[LKD CPA]

My work situation has become increasingly toxic. I began working there October of last year and enjoy my co-workers immensely, with the exception of my boss/owner. From the moment I met him I knew he was eccentric and egotistical, but felt I could handle it. As time has passed over this last year+, I have found that he is an alcoholic. (Just received his 2nd DUI two days before Thanksgiving.) Because of his drinking issues, he doesn’t come in to work, sometimes weeks at a time (the longest has been 4 weeks). He completely falls off the grid! In such a small office it leaves his entire workload and ALL business decisions to me. When he comes back he criticizes the decisions I made while he was off getting sloshed.

To my question: I am actively looking for a new job. I have interviewed with the local town for an accounting position and they have called for a second interview. IF they offer the job I am torn on whether I should take it. There are days I want to run screaming from my office. However, my preference is not governmental accounting and I’m afraid accepting and working in that position would make it difficult for me to ever find a position outside of governmental accounting. There are a lot of great minds on here – what is your opinion on me jumping ship?

FAR: 74, 83
REG: 76
BEC: 77
AUD: 89

[Excel14]

As a 24 year seasoned veteran of government employ, let me just say that government employees get “labeled” by the private sector (many times wrongly). Government welcomes private experience with open arms, but the reverse has been shown (at least in my case), to not be true. Just something to consider….

BEC (2/28/16) ----- 78
FAR (09/10/16)-----
AUD
REG

CIA, CGAP, CFE

[M.O.D.]

I would press your advantage. Ask that he make you manager while he's off drinking, and that he not question your decisions. Hit him hard when he does, criticize his drinking in public, humiliate him. Sharpen your wit and your tongue.

Eventually buy him out for a case of beer, when he is at rock bottom.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[alboreland]

Do you think he might be at rehab when he disapears? Has HR noticed this? You can always bring it up with them- just his behavior after unexplained absences and not mention the drinking.

Does anyone know if this is protected with any laws? If it is rehab, he might have gone through HR already, but it still doesn't explain his behavior.

[ruggercpa2b]

@alboreland I think OP states that the guy is the owner so I highly doubt that HR is going to be doing anything to him if there even is an HR department. I would definitely take the government job. Something about the job attracted you to apply for it. And why stay in such an environment if you are not happy? I have known people that left Big 4 and went to government and have know government people that got hired by Big 4 because of my firm's Federal practice growing.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

Jump ship.

The only thing keeping you away from the bread line is the fact that this guy hasn't hit rock bottom yet. He's one bender away from a tombstone and you're one bender away from unemployment.

[alboreland]

I missed the part about the owner. When you get a job, just drop your resignation on his desk when he is gone and walk out the door.

[LKD CPA]

He is definitely not in rehab. In his mind he doesn't have a problem and rehab is beneath him. This is the type of guy that leaves the office 15 minutes after his doctor appointment was scheduled and tells us to call the eye Dr's office and demand that a room be prepared with a glass of Pellegrino, and that he will only walk directly into his room. He refuses to sit in waiting areas. I'm serious.

Additionally, there are 6 of us in the office. I am accounting, IT and HR rolled into one ball of sunshine.

FAR: 74, 83
REG: 76
BEC: 77
AUD: 89

[Anonymous]

lol @ ‘one ball of sunshine'

But seriously- run, don't walk away.

[mla1169]

Keep looking for another job if you're not convinced the govt job is for you. Jump ship ASAP but don't get into something you'll be unhappy with just to get away from him.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the others, “run, don't walk away”! It will only get worse.

[howmany74s]

My fiance came to Big4 from a government job as an experienced senior hire and he is one of the best managers in the east region office, travelling with partners all the time for seminars, consulting etc. Did he struggle? Yes, he really did. Is he happy now? As happy as one can be in public accounting. Does he miss his government job? Every day.

The morale of this story is to show you that transfers on both ways do happen and it is up to you and your effort to make it work. Working for an alcoholic, unless the alcoholic loves you and showers you with bonuses, doesn't sound appetizing. And you don't sound too happy so.. I would vote for government.

[Anonymous]

Remember to keep the big picture in perspective when making this decision. I am not saying the government job is or isn't the right choice but it should not be a temporary opt out of your current situation. It should be a decision made because you want the job. The decision you make could potentially stick with you for a long time. If you love government accounting, that's awesome! I am sure with all the restrictions and funds involved it can be more exciting than retail. But it's not for everybody. I don't mean to come off the wrong way, but if you don't like the guy then isn't it better if he doesn't show up to work?

[tomq04]

Have you considered alcoholism?

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Author]

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