Cherry Bekaert: Complete Guide to Careers, Culture, and Interviews

Cherry Bekaert is a leading accounting and consulting firm known for helping organizations navigate complex tax, audit, and advisory challenges across diverse industries. Often compared to Big 4 firms, Cherry Bekaert offers a collaborative, growth-focused environment that attracts candidates seeking impactful careers in professional services. Whether you’re exploring Cherry Bekaert careers or curious about what it’s like to work at Cherry Bekaert, this guide covers everything you need to know from the firm’s history and culture to its interview process, internship programs, and salary expectations.

TL;DR – What You Need to Know

Cherry Bekaert is a U.S.-based accounting and consulting firm offering assurance, tax, and advisory services with a collaborative culture and strong professional growth opportunities.

• Cherry Bekaert provides advisory, tax, and assurance services to help clients manage financial performance and business transformation.
• The firm employs over 1,300 professionals across 25 U.S. locations under CEO Michelle Thompson.
• Cherry Bekaert careers emphasize mentorship, skill development, and long-term advancement through its “One Firm. One You.” philosophy.
• Internship programs offer hands-on client exposure, leadership training, and networking opportunities for future consultants.
• The Cherry Bekaert interview process evaluates communication, analytical ability, and cultural fit through behavioral and technical discussions.

What Does Cherry Bekaert Do?

Cherry Bekaert is an accounting and consulting firm that delivers assurance, tax, and advisory services to help organizations improve financial performance and manage complex business challenges. The firm combines technical accounting expertise with consulting insights to support sustainable growth for clients across diverse industries.

Cherry Bekaert’s business model sits between accounting and management consulting, positioning it as a trusted advisor to companies seeking both compliance and strategic transformation. Its offerings are designed to help clients operate more efficiently, remain compliant, and make informed financial decisions.

The firm’s core service areas include:

• Advisory: Business intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and transaction support
• Tax: Corporate and individual tax preparation, planning, and law advisory
• Assurance: Audit, attestation, and accounting support for private and public entities

Unlike larger firms with global footprints, Cherry Bekaert operates primarily within the United States, providing clients with localized expertise and personalized service. This approach appeals to professionals who prefer hands-on consulting within a collaborative environment.

Through its integrated service structure, Cherry Bekaert enables consultants to work across multiple industries such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing offering diverse exposure early in their careers.

Key Facts About Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert is a mid-sized accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, with over 1,300 employees across 25-plus U.S. locations. The firm reported approximately $250 million in revenue in 2021 and is led by CEO Michelle Thompson, who continues to drive the firm’s strategic growth and innovation.

Founded in 1947, Cherry Bekaert has evolved into one of the most respected professional services firms in the U.S. Its focus on accounting, advisory, and tax services positions it as a strong alternative to larger firms while maintaining a personalized, people-first culture.

Key company facts include:

• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Employees: Approximately 1,300
• Offices: 25+ locations nationwide
• Revenue: About $250 million (2021)
• CEO: Michelle Thompson
• Founded: 1947 by Harry Cherry, Charles Bekaert, and William Holland

These details give prospective candidates a clear snapshot of Cherry Bekaert’s scale and professional reach. Understanding these fundamentals helps you evaluate how the firm fits within the broader consulting and accounting landscape before exploring specific Cherry Bekaert careers or internship opportunities.

The History and Growth of Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert was founded in 1947 by Harry Cherry, Charles Bekaert, and William Holland in Richmond, Virginia. The firm began as a regional accounting practice and gradually expanded through mergers and acquisitions to become a national consulting and advisory organization.

Throughout the late 20th century, Cherry Bekaert grew steadily, focusing on client relationships, local expertise, and community engagement. In 2013, the firm rebranded under the tagline “Your Guide Forward,” reflecting its evolution from a traditional accounting practice into a forward-thinking consulting partner.

