...

Ashley Forrer’s journey to Partner with Froehling Anderson began right after college. “I always wanted to work at a firm where the culture felt like home—small enough to build personal connections but large enough to offer diverse opportunities,” she shared. Growing up in a small town, Ashley sought a workplace that offered familiarity paired with growth. During her interview, she immediately felt the authenticity and vibrancy of Froehling Anderson. “That sense of belonging was undeniable,” she recalled. Ashley accepted Froehling Anderson’s offer on the spot and never looked back. 

Reflecting on Her Journey

Nine years later, Ashley reflects on what makes Froehling Anderson special: “The people here make this place extraordinary,” she said. “From the leadership’s support to the friendships I’ve made, it’s the personal connections that stand out the most.” One moment that defined her experience came when she expressed concerns about going on maternity leave during the busy season. “I was so nervous to bring it up,” she remembered. “But their response was amazing. They said, ‘We’ve got your back; there is nothing you need to worry about.’ I’ll never forget how supported I felt.”

Ashley also found inspiration early in her career through Laurie, the former Director of Operations, and Sherri, the only female partner at the time. “I asked them if they saw the partner group evolving to include more women,” she shared. “Their resounding ‘Yes!’ was a pivotal moment for me—it made me want to be part of that change.” Since joining Froehling Anderson in 2016, Ashley has helped shape the workplace culture, advanced audit and outsourced CFO consulting services, and mentored team members as they rose from entry-level roles to management positions.

Path to Partner

Ashley’s path to partner was guided by her drive to learn and grow at every stage. “I wanted to be a well-rounded advisor for my clients,” she explained. Starting in the General Services department, she gained hands-on experience in tax, audit, and outsourced CFO work. Over time, she specialized in audit and CFO services but continued working on taxes to maintain her versatility.

At each step of her career, Ashley embraced new challenges and opportunities to learn. “Every role taught me something invaluable, whether it was mastering technical skills, taking on bigger responsibilities, or learning how to lead a team,” she said. Known for her mentoring spirit, Ashley became a trusted resource for colleagues seeking guidance. “I love being someone my team can turn to for advice—it’s one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.”

What’s Next?

As a new partner, Ashley is focused on building strong client relationships and contributing to the firm’s success. “I genuinely care about my clients and their businesses,” she said. “Helping them succeed is my top priority.”

For those aspiring to follow a similar path, Ashley offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to be wrong; never stop asking questions; and utilize the tools and people available to you.”

Ashley’s story is a testament to hard work, determination, and the impact of a supportive workplace. Froehling Anderson is proud to celebrate her journey from college graduate to partner—and the bright future that lies ahead.