Partner Q&A: Behind the scenes with Daryl Petrick

What do you love most about your job?

The people I work with are among my best friends. And because I am involved with hiring new members of our team, I’m always gaining even more friends.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who was looking at starting out in your industry?

The business of accounting is undergoing rapid change because of advances in technology. You will be poised for success if you learn to collaborate, to embrace change, empathize, and become a great communicator with the people who entrust their financial affairs to you.

What would you do if you weren’t in your current role?

I would be a writer! I’ve always been drawn to writing, whether it’s a letter to the IRS, a travel diary, or a personal note to a friend.

Name 3 people that you would invite to a dinner party (living or dead).

Ronald Reagan, for his storytelling and optimism; Steve Jobs, for his creativity; and James Taylor, my favorite singer/songwriter.

What was your first job?

I was the official scorekeeper at youth baseball games.

What motivates you?

I like to think of ways to pay it forward—to help people who will never have the ability to pay you back.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

San Diego, California. If you want to find out why, come to the Alliott Group North America meeting in San Diego in January!

How do you start each morning?

I’m a news junkie. I’ve read parts of five newspapers (local, national, and international) before I start my day.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

Don’t be limited by your past. Fill in the blanks in your own sentence “Up until now, I’ve been __________, but starting today I’m __________.” For me, the sentence was “Up until now, I’ve been shy and introverted, but starting today I’m eager to get out in front and lead.”

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I love Ireland. The people are warm and amazing, and I soak up their way of living as I travel there. I can’t wait to get back there again.

Name one item that you can’t live without.

My iPhone. It’s my connection to the world!

What is the number one problem Alliott Group solves for your clients?

I have trusted colleagues all over the world, ready to help my clients. And even more, I’ve been introduced to amazing consultants who have helped our firm to succeed.

Which countries do you most regularly work with?

I’m the Chairman of a development NGO called Village Hopecore International located in Chogoria, Kenya. Since 2000, we have installed clean drinking water and handwashing stations in over 200 schools. In addition, we annually see over 75,000 children for medical checkups and health education, and have a program that provides health interventions for children from birth through secondary school. We also have extended over 1,500 microfinance loans in a Grameen-style bank to entrepreneurs (mainly women), and have a repayment rate of over 95%. It’s one of the most unique programs in all of East Africa! You can learn more about our work at www.villagehopecore.org.

What would you say to a firm that is considering whether to join Alliott Group or a different international group?

I think that this group is right for firms who are interested in getting involved. We run a lean organization, and the members take ownership of the programs that we run, so we are sure they meet our needs. In the North American region, we’ve recently made significant changes to our offerings to ensure that the needs of our members are being met.

Describe Alliott Group in as few words as possible.

We are a group of gifted professionals, helping each other to deliver quality service to clients.