In recent years, Cherry Bekaert has accelerated growth through strategic acquisitions, such as TaxGroup Partners in 2021, to strengthen its tax advisory and transaction support capabilities. These expansions have helped the firm enhance its advisory footprint and diversify its service offerings.

The firm’s consistent growth demonstrates its ability to adapt to changing business environments while maintaining a strong foundation in professional integrity and client service. For aspiring consultants, understanding this evolution offers insight into the firm’s stability, culture, and long-term vision.

Cherry Bekaert Careers and Professional Development

A career at Cherry Bekaert offers a blend of professional growth, mentorship, and hands-on consulting experience across accounting and advisory disciplines. The firm emphasizes continuous learning, leadership development, and community involvement as part of its “One Firm. One You.” philosophy.

Employees at Cherry Bekaert benefit from structured performance reviews, personalized development plans, and opportunities to move between service lines as their interests evolve. This flexibility appeals to professionals who value both specialization and exploration within a single firm.

Key aspects of Cherry Bekaert careers include:

• Career mobility within advisory, tax, and assurance divisions
• Access to leadership and technical development programs
• Emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, and feedback-driven growth
• Opportunities to contribute through volunteering and social impact initiatives

The firm’s approach to professional development encourages long-term retention and career satisfaction. Whether you’re an entry-level associate or an experienced consultant, Cherry Bekaert provides the resources and mentorship to help you thrive in a dynamic professional services environment.

Cherry Bekaert Internship Opportunities

The Cherry Bekaert internship program offers students hands-on exposure to the firm’s consulting, tax, and assurance work. Interns participate in client projects, team collaboration, and structured learning experiences designed to prepare them for full-time roles.

Interns can expect:

• Real client engagement and project exposure
• Mentorship from senior professionals and career coaches
• Training sessions in accounting, technology, and business analytics
• Final presentations and networking opportunities

Cherry Bekaert offers both winter and summer internships across the U.S., typically recruiting students graduating within the next academic year. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and analytical thinking key skills for success in the firm’s advisory environment.

Completing a Cherry Bekaert internship provides a strong foundation for transitioning into full-time consulting or assurance roles, making it one of the most effective entry points into the firm.

Core Practice Areas and Services

Cherry Bekaert’s services span three major practice areas: Advisory, Tax, and Assurance. Each area supports clients in improving operational efficiency, financial reporting, and strategic planning while ensuring compliance and risk management.

1. Advisory Services: Focus on strategic guidance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and mergers and acquisitions. Consultants help clients modernize operations and adopt data-driven business models.

2. Tax Services: Provide tax compliance, planning, and advisory to optimize business structures and reduce liabilities for both corporate and individual clients.

3. Assurance Services: Include audit and attestation engagements that help organizations maintain transparency, trust, and regulatory compliance.

Together, these service areas make Cherry Bekaert a full-service professional firm that integrates technical expertise with business insight. For aspiring consultants, understanding this structure is key to identifying the practice area that best aligns with their skills and career goals.

Industries Served by Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert serves clients across a diverse range of industries, combining deep sector knowledge with tailored advisory, tax, and assurance services. The firm’s industry-specific approach enables consultants to deliver practical, data-driven solutions that address each sector’s financial and operational challenges.

Key industries served include:

• Technology: Supporting software, IT, and emerging tech firms with compliance, valuation, and cybersecurity advisory
• Healthcare and Life Sciences: Helping hospitals, biotech companies, and research organizations navigate complex regulations and optimize financial performance
• Industrial Manufacturing: Guiding manufacturers on cost management, automation, and supply chain efficiency
• Government and Public Sector: Providing audit, risk management, and grant compliance services to federal, state, and local entities
• Hospitality and Retail: Offering financial planning, digital transformation, and customer experience analytics for consumer-driven industries
• Real Estate and Construction: Assisting developers and contractors with project accounting, tax structuring, and investment analysis

By focusing on industry specialization, Cherry Bekaert empowers its professionals to become trusted advisors within their chosen sectors. This structure allows consultants to build deep expertise and long-term relationships with clients, fostering career development and cross-industry exposure.

