[kayaker]

I made the mistake of taking the first job offered after passing my CPA exam. I took a job as a tax preparer at a local tax service firm.

It started off well but the relationship eventually went south with the firm. We worked unbelievable hours and my boss would always have something smart to say to me. I was dating a Hispanic woman at the time and always made racist jokes about her.

But it really went bad when the firm put pressure on me to sign off on documents I didn’t feel comfortable signing off on. I was the only CPA in the firm and so my signature was what they needed to perform compilations. The main problem was the firm was not going to enroll in the mandatory peer review system our state demands if performing compilations. I would face several fines/suspension/public embarrassment if I was caught performing these acts.

My work performance suffered because of this environment. My boss would give me several backhanded comments a day and try to pressure me into signing off on these documents. When I tried to explain to him that I can’t do it unless we obey the laws governed by accounting standards board. He told me the firm wasn’t going to do that and I needed to sign off on these documents because it was big reason why they hired me in the first place.

All of this happened in the middle of tax season. I decided to stick out the tax season and then simply quit. Job or no job…life was too short to be in that place.

So a week after tax season was over, I came in to my boss’s office told him I wasn’t signing off these compilations. He went furious and told me how bad I was at my job and that I should’ve told about that from the beginning. I then told him I was puting in my notice and he needed to find someone else to sign off on those documents and love that place because i simply didn’t.

He was really mad and mouthed off about how terrible I was an employee and I didn’t understand why I was so miserable working there. (I talked to one of my friends at work after this happend….and he said that my boss was furious that I didn’t sign off on these documents)

Now…I am not really sure how I explain that to a potential employer. I feel like I did the right thing in keeping my license in tact. My previous employer will give me a horrendous reference to anyone who calls.

I am praying something good will come out of this. I just don’t see it yet.

Any thoughts?

[Smbundy13]

I think you did the right thing… your neck would have been on the hook for those reports if you would have signed them not theirs.

I think if you explain the situation to a potential employer then they should understand…. if they dont understand, you dont want to work there either

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[Anonymous]

You definitely did the right thing. Sure, your boss was angry, but when it's your license on the line, you need to make sure you protect it.

The way I would deal with the situation is that when asked, I would say something like, “I left because I felt that the way the firm required me to handle a situation was in direct opposition to the requirements of my CPA license.” I wouldn't go into a bunch of detail unless prospective employers asked for it. The implication is in there that you didn't leave on good terms, and potential employers shouldn't expect a stellar review in that situation. Just make sure that you get your point across that you felt ethically obligated to leave your job.

Believe me, this sort of thing happens to CPA's more often than you think!

[Anonymous]

You definitely did the right thing. No job is worth sacrificing your integrity and having to put up with racist bulsh!t! I'm sorry but I take a very strong stance on that subject. He was out of line. CPA's aren't supposed to have relationships with people who lack integrity. If asked in a future interview about the situation just tell the prospective employer that your integrity and ethics prevented you from continuing your employment. If they ask for details then tell them what happened. I say Good For You for Leaving!!

[Anonymous]

Sue the employer.

[Marivy22]

Good that you left. You are now in peace with yourself and with no unnecessary stress.

I would not add this employer/experience to your resume……..If someone asked about prior professional experience or a gap on your resume; you should say that your prior experience did not add value to your professional career.

I worked at a BIG office supplies corporate office for about 6 months, decided to leave the company because I was miserable. Including a 6 months experience on your resume when you have nothing good to say is not a good idea. While looking for new opportunities, I was frequently asked about my current employer and what I was doing. My answer at the time was that, my current employer/job was not adding value to my resume…no more details.

Done 😉
Class of 2012!!!!
Lots of prayers and hard work....

[Anonymous]

If you need the experience on your resume put it on. You NEVER want to trash the former employer even if you are 100% in the right. IF they ask (don't volunteer the information), just say it wasn't for you or it wasn't a good fit. A vague statement is generally sufficient and I've never had a prospective employer really push the issue. If the interviewer really wants to know, just say they asked you to do something unethical and you choose to leave. Your former employer is only supposed to confirm facts (ie if you worked there, duration, etc.). At least in my state, they can't just start trashing you to every prospective employer that calls to confirm you worked there.

[kayaker]

I appreciate the comments. Its been a pretty frustrating experience. I should have practiced my due diligence before choosing this firm. Hopefully I ll get another shot at the accounting profession.

[UnderemployedCPA]

do NOT listen to the person that suggested you sue them.

Sue them only if you are prepared to never work for any decent sized or large corporation or firm ever again. Nobody likes a litigious person and that will come back on your background check and most likely disqualify you from consideration.

[Anonymous]

I had a similar experience. I too wanted to sue them. But it's true, no one likes that. I thought about finding a job and getting settled in before I do something like that. But I am going to write to HR about the issues I had instead.(an HR person told me that would be the better thing to do)

I am sorry this happened to you. You should still put it on your resume and just find other references. If they ask, say your boss is not a good communicator. Hopefully you have a cpa society in your city where you can network and build relationships from there.

Also, I hope you get the chance to exact revenge one day without any repercussions(sorry I have grudge problems).

Funny thing. The reason why I am getting my CPA is so that I avoid companies like that. It says a lot about the company if you were their only CPA. haha.

[Author]

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