[jenpen]

Hello hello,

I have a question regarding my current situation. So I am interviewing with a mid-size/largish public firm in my area for an experienced position. I sent my resume over at the end of October to a guy I know that works there, and so far I have had the initial phone screen with HR, an in-person interview with a partner and 3 managers (2 groups of 2), and another in-person interview with 2.5 partners (the “closer” was the partner from round 1 and was only there for about 15 minutes). In round 2 I was supposed to meet with the partner-in-charge of the group, but he got pulled into something and wasn’t available, but he did stop by and introduce himself and apologize. That was the week before Thanksgiving.

Fast forward to a couple days ago (~2.5 weeks later), and the HR person reached out to set up a phone call with the partner-in-charge…which is apparently going to be a video meeting now.

I’m frustrated at the timeline (1.5 months so far) and the delay the last couple of weeks. My background check came back last week. Urgency to get me in there had been expressed by the partner/closer, and my contact said that everyone I met with gave me the green light and that partner was working on a formal offer.

So I guess my question is, what should I expect from this thing tomorrow? Technical questions? Personality assessment? Just to say that he asked me questions?

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[aaronmo]

So they think you're technically proficient or you wouldn't be here. If there's anything left, it's probably confirming your wants/needs and how they compare to the firms. It's more likely an “opportunity” for your questions…so I'd focus on asking smart questions that show interest, culture fit, and ability. This far in the interview process means they're just confirming a decision they've already made.

My guess is that it's a prelim to an offer and you may be discussing position details (benefits, salary).

As far as timeline/urgency, I get it. It ALWAYS sucks to be in this spot, where your life is almost on hold, waiting for a seeming God's decision. The reality is that you don't know what's behind it…it could be a desire to save salary with a late start, they could just be busy, you don't know. It sucks, but I'd remember that it's THEIR process. If you decide to take it, try to let it go and just be happy about the opportunity. If you aren't happy, hey…lots of positions for “us”, and you can be picky too. But if you take it, try to do it with an open heart.

[finn]

Sounds incredibly inefficient to just hire one person. I probably wouldn't work there myself, but i'm sure it's a good fit.

[jenpen]

Hey @Aaronmo – Thank you for your thoughts! I definitely suck at coming up with questions. At least I'll have some time to scour the internet for good ideas. My fingers are crossed that an offer will soon follow, but I've been “expecting” it for a week now, so I'm trying to stay out of my own head.

And I agree. This spot sucks. I had a timeline in my head that's definitely not working out. But my current company announced that Christmas bonuses will be given out next week, so I guess the timing actually works out for me instead of being in-between at the wrong time. And thankfully I don't actually work in public at the moment, so leaving right before tax season isn't as big of a deal since our busy season is the extension deadline.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[jenpen]

@Finn – This process is definitely making me wonder about the firm, but I keep telling myself the problem is in HR, and that the group I'll work with is better. Plus, that's what I've heard from current and past employees so that helps.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[thunderlips]

I think 4 is a little excessive, unless its a CFO position. May want to look elsewhere if it continues

[aaronmo]

Don't even get me started on HR culture and incompetence.

Just do your normal due diligence…review the position description and the notes you took during interviews. Always think from the hiring manager's point of view…what do they want, why are they interested in you…what can you offer. The kind of questions I like are:

How long is the typical learning curve and when am I going to be revenue generating?

Ask things about sales policies and bringing in your network…(I'm from tax, may not apply universally)

What is your mentor-ship program like?

What do you think the prior person did right and wrong?

What is a standard client like?

Good luck!

[MaLoTu]

This sounds like BDO …

[jenpen]

@Aaronmo – You're awesome! Thank you for the great suggestions on questions. I've definitely made a note of them so I can have them handy tomorrow.

@MaLoTu – Nope, not BDO, but they have an office right down the road from the firm I'm applying at. It seems most of the firms in STL have offices within a few blocks of each other.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[aaronmo]

Good luck!

[jenpen]

So quick update on this fiasco – the call Friday wasn't actually an interview. It was basically for them to tell me that I'm behind on technical stuff, so wouldn't come in at the level I expected to, and that my compensation requirement isn't “fair” for the lower level they would bring me in at. He said he would work on an offer and “put his best foot forward” and that he could probably come in where I'm currently at.

It's now Wednesday…and I still haven't received the offer. However, given the fact that it's been a month since my second in-person interview, and juuuust under 2 months since the whole process began, I'm not getting the warm and fuzzies over this firm. Plus, apparently not going up enough in pay to justify going back to the stress of public accounting. So I've decided that I'm going to stick it out at my low-stress non-public job that I don't hate and reject any offer they may eventually send. I feel great about this decision.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[thunderlips]

Good plan! Keep your eyes open for future possibilities, never know what could open next year after companies set their budget

[aaronmo]

I left public for the same reasons you did…I make less money, but I work a low stress job, with work life balance, and I enjoy my life. Smart choice, and I wouldn't want to come into a firm the way you describe.

I do side hustles to make a few bucks and keep my feet warm in case I ever do want to go back to public…I'll work 10-20 hours/week in tax this season, and I'm planning on doing some teaching at community college later.

[jenpen]

@Aaronmo – I thought about doing a small side hustle this tax season. Last time I saw my old boss I casually dropped the hint that I'd love to moonlight for him, so I may reach out and see if he's open to that.

I'm not totally out of public, so if I do want to go back it shouldn't be too hard. I still work in tax – just do it at a multi-family office dealing with ultra high net worth individuals. Our busy season is the extension deadline, so this year should be a breeze compared to last year's mandatory 65+ hour work weeks.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Author]

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