Cherry Bekaert Locations Across the United States

Cherry Bekaert operates exclusively in the United States, maintaining over 25 offices strategically located across major metropolitan and regional business hubs. This nationwide presence allows the firm to provide localized expertise and build strong client relationships across diverse markets.

Major Cherry Bekaert locations include:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Raleigh, North Carolina
• Washington, D.C.
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Chicago, Illinois
• Houston and Austin, Texas
• Tampa, Florida
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Los Angeles, California
• Providence, Rhode Island
• Nashville, Tennessee

While the firm’s footprint is smaller than that of global consulting firms, its regional model fosters close collaboration between teams and clients. This structure also gives consultants the opportunity to work with a variety of industries without extensive travel, appealing to professionals seeking balance and community-focused work environments.

What Is the Career Path at Cherry Bekaert?

The career path at Cherry Bekaert is designed to support steady growth, mentorship, and professional specialization across advisory, assurance, and tax disciplines. Employees progress through structured roles that balance technical skill-building with leadership development.

Typical Cherry Bekaert career path:

1. Associate: Entry-level role focused on foundational consulting and client service skills
2. Senior Associate: Takes ownership of projects, mentors new hires, and deepens technical expertise
3. Manager/Senior Manager: Leads client engagements and drives business development initiatives
4. Director/Principal: Oversees multiple projects, mentors teams, and shapes firm strategy
5. Partner: Provides strategic vision, manages client relationships, and contributes to firm-wide leadership

The firm’s emphasis on professional growth and mobility means employees can move across service lines as their interests evolve. Continuous training, transparent feedback, and promotion based on merit ensure that talented professionals can advance at their own pace.

Exit Opportunities After Cherry Bekaert

Professionals who begin their careers at Cherry Bekaert often move into roles within corporate finance, Big 4 firms, or industry-specific leadership positions. The firm’s focus on advisory and tax consulting equips employees with analytical, technical, and client-facing skills that transfer well across sectors.

Common exit paths include:

• Finance and accounting roles at Fortune 500 companies
• Corporate strategy or internal consulting positions
• Roles at investment or private equity firms focused on portfolio valuation
• Leadership roles in technology, healthcare, and government sectors

While Cherry Bekaert’s exit opportunities may be narrower than those at larger strategy firms, they remain attractive for professionals seeking stable, well-rounded career transitions. Many alumni also pursue entrepreneurship or independent consulting, leveraging the firm’s strong foundation in business operations and financial management.

Diversity and Inclusion at Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert promotes a culture of inclusion and belonging through its ACE Council (Allyship, Connections, and Elevate), which supports employee resource groups focused on mentorship, community, and advocacy. The firm’s diversity programs aim to strengthen collaboration and foster equitable career growth for all employees.

Employee resource groups include:

• Mosaic: Celebrating racial and ethnic diversity
• Women of Cherry Bekaert: Supporting women’s leadership and advancement
• Multi-generational Group: Building connections across experience levels

Cherry Bekaert’s DEI efforts go beyond internal programs employees are encouraged to engage in community outreach and volunteer initiatives. This inclusive environment reflects the firm’s values of integrity, empathy, and teamwork, creating a supportive foundation for long-term professional success.

Inside the Cherry Bekaert Interview Process

The Cherry Bekaert interview process focuses on assessing candidates’ communication, analytical, and teamwork skills through a combination of behavioral and situational questions. The process typically includes one to three rounds, depending on the position and office location.

Typical interview structure:

1. Initial screening: Conducted by HR or a recruiter to discuss your background, interests, and fit for the role.
2. Behavioral interviews: Managers and partners evaluate your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving approach through questions such as “Why Cherry Bekaert?” and “Describe a time you managed multiple priorities.”
3. Technical or case-style discussions: Depending on the role, you may discuss basic accounting principles, tax concepts, or advisory frameworks relevant to the service line you’re applying to.
4. Final round or panel interview: Focuses on firm culture, alignment with Cherry Bekaert’s values, and long-term career aspirations.

