Congratulations to our new Partners and Associate Partner!

Rödl & Partner is delighted to see so many of our people moving ahead in their careers. As a firm, we are committed to recruiting, training, and retaining superior professionals. Each of these new Partners and Associate Partner is a product of that commitment, as they have excelled in their specific technical area while providing the highest level of client service.

We are pleased to announce the continued growth of our firm with the promotion of these colleagues:

What does it take to be a Partner and Associate Partner at Rödl & Partner? We asked our new Partners and Associate Partner some questions about their experience at the firm. Here are some professional insights from this talented group:

What is the most important thing you have learned about working in public accounting?

Christian Hock: It never gets boring and change is constant in our environment! As in every service industry, we should never forget that it is a people business. I cannot stress high enough the importance of good client relationships. It makes everything else more pleasant and easier.

Henrik Ernst: Expect the unexpected. Most days are different and challenging, and there are still so many things to learn.

What has best prepared you for the position of Partner/Associate Partner?

Christopher Meier: All the excellent people I have had the pleasure to work with. I have been blessed to meet a lot of wonderful people who I have learned a lot from.

Christian Hock: The fact that our firm provides for plenty of opportunity and freedom for personal development if one is willing to take it. This freedom at an early stage in my career allowed me to grow into this position.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self?

Henrik Ernst: I guess I would tell him a hundred different things! Like be patient, take more risks, or try not to please everybody.

Christopher Meier: Someday, it all will fall into place.

What characteristics do you find most important in a leader, and how do you try to embody that?

Christian Hock: To be fair and kind to everyone around you, especially to colleagues with less experience. Nothing good ever came from negativity or pressuring someone excessively.

Henrik Ernst: Lead from the front row and walk the talk. Most people will recognize if you do not know what you are talking about or lack the technical experience. From my point of view, it is very beneficial to be able to perform the task you want from your team.

Christopher Meier: A leader would not be a leader without somebody following., and who would follow someone who does not have one's best interest at heart? Therefore, I put integrity, gratitude, and empathy at the top of the list. I always try to listen closely and sincerely consider what everybody brings to the discussion.

What advice do you have for new staff accountants at the firm?

Henrik Ernst: Put in the extra work early. Try to get difficult projects outside your comfort zone in first few years. The benefit might be not immediately visible to you in the first few years, but managers and partners tend to assign the task based on whom they trust with the project. Once you get this little edge ahead in the early phase of your career, it will turn into a snowball effect and you will become unstoppable.

Christian Hock: Always be curious for new knowledge and how to reinvent yourself to become qualitatively better and more efficient at your job.

Why did you join Rödl & Partner, and what has kept you here?

Christopher Meier: The unique focus on German clients brought me here. My excellent colleagues have kept me here.

Christian Hock: I joined originally because of the niche market of German inbound business. What kept me for all these years is the tremendous opportunity for personal growth and the colleagues that are with you along the way.

Henrik Ernst: I started in 2008 at the beginning of the financial crisis, so I just wanted the money and job experience for the resume. I stayed because I started to believe in our niche philosophy and client base. Most importantly, each time I felt bored or unchallenged in my current position, the firm came up with a new task or assignment. Of course, you have to make some concessions too. So in the last 12 years, I worked in four Rödl & Partner offices, and each time I wanted to try something new, they allowed me to switch to a new department or office. Each time, I felt at home and welcomed immediately.

Congratulations again to our new Partners and Associate Partner!

published January 2021