[LT-P]

Hi all, I know this topic has been discussed before but I am literally at my wits end and I don’t know what to do …

I’m about 6 months in as an audit associate at a Big 4 accounting firm and I hate it. I hate everything about it. My current Senior is absolutely unbearable. She literally yelled at me on my second day at the client. She basically tells me to look at what was done last year which is usually ok but this client is very difficult so thats not always useful. I’m by myself for most of the week and because I don’t really understand what’s going on I end up staring at the computer screen all day and making a lot of mistakes. I’ve tried asking her questions but she either sighs/frowns or gives me some really high-level explanation. One time she even said “I thought you were an associate, you should know that answer already.” I’ve never felt so stupid in my life!

I don’t know what to do but work has made me very depressed and this depression is affecting my attitude and relationships. I know I need to stay for at least a year because I don’t want to have to pay back my CPA bonus. I originally was going to stay for 2 years but now Second Year associates are expected to act as Seniors and I really can’t do that because I’m not learning enough.

Is it realistic to think I’ll get a decent job with only 1 year of public accounting experience? Does anyone else feel the same way I do or am I being dramatic? I’m willing to take a pay cut if it means I can take back my sanity. I know a lot of people don’t love their jobs but being miserable everyday of your life isn’t acceptable either.

Any constructive advice is appreciated!! Thank you.

- passed all 4 exams on my first try using Becker!

Ethics: TBD

[GSU-CPA]

Me personally, i would not go out without a fight.

My first course of action would be to sit down with her for 20 minutes and explain the situation. Say that even though you passed your CPA you need her help to get the hang of things since this is your first real accounting job. Tell her you understand she is busy but you need her help , tell her you will try your absolutely best but you cant do it on your own.

In addition to that try to befriend some other new associates or maybe some other seniors. When you run into a issue and shes not helping much give them a call and see if they can guide you in the right direction.

Lastly, if she is still rude to you i would go to the HR or the manager and explain the situation. She is getting paid senior money , and part of that is because she is suppose to be a leader. Brushing you off is not acceptable and not what a leader should be doing.

The easiest thing would be to throw in the towel and resign… in that case she wins. You have passsed extremely hard exam you have been hired by big 4 something many accountants dream of so you are a smart person. You are clearly not the problem.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[Author]

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