[mike_terror]

I was recently offered a position as an Audit Associate and will be starting my first day of work at a mid sized public accounting firm in the next 2-3 weeks. I’d like to use this time wisely and to get prepared physically, mentally, and figure out what to bring with me on my first day. The obvious stuff would be my license, social security card, maybe my bank’s checking account # and routing #, and some money for lunch.

Is there anything I should bring with me on the first day of work when arriving to the office? This will be my first professional entry-level position. Is a briefcase or carrying bag necessary? I’d be afraid of coming off as a pretentious person and not very humble. On the other hand, I don’t want to just show up empty handed with nothing.

I was thinking of either bringing a college ruled notebook with me to take notes, or would it be okay to bring the same padfolio that I brought in with me during the interview process?

I’d appreciate any input and advice from my A71 family here who has experience in a professional setting for public accounting. Even tips and advice on what to expect to help calm the nerves would be very helpful as I’m quite nervous and worried about not meeting expectations or grasping everything. The firm that I’ll be working for is more mid-sized and not big 4.

[Starlight]

I'd bring a check instead of just the routing and account numbers, many employers request a voided check for direct deposit.

Also I would go with the portfolio instead of the notebook. I wouldn't bring in a briefcase on the first day, you may be issued a computer bag or audit bag.

Odds are that your first few days will be training, learning to use the software and getting accustomed to the firm's way of doing things. Be sure to take notes, if you're seen to be making the effort to learn people will be much more understanding when there are a few things that you need help with.

REG: 86
AUD: 92
FAR: 84
BEC: 87
Ethics: Passed!
Licensed 11/20/12

Supporting my husband on his CPA journey: 75% of the way there!

[mike_terror]

Thanks for your input Starlight0229!

So a portfolio like the same one that is usually used for interviews would be fine right?

Like this https://twinpossible.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/leather-padfolio.jpg

[Starlight]

Yes, I've carried something very similar to that with me on my first day for my internship and staff positions. Also they may issue you one with their logo on it.

REG: 86
AUD: 92
FAR: 84
BEC: 87
Ethics: Passed!
Licensed 11/20/12

Supporting my husband on his CPA journey: 75% of the way there!

[shiggity80]

What's the dress attire usually? At my firm, the dress code is very casual while in the office. However, on my first day, I wore dress pants/shoes/shirt just to be safe. I also only brought my portfolio (similar to what you linked) and that was it. Bring a blank check w/ the word VOID written over it too for your direct deposit set up.

Also, I found it kind of funny when you said “bring money for lunch”, as if you had to go out of your way to remember that. Don't you carry a wallet with cash/credit cards? lol

FAR: 87
AUD: 86
BEC: 86
REG: 84! Officially Done!

[Anonymous]

Is it goofy wearing a backpack with a suit?

[Anonymous]

No CashMoney it isn't. I see lots of people in their business casual with backpacks. I just don't see it as often in suits, because not that many people have to wear suits to work anymore!

[Anonymous]

This will be me come January 2nd, so I appreciate the input! And good luck to the OP 🙂 Congrats on landing the job!

[mike_terror]

Thank you everyone for your input as it definitely helps calming my nerves, and thank you Brooke S for your good luck wishes! Anxiety kicking in, so can't help but think of the worst.

@shiggity80 – From what I was told, the dress attire in the office is business casual, basically what you described that you wore on your first day. I'm curious as to how casual your in-office dress code is since you said it is”very casual”. I'm guessing jeans, sneakers, and t shirts are okay for you?

Lol, and regarding the money comment, what I meant was that I had to make sure I carry some cash with me in case I need to grab a quick bite and certain vendors don't accept debit / credit cards and I rarely carry cash with me. I'm not familiar with the area I'll be in, so just wanted to make sure I have everything prepared.

[Anonymous]

I brought a pad of paper a mechanical pencil, a pen all in a backpack. Yes. I wore a backpack to work my first day. I dressed more dressy than the firm's dress code my first day (I wore a nice button down and a tie. Everyone else was wearing khaki and a polo or khaki and a button down without a tie. As I left my first day a partner stopped me and told me he didn't want to see me dressing better than him again.. as a joke.)

On my first day I was shown a supply closet and was told to raid it for anything I wanted. Definitely bring your own basic supplies and writing implements until you're free to raid supply closets though.

[mike_terror]

@ Awkward – Just out of curiosity, did you continue to bring your backpack to work after your first day?

[shiggity80]

@mike_terror

Yeah the dress code at my place is super relaxed. You can wear jeans/t-shirt/sneakers if you wanted to. Most of the upper management will wear business casual though.

FAR: 87
AUD: 86
BEC: 86
REG: 84! Officially Done!

[Anonymous]

yes. i bring it off and on depending what i need to carry and where im going

[Anonymous]

Grey suit with white shirt black tie?

Or black blazer with black pants, white shirt and a grey striped tie.

Is black too formal even if it's just a jacket? The grey suit looks bigger because I lost weight this summer.

[jeff]

Congrats on getting the job, btw Mike … always nice to hear news like that.

-Jeff

[Author]

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