[cantpassagain1]

Hey guys i’ll try and get straight to the point. I started with a big 4 in october in indirect tax, property tax. I might just be paranoid, but I really feel like my senior manager is trying to coach me out of lay me off or something. I hear him talking on the phone, and a couple months ago the door was open was open in my executive director’s office and I heard my name and it didnt seem to be in a good light. However, I got my first review (“feedback”) from the manager I report to the most and they were all 4s and a 3 (engagement metrics section) out of about 8 sections. The senior manager I am talking about has yet to give me feedback but I honestly dont know think it would be bad. I produce good work ive been told by everyone and constantly seek more work out. Can I still get shown the door even if I get good reviews? I really need to know what the processes are of this.

I just passed all the sections as of yesterday when scores came out. I apply for jobs every time I hear him on the phone and I think its about me. I really need to know what I should do.

Thanks

[cantpassagain1]

Also another point, I have yet to be critiqued on anything. Like not given any suggestion on anything. I even slipped in “adjusting to firm culture” question when my manager followed up with me about the review she gave me. She had no suggestions. So I am really confused.

[MaLoTu]

I have never heard the term coaching out — maybe it is a B4 thing.

Anyhow, it sounds like you are being paranoid. I totally understand though, it is stressful to constantly be under pressure to perform. One little mishap can be catastrophic. However, from what I have seen in public is that managers almost always write reviews when they have something bad to say. The fact that the senior manager has not written a review indicates at the very least that you are doing ok.

Try not to worry so much at this point.

[cantpassagain1]

Thanks I appreciate the insight.

My reviews just came back (1-5, 5 being the best):

Manager- 4,4,4,4,4,3
Senior Manager- 3,3,4,4,5,4

The comments are all positive with no suggestions on how to improve. I am in the works of switching departments because the one I am in doesn't have any CPA's (I know it sounds ridiculous) and I don't want all the work i've done to pass the exam go to waste.

Could someone shed some insight on what the process of coaching someone out looks like?

[Son]

cantpassagain1, just looking at your review scores you're almost certainly overthinking things. People can get frustrated over little mistakes and mention it to someone on the phone, but still hold you in high regard.

Also, let me give you two real-life extreme scenarios. One senior manager in my office had a difficult personality and almost always spoke negatively about a particular staff. When asked if that staff had availability to work on other's projects her answer was always a strong “No.” She gave the staff a really hard time, but worked almost exclusively with him because he did an exemplary work. Needless to say she would never let him go.

Another example is an insecure manager who would throw staffs under the bus when some errors were found in their joint projects instead of taking responsibility. That happens to people too sometimes, especially if stakes at a project are high.

Now, most realistic scenario in your case is that you made a mistake that annoyed your sr manager, but it wasn't anything major or unexpected from someone at your level. Enough for him/her to complain about it, but nothing that would affect your career long-term or they would have brought it up in your reviews.

Seriously, if as a first-year staff you're not sleeping at your desk, put in a good effort and aren't terribly annoying the chances of you getting fired are close to zero. Only staffs I've seen let go at my Big4 were a terrible cultural fit for their particular group.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[cantpassagain1]

@Son thank you so much for your insight, it is really helpful in navigating my first year.

I have a awfully stupid question for you though, how would I know if I am a terrible cultural fit?

Any further help on this would be greatly appreciated.

[Author]

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