In the complex world of accounting, MaloneBailey, LLP, wants its staff to be comfortable. It chose to remain in Westchase District for this reason. MaloneBailey relocated to Towers of Westchase I in April where it built out and expanded its new space. The global mid-market, public accounting firm based in Houston, occupies 20,000 square feet on the building’s sixth floor.
The firm has been in the District since the early 2000s; the new move coincides with its 40th anniversary. “We have opted to remain in the Westchase District over the past 20 years because of its location and close proximity to Houston’s major highways,” said George Qin, partner at MaloneBailey. “We want our office location to be convenient for our staff who reside all over Houston and its many suburbs. Since we have officed in the Westchase District for two decades, we have many staff who have made this area home and so we keep their convenience top of mind too,” said Qin.
The firm’s training room can accommodate large scale training sessions for up to 50.
Designing for balance
During the pandemic, the firm occupied temporary space in Millennium Tower while teams also worked remote as the new office was being constructed. A priority for the firm was designing space that reflects its brand. The firm hired Inventure and tasked it with creating a space with the perfect balance of modern and traditional. Bright, warm lighting immediately greets visitors entering its floor while new interior furnishings infuse a fresh look and feel. The firm’s training room seats 40 and features state-of-the-art AV technology.
Location advantage: amenities attract
“We selected Towers at Westchase I also because of its location right on the Beltway as well as the building’s many amenities, including two fitness centers, a gourmet deli, putting green, and 24-hour onsite, uniformed security – plus the numerous restaurants and social attractions in the area,” said Qin. “Since we tend to spend quite a bit of time at the office, we wanted our staff to enjoy these kinds of features that make coming to work enjoyable, pleasant, and convenient,” added Qin.
The employee break room resembles a modern café and comes with a foosball table. “The office has the contemporary look that appeals to the young demographics of our firm,” said Qin. “It is designed to host around 100 employees.”
Creating a community culture in which teamwork and collaboration are central is essential for the firm in an industry that demands a high level of focus. The firm maintains a hybrid work schedule where staff members work remote Wednesdays and Fridays. When they’re in the office, food is ordered in from Peppercinis – the deli in the adjacent Westchase II – at no cost to employees.
Cafe MaloneBailey: Arturo Reyna and Drew Mahlen enjoy down time in the firm’s breakroom.
MaloneBailey leads practice areas with niche focus
“We are not industry specific but do tend to have many clients in the oil and gas, manufacturing, real estate, biotechnology, and cryptocurrency industries as well as special purpose acquisition companies,” said Qin. “MaloneBailey has always been known as a practice that focuses on audit services for small to mid-sized public companies in a variety of industries. We are in exclusive company as one of a few firms worldwide that serve a substantial number of public company clients, including NYSE, NASDAQ and OTC listed companies,” added Qin. Although it specializes in audit services for SEC-reporting companies, clients include private companies, many of which are U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies.
Having cohesive teams is a pillar of MaloneBailey’s workplace culture.
Finding talent
The firm recruits recent college graduates from the nation’s leading accounting programs. Its on-campus recruiting program focuses heavily on Texas-based universities and a few that are out of state. The firm goes to on-campus recruiting events (career fairs, accounting society presentations, social events, etc.). “We host prospective employees in our office as well so they can get a feel for what it’s like to work at MaloneBailey and meet with members of our team,” said Qin.
