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Fortune Includes 7 CPA Firms in 2024 ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ List

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The same seven public accounting firms that made Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 2023 also made this year’s ranking, which was released earlier this month. The only thing that changed was their positioning.

The data used for the annual ranking, which is collected by the website Great Place to Work, is based on survey responses from more than 1.3 million employees across the country. They were asked to provide feedback about their company’s culture by responding to 60 statements on a five-point scale and answering two open-ended questions. Great Place to Work then measured the difference in survey responses across “demographic groups and roles within each organization to assess both the quality and consistency of the employee experience.” Statements are weighted according to their relevance in describing the most important aspects of an equitable workplace. 

The following seven accounting firms made Fortune’s top 100 for 2024. We’ve included where each firm was ranked, its ranking from last year, how many years the firm has made Fortune’s list, and Fortune’s reasoning for each firm being a top company to work for in 2024.

12. Plante Moran

2023 ranking: 16
Years on list: 26
Why the firm made the list: The audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management firm based in Southfield, MI, has relied on its DEI council for more than two decades to position Plante Moran as a leader in promoting diversity in the financial services and accounting sector. 

That commitment extends outside the office, too; Plante Moran has made efforts to engage with high school and college students across the country, including hosting students from seven high schools on the campus of Michigan State University to hear from accounting faculty and Plante Moran staff. When the firm learned that one of the schools wouldn’t be able to attend because of budget constraints, Plante Moran paid the transportation costs, enabling 43 additional students to participate and learn more about career opportunities in public accounting.

13. Deloitte

2023 ranking: 17
Years on list: 25
Why the firm made the list: Accounting titan Deloitte has made well-being a top priority, starting with the C-suite: The American arm of the multinational firm named a chief well-being officer way back in 2015. Core to the Deloitte experience, the concept of well-being is brought to life through offerings such as collective disconnects, in which the entire organization takes consecutive days off so everyone can focus on their personal lives without interruptions from work. Deloitte’s hybrid workplace model provides a range of options that vary based on the tasks performed and the clients served, balanced with the diverse preferences of employees. Hybrid “champions” serve as an ongoing resource as team members figure out what works best for them collectively.

Recruiting and supporting diverse talent is also a priority: The Neurodiversity@Deloitte program recruits neurodivergent candidates for a three-month internship with the potential to go full-time upon completion. And Deloitte was the ninth employer to achieve Black Equity at Work Certification from Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a national leadership nonprofit.

22. PwC

2023 ranking: 30
Years on list: 20
Why the firm made the list: The accounting and consulting firm knows that achieving a healthy balance between work and life is crucial to employee success. That’s why twice a year, the entire Big Four firm shuts down for a full week, during which time all staff can rest and recharge. All employees are also eligible to apply for a 20%-pay leave of absence, when they can take up to 26 weeks off work while receiving 20% of their regular base salary. 

As PwC U.S. incorporates generative AI into its operations, it has positioned itself as a leader in responsible AI—for which it’s earned recognition from Gartner, IDC, and Forrester. 

PwC cofounded the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion initiative, in which more than 2,500 CEOs representing over 21 million employees and more than 85 industries have pledged to create more inclusive workplaces.

32. Crowe

2023 ranking: 60
Years on list: 6
Why the firm made the list: Crowe is making efforts to diversify its talent pool by partnering with state CPA societies and local and collegiate chapters of professional associations to attract new hires from a wide variety of backgrounds. 

Crowe supports employees through initiatives such as Women Leading@Crowe and its Connect program, which offers instruction in wellness, work-life integration, and business etiquette to all female staff. The firm provides targeted support to senior managers through its Grow programming, helping them develop leadership skills to take their careers to the next level. Since it launched in 2013, over 95% of Grow graduates have advanced to a partner or director role.

In August of last year, the firm hosted its first-ever Crowe Cares Day, during which employees performed volunteer work in local communities for a collective 20,500-plus hours, supporting more than 110 organizations across 40 locations.

44. RSM US

2023 ranking: 42
Years on list: 4
Why the firm made the list: The assurance, tax, and consulting services firm continues to expand support-program offerings to its more than 17,000 employees. Building upon its already flexible workplace culture, RSM surveyed staff and decided to set no limits on remote, hybrid, or in-person workdays.

Launched in May 2023, the Women in RSM series, in conjunction with the firm’s 10-year-old culture, diversity, and inclusion celebration, spotlights women within the organization to make them feel seen and supported. Sponsored by its ¡Hola!, InspirAsian, and multicultural employee network groups, RSM’s conversational language program’s second cohort launched in July 2023 with the goal of increasing linguistic proficiency among staff who work with international clients. 

