Intuit Inc.

Why you want to work there

The IT function is embedded within the business units at this Mountain View, Calif.-based maker of TurboTax and other financial software products. In fact, IT employees have dual reporting relationships to both the CIO and to general managers to enhance strategic planning and to ensure business-technology alignment. IT workers get access to some of the most cutting-edge technologies, including unified communications systems, cloud computing platforms and high-availability hosting automation technologies. Each year, Intuit invests 12% of its revenue in new technologies. Retention toolbox Intuit's employee recognition program includes the Scott Cook Innovation Award, which is given to employees who create new systems that deliver benefits to customers, employees and shareholders. Recipients earn an expense-paid three-day trip anywhere in the continental U.S. They are also allowed to spend 25% of their time working on a project of their own creation; they can either spend half of their work time on the initiative for six months or work on it full time for three months. Another employee recognition initiative is known as the Spotlight program. It recognizes performance, innovation and service, and Spotlight honorees can receive awards that range from a "thank you" to a seven-day, all-expense-paid trip to the destination of the recipient's choice, with $500 in spending money. Intuit also offers the Leadership Awards, which are presented annually by the CEO to high-performing employees or teams that make significant contributions to the business. Recipients receive a trophy, and their story is published on the employee website.