CG's Performance-Based Pay Philosophy |
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The underlying principle of Clifton Gunderson's compensation philosophy is that our ability to serve our clients rests on the knowledge, motivation, and respect of our most important asset, our people. CG's Performance-Based Pay Philosophy supports our practice of putting people first. To be successful in achieving the Three R's — Recruiting, Refining and Retaining — we bring innovative compensation practices to CG. The objective of our compensation philosophy is to attract and retain the high-caliber work force necessary for the continued success of the firm. One way that we do this is by recognizing and rewarding our people for their performance.
Benefits
Your health, happiness, and well-being are very important at CG. That's why a comprehensive and diverse benefits program is one of the key components to Project: Life. CG benefit programs offer a variety of choices and flexibility so you may select the benefit offerings that best fit your individual needs.
Performance-Based Pay
We recognize that the nature of each job is different, and we have designed a performance-based pay approach that reflects those differences. The cornerstone of CG's pay programs is ensuring each employee has clear and measurable performance goals at the time of hire (and each year thereafter). At CG, you will receive continual performance feedback after key engagements, during HOT Management meetings, and through the formal annual performance review process. By soliciting feedback from your manager, and striving to achieve those established goals throughout the year, you drive the outcome of your annual performance review.
In addition to annual merit increases, outstanding contributions are recognized through bonus programs that may include gifts, time off and cash bonuses. This approach to compensation allows us to best help you maximize life by providing the flexibility needed for your definition of success.
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"HOT" On-The-Spot Rewards
The cornerstone of CG's management philosophy is "HOT Management". This term describes the highly engaged, developmental management style and habits of the most effective managers in today's extremely demanding workplace. HOT Management as a tool is largely based upon the focused research performed by RainmakerThinking (Bruce Tulgan) about the breakthrough management approaches that maintain the flexibility and innovation required for today's workforce, while balancing productivity and the needs of employees and organizations.
A major component of CG's HOT Management philosophy is a just-in-time, spot recognition program that recognizes the daily, above and beyond achievements of CG employees. The HOT recognition program has several components – all based on what you, the employee, values. CG managers regularly award gifts, time off, and cash bonuses as part of the HOT Program. Recognition and support come in many forms and you'll get a ton of it at CG!
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
Clifton Gunderson offers a comprehensive Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Medical and Prescription Drug Plan. This program offers three medical coverage options which allow you to select the plan that best meets your needs. Each plan provides coverage for in-network or out-of-network services plus a variety of wellness services.
The CG Dental Plan gives you the advantage of contracted (discounted) rates with in-network dental providers. The plan offers two plan options for coverage that allow coverage for Preventive, Diagnostic, Basic, Restorative, and Orthodontic Services. Both options are designed to meet your and your family's changing needs.
Our Vision Plan provides coverage for vision examinations and materials including glasses or contacts. You receive discounted rates when using in-network vision providers.
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plans
The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan consists of three components: Premium Expense Plan, Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA), and the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA).
- The Premium Expense Plan provides you the advantage of paying your portion of insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis when enrolled in a Clifton Gunderson plan.
- The Health Care Reimbursement Account allows you to withhold dollars on a pre-tax basis to reimburse certain health care expenses such as deductibles, co-payments, and other expenses that are not covered by your benefit plans.
- The Dependent Care Reimbursement Account allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars that can be used to reimburse you for expenses incurred for dependent care while you and your spouse are working and/or enrolled as a full time student.
Each option offers an excellent way to reduce the cost of care, stretch your income dollars, and ultimately helps you maximize life!
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Paid Time Off (PTO)
Our Paid Time Off (PTO) plan combines traditional vacation and sick leave plans into one flexible plan. You receive a PTO bank to use for vacation, illness or injury and personal business. Time off eligibility varies by job level, and you earn more PTO time with years of service.
In addition to the formal Paid Time Off Program, CG allows you to earn additional time off through the HOT SPOT hours program. By displaying exemplary performance and being recognized by local office partners, you may earn additional time off each year.
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Holiday Time Off
In addition to your bank of Paid Time Off, Clifton Gunderson acknowledges nine standard holidays. The offices are closed during these holidays to allow our employees the time and flexibility needed to spend time with family and friends.
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Flexible Work Arrangements
Finding a balance among all elements of your life – work, family, community service, and recreation – is a priority at Clifton Gunderson and a crucial part of Project: Life. Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) have allowed CG to become more productive, serve our clients better, and offer you a higher quality of life.
At Clifton Gunderson, you, not the supervisor, design the FWA. Employees who have taken advantage of the FWA program indicate that they feel less stress, are able to better deal with personal emergencies, have experienced easier transitions in and out of the workforce, and have more opportunities for skill building and career growth. The Clifton Gunderson FWA program truly supports our firm's mission: "Growth of our People. Growth of our Clients. All Else Follows."
Examples of Flexible Work Arrangements include:
- Flextime: Provides professionals with greater latitude in determining their work schedules for planned or unanticipated events while still working full time. Flextime may include variations in starting and ending times or in hours worked in a day, such as in a compressed work week schedule.
- Reduced Schedule: Enables high-performing professionals to work reduced schedules with reduced job responsibilities for a defined period of time without affecting ultimate career growth potential. Some individuals use this time to spend with their family following the birth of a child, pursue an advanced degree, attend to elder care concerns, etc.
