Life at Equity Methods: Taylor

Taylor Jensen

Taylor Jensen

Washington State University
BBA Finance

I started out as a broker at a major financial services firm. However, I soon discovered that a bureaucratic environment wasn’t the best fit for me. So I launched an online search for “small company finance careers” and found Equity Methods. After reading the firm’s job description for a financial reporting associate, I knew I’d found what I was looking for.

Today, I work with a number of large publicly traded companies to create custom financial reporting solutions for their equity compensation. I also spend time reviewing reports each quarter, answering questions, and working to improve our training and processes. Beyond that, I help recruit the next generation of EM associates.

It takes resourcefulness, flexibility, and audacity to succeed in this position. You also have to be a fast learner. We teach you what you need to know, so it’s more about your ability to pick up concepts and apply them in practical ways.

I’m certainly not an extrovert, but I also couldn’t see myself buried in spreadsheets all day without any client interaction. I love that this career strikes a good balance between analytical problem-solving and building client relationships. Here, I have a chance to make a big impact and work on initiatives which help the whole firm, and the promote-from-within culture makes me feel like there’s no ceiling on my career growth.

We take the work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously. We laugh a lot. And there’s always something to look forward to—be it a potluck, a group dinner, or one of our offsite events.

My general career advice? Whenever possible, see if you can go one step beyond what the task calls for. More often than not, it’s that one step that makes you stand out.

What’s the most interesting client project you’ve had so far?

Helping a client forecast the expense of their employee stock purchase plan based on different plan designs. It’s exciting to see the effect of adjusting different design features.

Do any stories from your time at Equity Methods stick out?

Last year, the consultants visited the Odysea Aquarium. We went on an underwater trek with the fish and then had dinner under the water tunnel. It was so cool!

How would you describe your Equity Methods colleagues?

Smart, hardworking, and driven.

What advice would you give someone who just joined Equity Methods?

Be flexible, take advantage of the training to really understand, and be ready to learn.

What did you do during your last vacation?

I visited my high school friend in Seattle. We explored the downtown area and made our way to Alki Beach.

What do you like to do when away from work?

I like to read. I also like to go outside for things like running, hiking, long walks, and lounging by the pool.

What’s the character trait you admire most in people?

Grit. The ability to persevere, especially in the face of obstacles, is so valuable.

What is your motto?

Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You have to set yourself on fire!

 

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