RSM is a signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion initiative and selected six participants last year to work alongside other firms in the creation of public policies and corporate strategies that promote racial equity. Four fellows are participating this year.

RSM’s annual stewardship campaign, the Power of Love, selects local youth-focused charities to volunteer for and support. The 2023 campaign raised more than $4.7 million, bringing the grand total raised to more than $41 million, which has so far been distributed to 760 charities.

64. EY

2023 ranking: 50
Years on list: 26
Why the firm made the list: Big Four accounting giant EY fell 14 places on the list while weathering multiple rounds of layoffs, including dozens of partners in December. Still, EY’s U.S. employee benefits remain top-notch, offering 25 no-cost counseling and mental health coach sessions per year (including household family members), flexible vacation, and full weeks off during company shutdown time in July and December, in addition to three four-day weekends for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Some teams are testing out four-day workweeks.

EY expanded its Pathways to Transition program to provide reimbursements up to $50,000 for expenses relating to gender-affirming medical care not covered by a medical plan. The World Economic Forum named EY’s Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence a global Lighthouse model for inclusion and value. 

EY has the goal of achieving 50% representation for women and racially and ethnically diverse employees at its partner level by 2025. As of August 2023, 28% of its partners and principals are women, and 22% are racially and ethnically diverse.

72. KPMG

2023 ranking: 36
Years on list: 20
Why the firm made the list: KPMG was not immune to the layoffs that bit the consulting industry widely in 2023 amid an unfavorable climate for deals and advisory services. This year, the company is focusing on AI training for employees; last year, it committed $125 million over the next five years to advance equity in education, health care, and economic opportunities for underserved communities. Last summer, the company launched an internship program for 200 high schoolers to spend three weeks learning from KPMG coaches, mentors, and content developers.

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Leaders

Mark Cuban is The Maverick Entrepreneur Changing Business and Beyond

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Mark Cuban's journey embodies the American entrepreneurial spirit

From selling garbage bags door-to-door as a child to becoming a billionaire tech pioneer and beloved “Shark,” Mark Cuban’s journey embodies the American entrepreneurial spirit. His straight-talking approach and business acumen have made him one of the most recognizable business figures of our time.

Early Life and Education

Born in Pittsburgh on July 31, 1958, to working-class parents, Cuban learned the value of hustle early. His grandfather, a Russian immigrant, sold merchandise from the back of his car—perhaps planting the entrepreneurial seed that would define Cuban’s future.

After graduating from Indiana University in 1981 with a degree in business, Cuban didn’t follow a traditional career path. Instead, he moved to Dallas with just $60 in his pocket, sleeping on the floor of a friend’s apartment while working as a bartender.

Building His Fortune

Cuban’s first major success came in 1990 when he sold his computer consulting firm, MicroSolutions, for $6 million. However, his true financial breakthrough arrived during the internet boom of the 1990s. Cuban and his business partner Todd Wagner founded Broadcast.com, an internet radio company that streamed audio of sports events and other content.

In 1999, Yahoo acquired Broadcast.com for $5.7 billion in stock—a deal that instantly made Cuban a billionaire and cemented his place in tech history.

The Dallas Mavericks Era

In 2000, Cuban purchased a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks for $285 million. Under his passionate and sometimes controversial leadership, the team transformed from a struggling franchise into NBA champions in 2011.

Unlike traditional team owners, Cuban sits courtside at games, openly criticizes referees, and maintains close relationships with players. His hands-on approach revolutionized NBA ownership culture and turned the Mavericks into a billion-dollar franchise.

Beyond Business: Media and Philanthropy

Cuban’s charismatic personality made him a natural fit for television. Since 2011, he has been a main investor on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” where his no-nonsense approach and investment savvy have helped launch numerous successful startups.

Behind the public persona lies a dedicated philanthropist. The Mark Cuban Foundation supports various causes, including entrepreneurship programs for at-risk youth and research into treating rare diseases. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuban launched Cost Plus Drugs, aiming to dramatically reduce prescription medication prices for millions of Americans.

Looking Forward

Today, Cuban continues to disrupt industries through his forward-thinking investments in AI, cryptocurrency, and healthcare. Despite his billions, colleagues describe him as remarkably approachable and genuinely passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Cuban remains focused on making healthcare more affordable through Cost Plus Drugs and exploring new frontiers in digital technology. His commitment to transparency in business practices and creating opportunities for others forms the cornerstone of his ongoing legacy.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Cuban’s advice remains consistent: follow your passion, outwork the competition, and always be learning. As he often says, “Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it all away from you.”

Mark Cuban’s journey from selling garbage bags to building a multi-billion-dollar empire proves that with determination, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, extraordinary success is possible.

