TO: Dale Sullivan, Instructor

TO: Dale Sullivan, Instructor

FROM: Jeffrey Aller

DATE: January 29, 2006

SUBJECT: Job Application Packet

As part of the requirements for this course, I chose to do a job application packet that might be relevant and realistic in my continuing advancement in the accounting field.

This project seems to suit me well and gives me an opportunity to research what employment is available when I graduate. It helps me tremendously to know not only what employment is available, but gives me a chance to look at different types of accounting firms, research areas that would be a good fit for me to live, and what possibilities I might have of continuing on in a career after the entry level position. It also provides me the opportunity to analyze and critique my résumé and job application skills.

Job Opportunities

When researching job openings in the Minneapolis area I came across a number of potential career opportunities. The most appealing for me was for an Accountant with Trammell Crow Company, a commercial real estate service provider located worldwide with an office in Minnetonka, MN. It is an entry level position requiring a Bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.(www.monster.com) I felt with my background as a real estate agent and desire to go into commercial real estate at some point in time combined with my education in accounting would make me a suitable candidate for this position.

Job Description

The job with Trammell Crow was for general accounting responsibilities as well as analysis. The duties would include: general ledger accounting, financial reporting, general ledger journal preparation and entries, account analysis, fixed assets ledger, data input and special projects. Although this doesn’t seem like the greatest use of a 5-year accounting degree and potentially a CPA, the possibilities of getting my foot in the door and learning the ways for commercial real estate overwhelmingly interested me.

The Company

Trammell Crow Company is one of the world’s leading and largest commercial real estate firms with offices in the United States, “Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin/South America focused on the delivery of real estate services to corporate customers.” (www.trammellcrow.com) While taking a hard look at their mission statement I felt it was a very close match to my own. Their mission is “to be the acknowledged leader in commercial real estate services, known for:

·  Superior customer service

·  Operational excellence

·  Rewarding work environment

·  Value creation for all stakeholders”

With their values being respect, integrity, service and excellence, it is easy to see why they are one of the best in the business they do. The company was started over 57 years ago by Trammell Crow in downtown Dallas, Texas. Some of the notable accomplishments in the history of the company include:

-  Listed as one of the Top 10 Best Companies to Work for in the US in 1984.

-  Within the past decade was named the number one developer and number one property manager in the US.

-  Has acquired several different companies and now offers financial services as well as property development.

After looking over their website, it was clear to me that this company wasn’t a joke. They are listed on the NYSE, with their IPO raising over $93 million.

Job Qualifications

I felt that I would be a definite fit for this position with my past experience and education. The requirements include: Strong computer skills, including spreadsheet and database knowledge, knowledge of, and experience using accounting procedures, working with limited supervision, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field. My experience may, in fact, exceed those posted in the job description. Having three summers worth of real estate sales experience, a summer of general accounting and bookkeeping experience, and a degree in accounting should be enough to satisfy those requirements.

Interview

To prepare myself and get a little bit more knowledge in what I might be getting myself into, I decided to interview a good friend and, in my opinion, a real estate and sales genius, Robert Leslie Jr.

In my interview with Robert, I tried to focus as much on the idea of being an accountant within the commercial real estate field, but he would consistently push me in the direction of sales. He’s the most energizing, believing, caring person I’ve talked with in business and in my career. His sincerity in believing that I would be fit for the real estate world and enthusiasm that I could make a lot for myself was a very reassuring and exciting.

Although he knew the purpose of me interviewing with him was to get experience and insight into a job that was a competitor of his and his agency, Prudential Real Estate, he didn’t waste any time asking me when I was going to come work for them and make my career be with them instead. I took it as a compliment and have been offered to work for them before but the timing has never been right for me. He told me that most important thing I could do is have passion in the field I was in and if it would make me happy, it most likely would be very rewarding financially as well.

Partly in the interview it was hard to stay on track because he kept asking me questions about my schooling, family, friends, and other aspects of my life. I assured him that all was good but I really wished to know if something if the accounting field in real estate was really where I should put my efforts towards. He thought, as I also did, that to get my foot in the door as an accountant or even applying for an accounting position may open more doors than I ever had imagined.

I wanted to know how much of this job he could incorporate in his daily work. I knew full well that he has assistants and partners that assist him in his accounting work but I just wanted to know what he would say about it. He said that it is important to keep great records of what you’ve done because you never know when they would become useful in the future. He said he would personally oversee all of the accounting that was required in his job because he felt it was on the most important and vital aspects of the business.

I knew in leaving the interview I had with Mr. Leslie that there wasn’t much talk regarding an internal accountant in a real estate agency but rather just general conversation of the nature of the commercial real estate business.