To prepare, candidates should review their resumes thoroughly, understand the firm’s service areas, and practice articulating how their skills align with Cherry Bekaert’s collaborative and client-focused environment. Asking thoughtful questions about professional development or mentorship can help you stand out as an engaged and well-prepared candidate.

Inside the Cherry Bekaert Interview Process

The Cherry Bekaert interview process focuses on assessing candidates’ communication, analytical, and teamwork skills through a combination of behavioral and situational questions. The process typically includes one to three rounds, depending on the position and office location.

Typical interview structure:

1. Initial screening: Conducted by HR or a recruiter to discuss your background, interests, and fit for the role.
2. Behavioral interviews: Managers and partners evaluate your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving approach through questions such as “Why Cherry Bekaert?” and “Describe a time you managed multiple priorities.”
3. Technical or case-style discussions: Depending on the role, you may discuss basic accounting principles, tax concepts, or advisory frameworks relevant to the service line you’re applying to.
4. Final round or panel interview: Focuses on firm culture, alignment with Cherry Bekaert’s values, and long-term career aspirations.

To prepare, candidates should review their resumes thoroughly, understand the firm’s service areas, and practice articulating how their skills align with Cherry Bekaert’s collaborative and client-focused environment. Asking thoughtful questions about professional development or mentorship can help you stand out as an engaged and well-prepared candidate.

What Is It Like to Work at Cherry Bekaert?

Working at Cherry Bekaert is defined by a balance of professional growth, flexibility, and community-oriented culture. Employees often highlight strong teamwork, approachable leadership, and accessible career development opportunities as hallmarks of the firm.

Employee perspectives commonly emphasize:

• Supportive teams and open communication with partners and managers
• Emphasis on mentorship, training, and clear career progression
• Work-life balance, especially outside of busy seasons
• Opportunities to contribute to volunteer and community initiatives

According to recent Glassdoor reviews, Cherry Bekaert holds an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, with high approval for leadership and firm culture. While busy seasons can bring long hours, many employees find the overall environment collaborative, inclusive, and rewarding for long-term career growth.

Key Takeaways on Cherry Bekaert’s Consulting Career Path

Cherry Bekaert offers a strong foundation for professionals seeking a career that blends accounting expertise with consulting experience. The firm’s mid-sized structure provides both meaningful client exposure and individualized mentorship, appealing to candidates who want growth without losing a sense of community.

Across its advisory, tax, and assurance practices, employees gain diverse experience that supports future roles in corporate finance, leadership, or entrepreneurship. For consulting candidates, Cherry Bekaert represents an opportunity to develop both technical skills and business judgment in a collaborative, people-first environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is it like to work at Cherry Bekaert?
A: Working at Cherry Bekaert offers a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where employees gain hands-on experience in advisory, tax, and assurance services while maintaining strong work-life balance.

Q: How much does Cherry Bekaert pay consultants?
A: Cherry Bekaert consultants typically earn between $80,000 and $90,000 annually, with additional performance-based bonuses depending on role, experience, and office location.

Q: Is Cherry Bekaert a good company to work for?
A: Cherry Bekaert is considered a good company to work for due to its supportive culture, career development programs, and emphasis on mentorship and employee well-being.

Q: Who is the CEO of Cherry Bekaert?
A: The CEO of Cherry Bekaert is Michelle Thompson, who leads the firm’s strategic growth and continues its commitment to innovation in accounting and consulting.

Q: Is Cherry Bekaert a top consulting firm?
A: Cherry Bekaert is recognized as a respected mid-sized consulting firm, offering specialized accounting and advisory services comparable in quality to those of larger firms.