in the partnership agreement to accommodate less than full-time partners and developed a formal program for staff. Eide Bailly believes flexibility enables partners and staff to manage their work and home lives to be healthier and more productive people.
"Although I work a traditional schedule now, I still enjoy flexibility and have time to improve my photography skills and spend time with my family," says Mary Jo. "Eide Bailly recognizes its people as its greatest assets and cares for their well-being. Staff members appreciate flexibility and understand it does not always mean you work less, rather you work more when needed and less when you are able."
Flexibility has allowed Mary Jo to be more than an accountant-she's a mother and amateur photographer.
