Inside Frazier & Deeter's Secondment Program

FD’s Secondment Program was established in 2022 to provide our US based auditors the opportunity to spend three months in our London office expanding their skillset and servicing our UK audit clients.

When FD Audit Senior Associate Sarah Lindsey McBurney heard about this program, she jumped on the opportunity to network and make connections across the globe.

1.?Why did you apply for FD's secondment opportunity??

"I've always been fascinated by the possibility of traveling for work and dreamt of visiting the United Kingdom since I was young. I was unable to participate in study abroad programs during college so I thought I’d missed my chance. When I learned FD was opening up their secondment opportunity, I jumped at the thought of experiencing another culture, growing in my independence and problem solving. I never knew that I could have more than “just a desk job” in an accounting career."

2.?What skills did you gain through this experience? How has your team benefitted from your experience and new skills upon your return? ?

"I learned how to see things from a bigger picture. I was promoted while abroad and with that came additional responsibilities. Our UK clients are different in size, industry and complexity, so being given the opportunity to experience the cultural side of the UK and how business is conducted gave me perspective into how I can better serve clients and grow as a team player for my team both in London and back in the US."

3.?What did a typical day look like?

"My typical day started with my walk to work. I loved seeing the beautiful architecture and famous buildings in Bank (equivalent to London’s financial district) each morning. I often stopped at a café called Pret for an Americano on the way; I went to Pret 2-3 times a day so I got pretty friendly with the baristas. At the office, we would usually break for lunch around mid-afternoon and eat on the sky deck upstairs. Our London office has a great view of the Thames and the Shard so on sunny days it was especially pretty with a breeze. After work, I walked home or up to Shoreditch to meet a friend for dinner or drinks. Sometimes, my flatmate and I would eat dinner and watch Peep Show (a popular British comedy on Netflix) together if we were both home. On days I would work from home, I would go to a Pilates class during lunch. On the weekends, I was able to make short trips to visit points of interest in England, Scotland and Ireland. I also managed a trip to St Andrews for The Open and a trip to Paris."

4.?What was the biggest takeaway from your experience??

"My biggest takeaway was seeing firsthand how we each have the ability to influence and decide what our outcomes and experiences will be. I had the opportunity to learn how attitude and perseverance can influence the direction of your life while I was in an unfamiliar country with different customs and manners than I was used to. Having a positive attitude and a can-do work ethic impacts how we view the world and will result in life experiences that are more rewarding and fulfilling than ever expected. I’ve made lifelong friends 'across the pond' and learned what made me 'me' by removing the distractions and comforts of home. In many ways, being new was easier as I felt I could truly step into who and where my heart and mind were leading me."

5.?What advice would you offer to other FD employees who are looking to pursue this secondment opportunity???

"My advice would be to jump head-on into anything that makes you uncomfortable or nervous. Some of my favorite memories and most cherished friendships from London have come from getting outside of my comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. Whether I was meeting people out and about or just walking in to somewhere new and looking around, it was always worth following the call of curiosity."

6. What does the application process look like?

"To qualify, applicants must have at least 1 year with FD at the associate or senior associate level. The application process starts in the fall and includes a round of interviews with our London management team.?Once final decisions are made, our People & Culture team handles the Visa process and logistics of housing, flights, etc. to make sure the secondment opportunity is an amazing experience for all involved!"

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Looking to join a firm with a culture that promotes professional growth, community involvement, and relationship building? Learn more about us at?https://fdopportunities.com/.