Mitch Burgers Retires after 40 Years in the Profession
Mitch’s Career
Mitch did not initially intend to be an accountant when he began college at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa after leaving his home town of Colton, South Dakota. He transferred to Calvin College in Grand Rapids as a sophomore. His college career started in the sciences: chemistry and physics. However, they were not fulfilling, so he switched to mathematics. When he was one
After Mitc
Mitch’s client services include performing audits, reviews and compilations of financial statements, providing technical accounting resources and advice, and providing tax services primarily to his business clients. He is the firm’s director of accounting and auditing quality control. His internal firm responsibilities include ensuring the firm’s compliance with professional standards and performing quality reviews of financial statements prepared by the firm.
Mitch also performs peer reviews on other CPA firms, which are required every three years. A peer review involves issuing a report on the quality of a CPA firm’s accounting and auditing practice. He has been a volunteer member of the Michigan peer review task force, which approves such peer reviews performed on Michigan firms, for over 20 years. He has given numerous presentations on peer reviews and on accounting issues.
Mitch’s Family Life
Before Mitch went off to the Army, he went on a blind date with the woman who would become his wife, Jan.
Advice to the next generation of CPAs?
Mitch feels that the next generation can teach him more than he can teach them. He feels it’s important for people to find their own way and what works for them. While he learned a lot from people he worked for and with throughout his career, “mentorship” is more of a newer concept. He at times experienced gruff and moody managers and learned not to cross them. He’s glad to see leadership styles have changed. That was a draw for him to join Hungerford Nichols 23 years ago. He likes the unwritten policy of not hiring “jerks”. People here get along with one another and treat people with respect.
If he had it to do over, he would change very little. He married the right woman, had a satisfying job and with the right company for the second part of his career.
What will retirement look like?
Mitch and Jan enjoy exploring breweries and experiencing craft beers. He expects there will be many tastings during retirement! They also enjoy traveling. They will explore a nautical theme locally and plan to visit the lighthouses of Michigan. Additionally, there will be visits to the Gilmore car museum and many Whitecaps baseball games and plenty of adventures with the kids and grandkids. When they expand out of the state, they are looking forward to traveling to the National Parks of the United States. Much thanks to Mitch for his dedication to the profession and to the firm. He will be greatly missed!