This year, Shay CPA hosted its third annual company retreat in the heart of New York City, an event packed with learning, connection, and celebration. From engaging presentations to immersive team-building workshops and a fun-filled final day, the retreat offered our mostly remote team the chance to bond, reflect, and look ahead.
Day 1: Reflecting on Growth and Celebrating Milestones
The Shay CPA Team (from left to right) Jay, Grace, Surendra, Nina, Kimberly, Akshay, and Dhelis
The retreat kicked off at Hudson Yards, a bustling and vibrant location that perfectly set the tone for our gathering. Our CEO, Akshay Shrimanker, opened the day by taking us through Shay CPA’s journey over the past year, highlighting key achievements, setting ambitious goals for the future, and celebrating the firm’s 10th anniversary. This moment was more than just a reflection; it was a celebration of our growth as a company and the milestones we’ve reached together.
Speaking of milestones, we also took the time to celebrate the professional achievements of our team over the last year. Grace was recently promoted to Accounting Manager and celebrated her 7th anniversary, which so happened to be on the first day of our retreat; Jay was also recently promoted to Tax Manager, and Surendra marked his 3rd anniversary with us earlier that month—each accomplishment bringing more reasons to celebrate.
We were also thrilled to include our remote team overseas, Rene, Jake, and Clare, through video chat to engage in the festivities of the retreat!
An Environment of Continuous Learning
The day wasn’t just about looking back; it was about learning and sharing, with our team leading insightful presentations:
Our Tax Manager, Jay, presented an in-depth look at the IRC Section 41 R&D Tax Credit, breaking down this important tax incentive and the qualifications needed to claim it. He also shared how our team works closely with businesses to help them make the most of their R&D tax credit opportunities. In 2022 alone, Shay CPA partnered with over 20 companies, helping them secure more than $1.5M in combined credits. To learn more, check out our all-in-one guide to the R&D tax credit and how it can benefit your business.
Our Accounting Manager, Grace, alongside our expert accountant Clare, led an in-depth workshop on ASC 842, the new US GAAP standard for lease accounting. They provided a comprehensive breakdown of the key changes introduced by ASC 842, explored the distinctions between various lease types, and shared insights into how our team implements these standards in our bookkeeping practices. While Grace and Clare delivered valuable insights on ASC 842, they only scratched the surface of GAAP accounting. For a deeper dive into these principles, check out our comprehensive GAAP Accounting guide, which provides even more clarity on navigating these essential standards.
Our Operations and Marketing Manager, Nina, led a dynamic session on client communication best practices. She covered the core principles of effective communication, along with advanced techniques and strategies for maintaining strong client relationships. With her expertise and real-world examples, Nina introduced practical tools and best practices that empower our team to continue delivering clear, professional, and impactful communication to the clients who trust us with their financial well-being.
Our Marketing Coordinator, Dhelis, delivered a detailed overview of this year’s marketing and design achievements. Highlighting our growth in audience engagement, she provided an in-depth analysis of our content performance and metrics. Dhelis also showcased some of our design projects, including key posts on our Instagram and LinkedIn, which reflect the creativity and precision that drive our marketing efforts.
Despite being a largely remote team, coming together in person created a collaborative and energized atmosphere. We explored Hudson Yards, enjoying the sights, conversations, and the opportunity to connect as a family with a shared purpose.
Day 2: Leadership Empowerment with Stephanie Virachaux
After a day of presentations and reflection, we dedicated Day 2 to personal and professional growth with an all-day leadership workshop led by Stephanie Virachaux from SV Empowerment. Known for her executive coaching, Stephanie brought a high level of energy and insight that resonated with each of us.
Her workshop centered on understanding team dynamics, exploring leadership styles, and fostering better collaboration through trust and communication. Through a series of team-building activities and discussions, we learned not only how to support one another better, but also how to harness our collective strengths to meet the company’s goals.
Stephanie’s ability to create an inclusive, safe space helped us explore areas of personal growth, leading to deeper connections within the team. By the end of the day, we felt more aligned, empowered, and prepared to take on new challenges together.
Day 3: Team Bonding and Fun in Queens
After two days of learning and growth, Day 3 was all about fun and relaxation! We kicked off the day with a food crawl at Tangram Mall in Queens, where we enjoyed a variety of delicious bites from different vendors. This casual, relaxed environment gave us the chance to continue bonding over our favorite foods while sharing laughter and stories.
Next, we headed to Flushing Meadows Park, where we soaked in the sun, engaged in friendly conversations, and took some time to appreciate the beauty of the day. The retreat concluded with a trip to CitiField Stadium, where we cheered on the Mets in an exciting game against the Atlanta Braves. Watching the Mets clinch a win was the perfect way to end the retreat, leaving us all with lasting memories and renewed energy for the year ahead.
Looking Ahead
Our third annual retreat wasn’t just about taking a break; it was about strengthening our bonds, realigning our goals, and reminding ourselves why we love working together. As we head back to our workstations, the energy and connections built over these three days will fuel our passion and drive for the coming year. We’re already looking forward to the next retreat. Interested in joining a team that values growth, collaboration, and community? Explore career opportunities with us and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay connected.