Jeffrey Aller 4311 15th Avenue South #300

Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 527-2630

January 30, 2006

Linda Hanson

Trammell Crow Company

9900 Bren Road East

Minnetonka, MN 55343

Dear Ms. Hanson:

In May 2006, I will be relocating to Minnetonka and seeking an Accountant position with Trammell Crow. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in accounting at North Dakota State University, I have concentrated on learning and understanding accounting principles while paying continuous attention to detail. From general accounting to auditing and tax classes, I’ve become a well rounded accounting student with interests in many areas. I’ve also acquired a great understanding of the importance of accounting in a successful business environment. These classes have sparked interests in the accounting field and this would be a great opportunity for me to advance my career.

I also believe my practical experience would help the transition into Trammell Crow.

While attending North Dakota State, I spent multiple summers selling both residential and commercial real estate. I gained an ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues and held myself to the highest standard of professionalism. It was an incredible learning experience and is a great background as I pursue a new potential career with Trammell Crow. As well as real estate, I’m currently participating in the cooperative education program as a tax preparation intern. I’m continuing to gain more valuable experience and learning as much as possible about the internal revenue code as well as principle-client relationships.

I look forward to speaking with you about employment and Trammell Crow itself. I will be in contact with you in regards to the receipt of my resume. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Aller

Jeffrey Aller

4311 15th Avenue South #300

Fargo, North Dakota 58103

(701) 527-2630

OBJECTIVE To continue on my career path by obtaining an accountant position with Trammell Crow Company.

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Concentration: Accountancy

Degree to be conferred: May, 2007

North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

PROFILE § Established professional work ethic and teamwork skills.

§ Continually strive for success and the success of clients.

§  Completed courses in real estate and passed both state and national real estate license exams.

EMPLOYMENT Tax Preparation Intern January 2005-Present

Busek, Olson and Associates, Inc., Fargo, North Dakota

§  Prepared individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns.

§  Met with clients on a daily basis regarding tax planning and filing while always holding the highest regard for customer service.

§  Paid extremely close attention to detail and prepared returns with the utmost respect for our clients.

Sales Marketing Associate Summer 2005

Spectrum Brands, Inc., Fargo, North Dakota

§  Representative of Spectrum Brands at North Dakota Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores.

§  Worked entirely independent ensuring product integrity and communicating directly with store personnel.

§  Educated management and consumers about products while answering frequent questions and dilemmas.

Real Estate Agent Summer 2003-2004

Buyer’s & Seller’s 1st Choice, Inc. d.b.a. Assist-2-Sell

Bismarck, North Dakota

§  Listed, showed, and sold homes.

§  Established and maintained successful client relationships.

§  Gained an ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner.

§  Implemented new advertising techniques within the company.

Jeffrey Aller

4311 15th Avenue South #300

Fargo, North Dakota 58103

(701) 527-2630

Executive Assistant Summer 2002

Puklich, Inc., Bismarck, North Dakota

§  Assistant to a CPA, CFP, and Real Estate Broker.

§  Examined and prepared financial statements for review.

§  Helped develop more efficient filing systems.

§  Trained incoming employees.

HONORS & Delta Upsilon International Fraternity—Member & Treasurer

ACTIVITIES National Association of Realtors—Member

Mandan Masonic Lodge—Member

NDSU Gold Star Marching Band—Member

Century Patriot Marching Band—Drum Major

REFERENCES Mr. Michael Puklich Mr. Mark Very

CPA, CFP, Real Estate Broker Assistant Vice President/

Puklich, Inc./Assist-2-Sell Mortgage Loan Officer

1427 Fairway Court Bank Center First

Chaska, MN 55318 1616 Brama Avenue

(952) 443-3476 Bismarck, ND 58503

(701) 255-7561

Mr. Tim Fogderud Mr. Kelly Olson

Director of Bands Engineer

Century High School BNSF Railway

2511 North 4th Street 129 East Brandon Drive

Bismarck, ND 58503 Bismarck, ND 58503

(701) 258-6274 (701) 255-6691

Accountant

Company: / Trammell Crow / Location: / Minnetonka, MN 55343
Status: / Full Time, Employee / Job Category: / Accounting/Auditing
Relevant Work Experience: / 1+ to 2 Years / Career Level: / Entry Level
Education Level: / Bachelor's Degree
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Job Description
Trammell Crow Company, the nation's largest real estate service provider, has an excellent opportunity for an Accountant. This individual will be responsible for general ledger accounting, financial reporting, general ledger journal preparation and entries, account analysis, fixed assets ledger, data input and special projects. The ideal candidate will have strong computer skills including spreadsheet and database applications with emphasis on Excel and Access, knowledge of and experience using established accounting procedures, and works with limited supervision. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related discipline and/or 4+ years of related accounting experience - preferably in a commercial real estate environment. Please send resume & salary history: Linda Hansen, Trammell Crow Company, 9900 Bren Road East, Minnetonka, MN 55343, email:
TRAMMELL CROW COMPANY
We offer great opportunities!
www.trammellcrow.com
EOE M/W/D/V, Drug Free Workplace
Contact Information
Company: / Trammell Crow
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