Here's my real world input specific to industry (whether its manufacturing, service, sales, retail I've been in all) and I realize there are some differences in public accounting but not as much as most would imagine.
Regarding networking, social events, customer functions, yeah definately its a learn as you go thing. You may get a heads up from a manager or peer on a few specifics (like “Hey if Joe is there, he'll talk your ear off about the stock market but then he's good for 2-3 customer leads) but there's not much in the way of handholding for those things. Most managers I know go, watch and take their lead from what they observe, client A's social event can be 180 degrees from client B's so there will never ever be a broad rule of thumb.
Regarding training staff and building a culture, generally management tells HR what their needs are, HR does the legwork and comes back with a plan. Manager wants everybody to have training on new software they take it to HR say this is what we need. If a small company that there is no HR, its going to be play it by ear. If a manager at a small company is entrusted with that kind of responsibility they have the aptitude to go search, find resources, etc. Regarding culture, unless you're stepping in during the start up phase of a business its well established before a manager accepts a role and just a matter of observing and duplicating. If an established company needs to change the culture for some reason, its either done by bringing in new management with professional experience in the new type of culture they seek, or a consultant with experience in changing a culture. Even if a company has an HR department many use the resources available externally like HR Brokers or PEO. I am sure it “looks” like I do the legwork for our health insurance but I get lists/comps from a broker and simply pick which one serves our staff best.
Office leases are a no brainer really, unless you own the company as a sole proprietorship there are meetings and goals and many people with input into the where, how big and how much. Even in my very small company there are meetings and meetings about how much office vs industrial space, what we're willing to pay per square foot, ideal locations for employee commutes then I have paramaters to go “shopping” for space, come back with 3-5 alternatives then a series of meetings.
Regarding business structures etc unless a manager practices that primarily as a service for clients, they're seeking outside counsel. Even if just emails and not seeing attorneys come in to visit trust me the emails are flying hot and heavy. My business is in process of several acquisitions and I am working with 3 different attorney offices and 2 CPA firms by email. Nobody in my company except me and the CEO has any idea how many players are involved in this and it may “appear” to others as if I have some expertise because the only face they see to these transactions is mine and they don't realize I'm emailing attornies overseas at all hours of the night from home.
Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager
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