- Continuing Part-Time: Enables professionals to custom design a less-than-full-time schedule that meets the needs of the employee, clients, and local practice office. This schedule can be continued for an indefinite period of time and re-examined as personal needs change and evolve.
- Telecommuting: Provides high-performing professionals with the flexibility to work at home during part of the week to accommodate family or personal needs.
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Training and Development
Clifton Gunderson recognizes that in order for us to best serve our clients, we must hire the right people, and refine and develop their talents. This means providing you with a continuous learning environment where you can experience true life-long learning in a culture where your professional knowledge, skills, and abilities are continually updated and refreshed. We have identified core level competencies that we want staff to achieve and have designed training curriculums around those competencies.
One way we provide an environment of continual learning is through formal training. CG University (CGU) serves as a knowledge portal for our continuous, just-in-time learning environment. Career development is available through live group training, web-based learning and several self-study options including CD-ROM, on-line or text materials. The foundation of our staff level training is found in our GROW programs which consist of four levels: Groundwork, Results, Opportunity and Wisdom. These programs, offered during your first four years of employment, provide you with both soft skills and technical training that is applicable to your current level of experience in the firm. More advanced training is offered through CGU's THRIVE and LEAD curriculum, which focuses on technical training and industry-specific updates for your individual service and niche group.
Additionally, CG provides an environment of continuous learning through on-the-job training, effective coaching and mentoring, and a commitment to self-development and performance support.
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Professional Certification Assistance
Professional development comes in many forms and CG is there to support you every step of the way. We're proud to offer you an exciting and beneficial Professional Certification Assistance Program. All CG client service and practice support personnel are encouraged to achieve professional certification in their respective area of expertise as early in their careers as possible. Our Professional Certification Policy offers all employees prepaid-reimbursed certification expenses to include one prep course, required books, and exam fee.
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Tuition Assistance
To further support your developmental needs, we are proud to offer an exciting and beneficial Tuition Assistance Program. All CG client service and practice support personnel are encouraged to utilize Tuition Assistance in their respective area of expertise as early in their careers as possible. After satisfactory completion of coursework, CG reimburses tuition, books, and fees for job-related courses
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CG 401k and Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
The Clifton Gunderson LLP Retirement Plan and Trust is a valuable benefit program that helps you plan for a financially secure retirement. The Plan allows you to save for retirement now to assist you in attaining your retirement financial objectives. The Retirement Plan is comprised of three components: a 401k salary deferral program, the 401k firm match program, and profit sharing. These three components work together to help you meet your retirement planning goals and successfully complete Project: Life.
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Life Insurance and AD&D Benefits
Clifton Gunderson is committed to providing you and your family a measure of financial protection in the event that you die or have a serious accident while you're actively employed. The firm provides you with Basic Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Your coverage is equal to your base salary and the cost of this coverage is paid by Clifton Gunderson.
You also have the option to increase life insurance coverage by participating in the supplemental life insurance plan. This program allows you to purchase additional life insurance for yourself, you spouse or your children.
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Short- and Long-Term Disability Programs
The Short Term Disability (STD) provides income protection for eligible employees who experience a total disability of up to 90 calendar days (including the elimination period and holidays). This plan covers illnesses or injuries that are not work-related (including pregnancy-related conditions).
Group Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits provide important income protection for eligible participants who become totally disabled. This benefit is designed to provide compensation after Short Term Disability benefits are exhausted.
CG pays the entire cost for both of your short- and long-term disability plans.
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CG Corporate Perks
The CG Corporate Perks program offers retail discounts and coupons, and is designed to save you money. Some of the more than 500 retailers and service providers include: Overstock.com, AMC movie theaters, Target.com, Omaha Steaks, Saks.com, Kate Spade, and Banana Republic. Average savings in the perks program are 25 percent to 50 percent off retail price!
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Financial Planning Assistance
Do you have questions about how much to save for retirement, beneficiary arrangements, or where to invest your 401(k) plan assets? Clifton Gunderson Financial Services (CGFS) advisors can help with answers to your financial planning questions. In addition to this counsel, you are eligible for huge discount rates when hiring CG Financial Advisors to manage your non-401(k) assets.
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Long-Term Care Insurance
You are also eligible for discounted rates on Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) for yourself, spouse, and dependents. Long-Term Care Insurance covers the cost of professional health care for more than a month, either in a facility (like an assisted living unit or a nursing home) or at home.
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Employee Assistance Programs
From time to time we all face stressful situations. Clifton Gunderson helps you maximize life through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Whether you or a family member face marital difficulties, gambling problems, learning disabilities, drug or alcohol dependency, or a variety of other problems, the EAP is there to offer support and guidance. Clifton Gunderson offers you EAP services to help you save time, money, and energy by providing information at your fingertips. This gives you more time to do the things you enjoy.
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Additional Time Off for Leaves of Absence, Voting, Bereavement, and Jury Duty
We realize that it is sometimes necessary to take time off of work to attend to personal matters. Clifton Gunderson provides a variety of time off programs that allows you to focus on what is important. These programs include:
- Family and Medical Leave for illness of you or a family member
- Medical Leave for personal medical conditions
- Personal Leave for up to six months, based on client needs
- Bereavement Leave for death of loved ones
As a CG employee, you can have peace of mind knowing you work for an employer that is flexible, supportive, and will do everything possible to ease the burden during tough times.
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