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Technology

Quantum Computing is Transforming Industries, Security, and Future Technologies

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Quantum Computing is Transforming Industries, Security, and Future Technologies

Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. Unlike classical computers, which use bits to process information as either 0s or 1s, quantum computers leverage qubits, allowing them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This property, known as superposition, along with entanglement and quantum tunneling, enables quantum computers to solve complex problems exponentially faster than traditional systems. As this technology advances, industries across the board are exploring its potential to revolutionize computing, security, and data processing.

Real-World Applications of Quantum Computing in Industries

Several industries are already benefiting from quantum computing’s capabilities. In healthcare, quantum algorithms are accelerating drug discovery by simulating molecular structures at an unprecedented scale, significantly reducing the time required for pharmaceutical research. Financial institutions are leveraging quantum computing to optimize trading strategies, portfolio management, and risk assessment. In manufacturing, quantum simulations enhance material science, leading to the development of stronger and more efficient materials. The logistics sector is also utilizing quantum computing to optimize supply chain management, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.

Key Developments from Tech Giants in Quantum Research

Leading technology companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Intel are at the forefront of quantum computing research. Google made headlines with its claim of achieving quantum supremacy in 2019 when its quantum processor completed a calculation in 200 seconds that would take a classical supercomputer thousands of years. IBM continues to advance its quantum computing roadmap with cloud-accessible quantum computers and the development of a 1,000-qubit processor. Microsoft is investing heavily in topological qubits, a novel approach aimed at creating more stable quantum processors. Meanwhile, Intel is working on silicon-based quantum chips, striving to make quantum computing more scalable and accessible.

Quantum Cryptography and Its Potential to Redefine Security

As quantum computers advance, they pose a significant threat to current encryption methods. Traditional cryptographic techniques, such as RSA and ECC encryption, rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers, a challenge that quantum computers can overcome almost instantly. Quantum cryptography, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), offers a solution by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to create theoretically unbreakable encryption. Governments and cybersecurity firms are actively researching post-quantum cryptographic solutions to safeguard sensitive data against potential quantum attacks.

Challenges in Scaling Quantum Technologies

Despite its immense potential, quantum computing faces several challenges before it can become widely adopted. One of the biggest hurdles is qubit stability, as qubits are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances, leading to errors in computations. Error correction mechanisms are still in their early stages, requiring significant advancements before quantum computers can handle large-scale, practical applications. Additionally, quantum hardware is expensive and requires extreme cooling conditions, making commercialization difficult. Researchers and tech companies are actively working on solutions to address these challenges, but widespread implementation remains years, if not decades, away.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries by solving complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. From pharmaceutical research and financial modeling to secure communications and logistics optimization, its applications are vast and transformative. However, challenges related to scalability, stability, and cost must be addressed before quantum computers can become mainstream. With continued advancements from tech giants and research institutions, the future of quantum computing holds immense promise, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in computing and security.

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Technology

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Unveils Monetization Strategy for 2025

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Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Unveils Monetization Strategy

In a strategic move to diversify revenue streams and enhance user engagement, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has unveiled plans to introduce paid subscriptions for select subreddit content by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to offer exclusive, subscriber-only content within certain communities while maintaining the platform’s foundational free access.

During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session, Huffman described the paid content model as a “work in progress,” emphasizing its significance as one of the “new, key features” slated for rollout this year. He reassured users that the introduction of paid subreddits would not compromise the availability and growth of free content on the platform. This approach seeks to balance monetization efforts with Reddit’s commitment to open access, ensuring that the core user experience remains intact.

In addition to paid subscriptions, Reddit is exploring the development of marketplace features within subreddits. This would enable users to conduct transactions directly on the platform, facilitating the buying and selling of goods and services without the need for third-party platforms. Such a marketplace could significantly enhance user interactions and create new monetization avenues for both Reddit and its users. However, Huffman noted that this aspect of monetization is still under development and may take time to fully implement.

These strategic initiatives come in the wake of Reddit’s financial performance in 2024, where the company reported a net loss, prompting a reevaluation of its monetization strategies. Despite the financial setback, Reddit experienced a 39% increase in daily active unique visitors, totaling 101.7 million users. This growth, although slightly below market estimates, underscores the platform’s expanding user base and the potential for monetization through diversified offerings.

Reddit’s foray into paid content and on-platform transactions reflects a broader trend among social media platforms seeking sustainable revenue models beyond traditional advertising. By introducing exclusive content and facilitating user-driven commerce, Reddit aims to enhance user engagement, attract new audiences, and provide content creators with opportunities to monetize their contributions. As these plans unfold, the platform will need to navigate potential challenges, including user reception and the integration of new features, to successfully balance monetization with its community-driven ethos.

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