[gac150]

I’m entering my fourth month as a Big 4 Audit Associate fresh out of college and have been struggling to adapt not only to corporate life but to the fast paced environment present in this industry.

First off, the learning curve was far more extreme than I expected. I figured after four years of college and having passed all four parts of the CPA exam that I’d have been a bit more prepared. Unfortunately that does not appear to be the case.

Thus far I feel like I’ve done a fairly decent job and have learned a ton, but I still spend the majority of my days lost, confused, and have no idea what I’m doing. So the question, to those of you with more experience than me in this industry is, is there a point in time during your career where things just started to “click”? I’ve found myself struggling to meet deadlines and stressing over many of my stupid mistakes.

I feel as though the Senior thinks I’m an idiot, which has only increased my stress level. It’s not even busy season yet and I’m already stressing myself out to no end, any advice any of you have would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Mr.NiceWatch]

Have you talked to your senior and asked how you're doing? I'm a assurance new hire at a Big four firm as well. I use to stress about everything too, but I recently talked to my senior and he said that I'm doing real well.. at least better than other associates. Maybe sit down with you senior and see how you're doing? You may be doing well and don't need to stress. Alternatively, there maybe things that you could improve on which could help reduce stress.

Honestly, I think most new associates are pretty lost. Almost each associate I have talked to says they're 1) either lost or 2) don't know what they're doing.

Journey begins in July 2012.

FAR - 87 (8/7/2012)
REG - 89 (11/19/2012)
AUD - 95 (1/17/2013)
BEC - 81 (2/26/2013)

[Anonymous]

Just got home a couple hours ago. I started this fall as well. Just try to relax and learn as much as you can. I tell myself it is a learning process and it's going to take time. I'm doing the best I can and at the end of the day I'm still getting paid. Work isn't the only reason I'm alive.

[G35]

I know how you feel. I'm in the same situation as you, although I work for a medium sized firm.

From what I've been told by my senior, being lost and confused is part of the learning process. It's normal and everyone starts from the same point. It's unrealistic for them to expect that you suddenly know everything. All they want to see is gradual improvement, and from your post, it seems you're doing just fine. Don't stress out too much and focus on quality of your work. It might take up to 2 years to “get it,” but everyone is different.

AUD 88 | FAR 79 | BEC 81 | REG 82 |

[Whatdidyou]

“I feel as though the Senior thinks I'm an idiot, which has only increased my stress level. It's not even busy season yet and I'm already stressing myself out to no end, any advice any of you have would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance! “

I know my senior thinks I'm an idiot because I constantly ask stupid questions lol. I just tell myself if I get fired, I'll just get another job and that its no biggie.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Mayo]

Staff I year is all about learning how to work at the firm. It takes time before things “click”, but don't think you'll ever be in a comfort zone.

It took me. A while to realize that everyone is constantly learning from their mistakes: Seniors, Managers, etc.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mrs 300]

OK, here is my 2 cents…..

I am in tax, but there are some direct parallels. Just to give you a little history – I worked at PwC for 5 years and for 3 years, I have been at a decent-sized Regional Public Accounting firm (I'm an Engagement Director – just a fancy name for Manager). I did a 404 project when I first started at PwC because the Auditors were so short-staffed. I was so out of my element, that it was unreal. I asked the dumbest questions imaginable.

But I remember the Senior Manager told us that it's always good to have new blood on an engagement. He also reminded us that it was 1st and 2nd year staff people who ultimately brought down Enron because of the trivial questions they asked and then people started really looking at stuff. (I don't know if that's true but I know I've also heard that somewhere else).

I completely agree – it's always good to have new blood. Doing the same thing year after year with no questions asked doesn't do anyone any good. I had a first year staff person ask me some really good payroll questions on a recent consolidated return that we did. I started asking the client questions and we determined that there was a huge payroll and withholding issue! So as “dumb” as you think your questions may be, you never know what could come of them!

Don't stress about stupid mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes – even partners. You just can't make mistakes that are going to put people in jail. Other than that, you'll be fine.

Also, you will learn in a couple of years that the Seniors aren't annoyed, they are just super busy. Believe it or not, you will feel the same way when you are in their shoes. The day that I got promoted to Senior at PwC and had to “deal” with staff, I apologized to the guy I had been reporting to all along. He found it hysterical and told me I had no idea what kind of payback I was about to get. 🙂

REG - 80 (Becker only)
BEC - 76 (Becker only)
AUD - 71, 76 (Becker only)
FAR - 65, 74, 81! (Becker, Wiley Test Bank, Ninja notes & Audio)

CPA Class of 2012 🙂

[Author]

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