[Elaine]

I graduated college with Economics degree and have been in an accounting certificate program in another 4 year university since last September. I currently got my second interview with a midtier accounting firm in 2 weeks, and if I get the job, it will start in fall. I have a pretty good feeling about this.

I decided to look for a job/internship to gain experience (I have none so far) in the mean time and applied for a part-time office/bookkeeper assistant position at a small financial services firm. The description said I will be doing data entry, office work and using accounting software for basic accounting duties. I was not expecting much and was looking at other postings, but I got a response 10 minutes after I applied. The owner of the company said it was 2 weeks trial with no pay and then $10/hr, asking if I could come in tomorrow for interview and training. I was surprised since the reply was so quick and he expected me to get trained on the same day of the interview, which tells me that I will be hired right away?

I know it is extremely hard to get a single job in this economy, but do you guys think the duties and the pay are worth it? I am wondering because I have worked for higher wages as an administrative assistant before, and it is possible that I will find another part time job that is more involved with accounting. Thank you! 🙂

[Elaine]

He said he doesn't bother reporting 10$hr, so the taxes won't get in the way. Ha ha ha… I don't realllllly need the money. I wanted to be busier with some work related to my career and gain experience. I decided it won't hurt to go and see how it is, though! Thank you guys!!! 🙂

[oneFREAKINGpoint]

It's a small financial services firm….participating in TAX EVASION?

Forget them and find something else!!

[jkey57]

It sounds like they're just looking for a free receptionist. Not only would I be concerned about the employment offer, I'd be more concerned about giving them my SS# and personal information if they ask for it.

Sounds like a bad beat…

[mla1169]

Just curious where you would draw the line and run away?? There couldn't be more red flags.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I would read this carefully to determine if this is in fact an internship or if this person is just trying to bypass Federal Wage and Hour Laws. I'm not saying this is a scam but you need to do some research before you say yes.

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.htm

[One day….]

I'd take a friend if you did decide to go and have them wait outside. Sounds too fishy. The owner of the business was able to respond to your resume within 10 minutes?? Have you heard of people doing business with this company? People can create websites and pay google to show up in a search.

One day is today! I'm DOOONNNNNEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

He didn't by any chance say that the internship would take place in the back of a window-less van, did he?? Haha, j/k, but I agree that this sounds a little shady. Hey what the hell, might as well get a little experience if you don't need the money. Just don't take candy from strangers!

[Anonymous]

maybe take a taser, knife, bat, or anything that causes pain……

[kmwgrace]

I read this thread earlier and the more I think about it, the more I agree that it sounds totally fishy. A 2-week *unpaid* trial period? I've never heard of such a thing. If you really think it's worth it to go to the interview then go, but under no circumstances would I agree to work for free if I were in your shoes. I would be leaning pretty strongly against even going to the interview though, to be honest. With your qualifications you can find *something* legitimate.

~ Kate... MTX!
CPA exam on hold while I homeschool my 6 year old!

[Elaine]

So I guess the general flow is that the job sounds fishy. He wanted me to swing by on Thursday so I will let you guys know afterwards! And no, I don't think I will bring a taser or knife, but maybe a pepper spray will do…. 😛

[Anonymous]

This does not sound like a good employer. Run away.

[T-rex]

@Elaine,

No pay = No work

$10hr = Too low for Los Angeles (Is that even minimum wage there?)

These guys telling you to skip it = Great advice

I wouldn't go to the interview if I were you, but if you do, please be safe.

AUD - 95, BEC - 85
REG - 85, Rawrrrrrr FAR - 88
Used Becker for all sections.
CA candidate not residing in CA

[Anonymous]

I read a similar thread on the dice.com forum, and that company turned out to be a scam trying to get free labor, or low cost labor.

Not sure if you're dealing with the same company.

Never trust a job from Craigslist.

[Author]

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