Employee Spotlight: Meet Esther

Esther Wood, CPA, has 10 years of combined public accounting and private industry experience. As a Senior Manager in Assurance Services at Weaver, her practice concentration is in auditing, financial reporting, internal audit and internal controls. Her work goes beyond her to-do list as she strives to help those around her succeed.

From her clients to her coworkers, she is highly respected and a major contributor to the culture in the Houston office. We had the opportunity to see why when we spoke with Esther about her experience at Weaver and personal endeavors.

Name: Esther Wood
Position: Senior Manager, Assurance Services
Office Location: Houston, Texas

What do you think sets Weaver apart from other accounting firms?

It sounds cheesy, but definitely the culture. The partner group is very conscious of growing the firm without sacrificing what makes us who we are. Communications from firm management about strategy, operations, and where the firm is headed is very transparent, which makes me feel that I am part of the firm, not just an employee.

What advice would you give to a new hire?

Weaver provides a variety of activities for employees to participate in – from in-office events and celebrations to sports leagues. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet more people, not just in your department, but also office and firm-wide. The more people you know and who know you is another advocate for you and your career. Plus, the events are fun!

What is the most satisfying thing about your job? What’s one thing you’d like to share about Weaver that an outsider wouldn’t know about?

I really enjoy teaching and helping people learn. Seeing the light bulb turn on after struggling through something is the most satisfying thing about my job. Most people wouldn’t know that Weaver has a whole arm of advisory services that are not super-accounting related. We actually have engineers and chemists who work in our Energy Compliance Services department, which I think is so cool!

How do you define success?

So often, success is defined as the achievement of long-term goals. Perhaps equally or more important are the daily successes, so success to me is a daily metric of how well I utilized the time that was entrusted to me that day. The result could be tangible or intangible. If I was unable to cross everything off my to-do list, but I was able to help someone accomplish something, I consider that a success. Success is also being able to fit into my pre-busy season jeans after busy season.

What was your first job?

Concession stand at the movie theater. This is where my burgeoning love of buttery popcorn really blossomed.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of the office?

I love horseback riding. Unfortunately, living close to downtown does not present a lot of opportunities to do that, so in the meantime, my husband and I like to check out the plethora of local breweries that Houston has to offer.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I am such a die-hard Aggie; most people are shocked to find out I went to high school in Austin.

Who inspires you? Personally or professionally.

So many people! My mother inspires me personally to be the best mother I can be to our little boy. Professionally, I draw inspiration from various colleagues here at Weaver and elsewhere that I have met throughout my career. A common thread amongst everyone that I look up to is that they are kind – they are kind and caring people who take the time to listen and help, even when their own lives may not be in order.