Working in Transaction Execution: An Accordion Q&A with Gaurang Gupta & Nathan Pearson
Working in Transaction Execution: An Accordion Q&A with Gaurang Gupta & Nathan Pearson
Eager to join a high-growth, collaborative environment and gain hands-on M&A experience alongside private equity sponsors and management teams, Gaurang Gupta and Nathan Pearson left their roles at Big 4 firms to join Accordion. We sat down with them to learn more about why they made the leap, and why Accordion was the best decision for them – both professionally and personally.
Between the two of you, you’ve worked at three of the Big 4 firms (Deloitte, KPMG, and EY). What inspired you to leave the Big 4 for Accordion?
Gaurang: I spent 4+ years at EY, preceded by 2+ years in Corporate M&A/ Finance roles at Ecolab. Both roles were fulfilling and proved to be excellent training grounds to hone my skills as an M&A consultant, but I was ready for a change. Ultimately, I found the breadth of opportunities available at Accordion to be more compelling at this stage of my career. Here, I’m able to work in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment that allows me to fully realize my potential – and even beyond. Accordion’s flat and agile structure enables you to take any role fitting to your aspirations…which is something that’s not very common in a large consulting environment.
Nathan: Accordion offers such a unique culture from the top down that really emphasizes teamwork and the work-hard-play-hard mentality. I made the leap because I knew Accordion would provide the opportunity to have more direct client interactions – working alongside PE sponsors and their management teams. I now get to dive deeper into understanding our clients’ needs – which provides a great opportunity to develop different skillsets across all of Accordion’s functions.
Nathan, having joined Accordion in the last few months, why did this feel like the right time to make a change?
Nathan: I had been itching for the opportunity to become a part of a high-growth company that would allow me to work with smaller teams and gain more hands-on, cross-functional experience. From a career development perspective, I knew this would enable me to become a more well-rounded M&A professional. Also, I’m a huge fan of the entrepreneurial mentality at Accordion. That, combined with the team’s wide range of backgrounds, creates a powerful firm-wide dynamic – one that challenges different ways of thinking, welcomes new approaches and encourages the formation of new best practices.
“The entrepreneurial mentality at Accordion, combined with the team’s wide range of backgrounds, creates a powerful dynamic – one that challenges different ways of thinking, welcomes new approaches, and encourages the formation of new best practices.”
What would you say is the “Accordion Advantage”? What makes this place special?
Nathan: I think the size of the firm and the laser focus on culture makes Accordion unique in that it has more of a “team feel” than many of the larger firms. There is a true open-door policy that enables professionals to feel comfortable brainstorming and sharing ideas or concerns – resulting in more proactive collaboration. The atmosphere across the firm and focus on community really limits the “politics” that typically take place from leadership on down. Even the incentive structure is set up in a way that promotes healthy teamwork over individualism.
Gaurang: For me, the two things about Accordion that really stand out are the entrepreneurial, growth-oriented mindset and the unique culture. Together, these qualities provide ideal grounds to further one’s professional and personal development and push the limits of one’s potential. Unlike other firms, the culture at Accordion is something that is embodied in everyone’s professional behavior – not just their words. There is a true sense of camaraderie that drives sincere collaboration – people here believe in developing true friendships and really care about everyone’s well-being and success.
“Unlike other firms, the culture at Accordion is something that is embodied in everyone’s professional behavior – not just their words. There is a true sense of camaraderie that drives sincere collaboration – people here believe in developing true friendships and really care about everyone’s well-being and success.
How does working on M&A and transactions at Accordion differ from your experience at other firms/companies?
Gaurang: Accordion is a PE-focused firm that serves all facets of the office of the CFO. I have been deeply exposed to the PE industry during my time here, learning not just the inner workings of PE, but also the trends that influence the next wave of transactions. The dynamic project environment, along with the opportunity to work exclusively with the C-suite and PE sponsors, is very unique compared to my previous experiences. The projects I typically work on are fast-paced and vary by size, industry, and transaction cycle, which enables me to learn quickly – something I always wanted in my career trajectory. Apart from the project work, Accordion also gives me the opportunity to lead from the front on business development efforts directly pitching to new clients.
Nathan: At Accordion, I’m able to interact “up close” with the client and provide a more hands-on approach to consulting. I have the chance to lead projects, gain more facetime with project stakeholders, and really dive deep into improving the company’s financial processes – implementing best practices that truly enhance the value of the deal.
“The dynamic project environment, along with the opportunity to work exclusively with the C-suite and PE sponsors, is very unique compared to my previous experiences.”
What are some of your favorite Accordion memories? Best anecdotes from your time here so far?
Gaurang: Picking just one memory is nearly impossible…I have so many that I will always cherish. The past 1+ year was consumed by COVID, and not seeing my colleagues in person really hurts! But at our virtual holiday party this past year, our CFO dressed as Santa and we had a really great 80’s band live-stream a concert for us and our families. This is one of my favorite memories because I could actually feel the Accordion energy – even through the screen. I think that says something about the Accordion spirit and culture still being present, all while being remote.
Anything else you’d want a prospective candidate to know about Accordion and the Transaction Execution Services practice?
Gaurang: Accordion is the perfect place if you are looking to make a significant, positive impact on your career, your team, and your firm. You should join Accordion if you are hungry for more, want to be part of building something great, and work alongside some wonderful people.