[Anonymous]

I have a unique opportunity and am hoping you guys have some advice for me.

Currently, I work at a small firm. We have a client who is looking for an assistant controller. The unique thing is that the controller’s wife works for our firm. So I have known the controller for years and we get along well. I work directly with his wife.

I would like to approach the controller about the job. Is it ethical to do this as they are our client? (I don’t work on their stuff.) Also, I’m worried that if I approach him about the position and he decides to hire someone else that obviously my boss will find out about this either directly through the controller or his wife.

Also, a side note. We are looking to hire another person for this tax season. If I were to leave the firm would then they would have to hire two people. The controller at the other company knows this. I’m worried that he won’t consider hiring me because he knows it would put the firm in a bad position.

I want this job and I want to get out of public. Any ideas on how I can test the waters and not burn any bridges?

[tough_kitty]

Tricky situation indeed. But if you meet all the requirements for the job and know you'd be a good candidate, perhaps you could start a conversation about this position with controller's wife? Unless your relationship is strictly business.

I hope someone else can give you some good advice on this one. Sounds like a great opportunity so there should be a way for you to get a chance and interview for it.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Tricky situation indeed. But if you meet all the requirements for the job and know you'd be a good candidate, perhaps you could start a conversation about this position with controller's wife? Unless your relationship is strictly business.

I hope someone else can give you some good advice on this one. Sounds like a great opportunity so there should be a way for you to get a chance and interview for it.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Anonymous]

bump. Any other sage advice out there?

[Anonymous]

bump. Any other sage advice out there?

[mla1169]

If it weren't for the fact that you work with the controller's wife I'd say give it a shot. But you are right to be concerned about it getting back to your boss even if you weren't offered the job.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

If it weren't for the fact that you work with the controller's wife I'd say give it a shot. But you are right to be concerned about it getting back to your boss even if you weren't offered the job.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Never_Give_Up1]

It is just fine to leave and go to work for a company you do services for. For the most part if someone is leaving a firm they prefer them to leave to work for a client. That way they know the place will have a quality employee and that the services might not go elsewhere if you are high enough on the totem pole. One thing you would find out is if it is a type of company you would actually want to work for. If you apply and they do contact your current employer without your okay, you should seriously consider if you want to work for a company like that. It shows they don't respect your privacy and your career in general. I applied for a place and they contacted my current employer without my consent… I told them I was not interested in the position anymore because they didn't respect my privacy. Created an interesting work situation I am in… but if you are looking, you were already planning on leaving.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Never_Give_Up1]

It is just fine to leave and go to work for a company you do services for. For the most part if someone is leaving a firm they prefer them to leave to work for a client. That way they know the place will have a quality employee and that the services might not go elsewhere if you are high enough on the totem pole. One thing you would find out is if it is a type of company you would actually want to work for. If you apply and they do contact your current employer without your okay, you should seriously consider if you want to work for a company like that. It shows they don't respect your privacy and your career in general. I applied for a place and they contacted my current employer without my consent… I told them I was not interested in the position anymore because they didn't respect my privacy. Created an interesting work situation I am in… but if you are looking, you were already planning on leaving.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Anonymous]

The owner of the other company's wife works at your firm? Are they a private company? Otherwise that would be illegal no?

[Anonymous]

The owner of the other company's wife works at your firm? Are they a private company? Otherwise that would be illegal no?

[Anonymous]

Yes, they are private, we do their audit. She doesn't work on the client at all. Yes, it's “legal.”

So, I've decided to put my big girl professional pantsuit on and email the controller. I can't decide if I want to email the controller simply expressing interest and see what he says or if I want to go all out and send my resume, cover letter, etc. He knows my work and education history already. I know him well, he's been to my house socially, met my husband etc. I'm really worried that I could make my current position at the firm uncomfortable if things should go awry or I don't get the position.

[Anonymous]

Yes, they are private, we do their audit. She doesn't work on the client at all. Yes, it's “legal.”

So, I've decided to put my big girl professional pantsuit on and email the controller. I can't decide if I want to email the controller simply expressing interest and see what he says or if I want to go all out and send my resume, cover letter, etc. He knows my work and education history already. I know him well, he's been to my house socially, met my husband etc. I'm really worried that I could make my current position at the firm uncomfortable if things should go awry or I don't get the position.

[fuzyfro89]

At least approach him informally first and see how he feels. He may or may not tell his wife right away, but hopefully you'll at least know if there is mutual interest. Likely he is aware of the situation and if it would create tension with his wife (I'm thinking he would not proceed if it would.. happy wife happy life). If/when you get an offer and accept, at least you can talk to your current controller and work out a good transition so nobody gets screwed or feels slighted.

At the end of the day, it doesn't hurt to ask — if it does and your controller is vindictive, it's probably a good indication you don't want to be working for her long term anyway.

Tread carefully, but just be respectful and courteous the whole way and you'll come out ahead.

[fuzyfro89]

At least approach him informally first and see how he feels. He may or may not tell his wife right away, but hopefully you'll at least know if there is mutual interest. Likely he is aware of the situation and if it would create tension with his wife (I'm thinking he would not proceed if it would.. happy wife happy life). If/when you get an offer and accept, at least you can talk to your current controller and work out a good transition so nobody gets screwed or feels slighted.

At the end of the day, it doesn't hurt to ask — if it does and your controller is vindictive, it's probably a good indication you don't want to be working for her long term anyway.

Tread carefully, but just be respectful and courteous the whole way and you'll come out ahead.

[Author]

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