Meet Anthony
Consultant, Financial Reporting Services
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Anneliese Luo
Brandeis University—International Business School
MS Finance
Central South University
BBA Business Administration and Management
I was working at my first job—transfer pricing at a small to mid-sized company—when a friend suggested applying to Equity Methods. I started as an associate. Two years later, I got promoted to consultant. And in those two years, I learned more than I could have imagined.
People at Equity Methods like to take on challenges. We try to figure out what’s going on so we can advise our clients. This can-do spirit has motivated me to say yes to new things, leading to more opportunities. For example, I took my first client trip when I was only a year and a half in. Now I’m conducting client calls.
I did have a lot of questions in the beginning. Even now, I occasionally find myself in unfamiliar territory. It’s the nature of our business—whether it’s a newly issued regulation or a company facing an unusual situation, our job is to learn as much as we can to advise our clients as quickly as possible. I take my concerns to my manager, who’s always been there to help me through the challenges. He’s a mentor to me.
We don’t have a rigid hierarchy at Equity Methods. My coworkers at all levels of seniority are super friendly and helpful. It makes my life a lot easier. I also think that’s why there’s not a lot of workplace drama in my daily life, despite the fast pace of events here.
I’d advise new people to keep an open mind and be ready to pivot if the situation changes. Stay humble and learn from those around you. Be willing to communicate. And allow yourself to learn as you progress. If you want to dive into new things and see if you have an affinity for them, you have the freedom to do that.
The most important, to me, is to think from your client’s perspective. That way, you’ll understand them better, sometimes to the extent that you can deliver what they need before they even have a chance to ask for it. For instance, one of our clients had transitioned to a new administration system for their deferred awards. It was the end of their fiscal year, the new system was unfamiliar, and they needed to know what number to book. It was a very challenging process for us to build up, but we managed to crack the numbers, complete the reconciliations long before their deadline, and ensure a smooth transition for the client. They were thrilled with the results.
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What’s the most interesting client project you’ve had so far?
I’ve had a lot of interesting projects, but one story that sticks out has less to do with the work itself than with the people involved. It happened just as people were starting to travel again after the COVID-19 outbreak. I traveled to the East Coast to meet two clients I had communicated with only through calls and emails. Now I had a chance to meet them in person and see their office environment. I got to know them on a more human level. It’s taken our working relationship to a new level of empathy and trust.
What do you think is unique about Equity Methods?
One thing that’s unique is the potential for an accelerated career path. That’s a big contrast to the experience of my friends at big companies, who have been in the same position for years.
How would you describe Equity Methods to someone who doesn’t know us?
Equity Methods has earned a reputation for being the best at what we do, and for our ability to take on a challenge and make a real difference.
What was the last TV show you saw?
“Kaleidoscope” on Netflix. Each episode is named after a different color, and the series is non-sequential. You can watch any episode in any order, giving you a unique perspective on how it unfolds.
What did you do during your last vacation?
I went to Seattle to see my best friend. She had just moved there from Boston. We caught up on life and work.
What was the biggest culture shock of moving to Arizona?
The dramatic mountains and rock formations. And the cactus—some are taller than a two-story building! I had no idea they could get so big.
What do you like to do when away from work?
I enjoy playing the piano whenever I get the chance. Same with the guitar—I picked it up during the pandemic, and like it so far.
