Pros

Given the group or unit you are assigned to there can be significant opportunities for fast advancement. In 2007/2008 when the economy was trucking along there was very consistent movement in USIS fund accounting and you could expect a promotion in 9M-1+1/2YRS and another promotion again in the same time. The benefits package is great and you are with a company which offers many programs for networking and learning. Depending on your career path you can have your higher education paid for! If you enter the company in the US Investor Services side you can eventually move to training, asset management, and other specialized internal units which service others.

If this is your first job out of college it's a great introduction to the office environment. Many younger workers are on the floor of the mutual fund accounting area and it can make for a lively environment which helps to resolve the periodic increases in stress on the job. Certain times of year may mean long hours but that is traded if with periods of less activity.

If movement within your unit is lacking, be sure to use the internal job board to go after the promotion and raise you deserve. Take notes and learn what your doing! Take advantage of internal education classes and mentorship programs, a guaranteed way to get noticed.

Cons

Currently there is a hiring freeze, I believe the freeze will be up within 6 months to a year but that along with the survival of the company is dependent on the financial sector. Chances for survival looked a little grim there when we were down to <$10. The job can be stressful and 48+ hour weeks occasionally do happen(which you will be paid well for). There are chances that the client base of USIS will be shrinking for a few months after the recovery fully takes hold. There are units where the older employees don't care about moving up, which doesn't allow the younger employees room for movement. That is when you need to use the job board and actively pursue your promotion.

Advice to Senior Management

Fire the 40 year old seniors who are not going anywhere and don't want to. They are overpaid and underworked. If an employee refuses more than 2 promotions or does not get promoted in the earlier grades within 4 years they should be let go.

Expand the mentorship programs and make them mandatory, each new employee being taken under the wing of a more experienced one.