Involvement in the community, a commitment to its members and a well-honed set of values are qualities that set apart McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith P.C. as one of the Best Places to Work in Central Iowa.

Founded in 1946, West Des Moines-based McGowen Hurst is one of the oldest and largest independent certified public accounting practices in Central Iowa. The firm employs nearly 60 professionals between its West Des Moines and Winterset offices, and has been adding between two and four additional members each year, said Bob McGowen, a partner in the firm. McGowen Hurst also works closely with its affiliate wealth management partner, Wealth Advisors of Iowa, which is now about 8 years old.

Since 1976, McGowen Hurst has been a member of CPAmerica, one of the world's largest networks of independent CPA firms, with 72 member firms nationwide. It's the only Iowa firm with that affiliation.

"That is a difference between us and a lot of other local firms, because we have the availability of national firm expertise across the United States, and yet the autonomy of a local firm," McGowen said. "That has a nice mix to it for us and our people. And a big part of the personal aspect of it is that we care, not only about our clients and how successful they are, but also about our firm members."

McGowen Hurst's commitment to its employees is reflected in the longevity of its partners; eight out of the 10 partners have been with the firm for better than 25 years.

"We promote that we want people to come work with us and spend their career here," McGowen said. "That is not what the colleges or the marketplace promote, but that is how we try to work with people here. In the past 10 years, I can't think of anyone who has gone to another firm; they've either started a family or gone to part-time work."

Three years ago, McGowen Hurst hired a full-time human resources person, an unusual move for a CPA firm its size, and that has helped keep it in touch with employees' needs, he said.

In addition to its tax preparation, business consulting, audit and accounting and estate planning services, the firm has established expertise in fraud deterrence as well as a business valuations specialty. It also has added cost segregation and research and development studies as services within the past two to three years and provides QuickBooks consulting for small businesses as one of seven certified QuickBooks advisers in the state.

Besides providing outstanding professional services for its clients, the firm's mission statement pledges to "provide a work environment that enables our firm members to achieve their personal and professional goals." Programs such as its "You Make a Difference Award," which rewards employees with a chocolate star and a certificate for doing something special are "part of an overall culture of showing a caring attitude," McGowen said. Last year, the firm launched a Lifetime Learning Program as a commitment that its members will receive the best possible continuing professional education and training.

Being a member of CPAmerica has provided McGowen Hurst with an edge not only in sharing expertise with other CPA firms in the network, but also in sending its employees to national training opportunities. The network has given the firm access to best practices in member benefits and recognition as well, McGowen said.

Having fun is an important element of McGowen Hurst's corporate culture. During each high-pressure tax season, for instance, the firm hosts a mid-season catered breakfast and offers chair massages.

"The other thing we work hard at is being involved in the community, and for every firm member to have a marketing program," McGowen said. "To be successful in today's marketplace, you need to be out there, you need to be giving back to the community." In recognition of members' diverse interests, the firm last year started a Volunteer Time Off Program, allowing each employee to take one paid day off annually to donate service to a charity of his or her choice.

McGowen Hurst was recently named the 2007 West Des Moines Business of the Year by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, based on its corporate citizenship.

"I think it's just the culture instilled here at the firm, to have our employees get out and make a difference in the community in which we live," said Rose Breuss, director of marketing.