[flg9597]

I’m currently trying to get out of a negative mindset I’ve developed in my current work place. Just to give a quick summary of my situation I am now entering my third season of public accounting.

Flash back to my first year / internship which was straight out of college. My first season was a complete joke and i don’t know how I even lasted as long as I did (oh I know why, cuz I had massive debts and wanted a decent paying job out of college!) I received very little training and was basically pinned to a senior and supervisor who I communicated extremely poor with. The most explanations I would receive would be to “look at what was done in the prior year”, and god forbid I’d have additional questions (like any normal first year staff) they would just insist on completing tasks themselves, while also gossiping constantly about how terrible I was (while never correcting me on what I did wrong). As a result I never grew and as time went on I was expected to magically learn accounting concepts and auditing standards from these same individuals and others in my department. Eventually I became blacklisted and no one wanted to work with me, and I sat idle for days on end. Then I got my review which basically told me I had 90 days to shape up or I was going to be canned. Upon which I was assigned with new mentors and projects that actually were hands on with me, and go figure, I actually learned !

My second season I was on to a great start and back in the grind of working on new areas. However, I had unforeseen events due to my health that forced me to take a break in the peak of what was supposed to be my development & foundation. I eventually came back after a few weeks and felt like I was starting all over again, which was fine. I worked on smaller projects and more compliance based work.

I am now entering my third season and feel like I still haven’t gotten a grip on most fundamental accounting concepts, not to mention I’m scared to be looked at as incompetent and blacklisted as the staff no one wants to work with. I have now also grown to hate a lot of what I am doing and also most of my colleagues. The only thing holding me back from leaving is the timing and also because I have a few individuals who have helped me get where I am today, who will also be pretty much screwed over on this decision.

How do I suck this up and just get through it ? Most clients are messy and complex, and the reality is most of my colleagues aren’t good at mentoring me. I feel like I lack some basic knowledge and most of all I lack confidence in myself. Sometimes I just think it’s not for me, and other times I feel fine. I also need advice on how to let go of my strong disliking to colleagues of mine.

Thanks

[IwannabeaCPA2017]

Fig, I feel like I'm in the same boat. Im going into my 3rd busy season as well and i like you dont feel like i learned a lot. My first busy season I was doing a ton of 1040 and other misc clients. 2nd busy season I did the same, with occasionally few clients I recurred on. After the two busy season I realized I hated partnerships and corporate returns because for one they are too large and I learn slower- I tend to learn better on smaller clients. Now Im doing smaller clients and not for profit work- Finally feel like I'm learning because Im able to identify what open items/questions to ask. Honestly, If I have to say is keep trucking along and just ask whatever is needed. I have said this before but I feel like I'm incompetent as well compared to people I started with.. mind you many of them have moved up to be a reviewer/supervisor while I am still preparing tax return going into my 3rd year. so ya I know how it feels, but i have learned not to care too much about this and let it bother me. thinking this way only makes things worst! I try to see it as everyone learns differently I just happen to learn things slower. I have already planned on exploring my options after this busy season.. Idk if this is something you have considered too?? But I feel like for me personally industry is better because doing something similar allows me to become an “expert” on it rather than juggling several different clients that I prob won't even work on again next year. However, this could become a boring a dull job (private/industry) but at least the hours and pay are better.. Plus, I can improve my excel skills. Best of luck!

[Anne]

I completed two busy seasons as an auditor at a large public accounting firm. My first year wasn't the best experience but that was largely due to the fact that I was new to the profession and there was a lot to learn – various accounting software, new client relationships, auditing standards and application, working in teams, etc. I would say a lot of people feel incompetent and overwhelmed their first year because of those reasons though. My second year was a much better experience. I worked on a lot of the same clients and worked with better audit teams. I also formed better relationships with a few of my colleagues which helped me grow and learn more. However, despite having a better experience during my second year I dreaded how negative a lot of my colleagues were and how the firm's mentality is all about making a profit and less about the well being of its employees. The firm does a poor job at adequately training its employees (at all levels) and sets unrealistic deadlines and budgets that are rarely met because teams are not properly staffed. Not to mention there was always gossip about which people suck at their job. I always had the mentality that instead of bashing others for not performing well, why not help them learn or provide them guidance in how they can improve without being petty and just complaining about them but apparently the firm doesn't have that same belief. It was so frustrating to be around and always put everyone on edge because there was this immense amount of pressure to perform extremely well and increase their billable hours. Also, the firm has several public clients that had year-ends in the summer and fall so we were working busy season hours year round and travelling ALL the time. There was no work-life balance. Five months ago I made the decision to quit and I couldn't be any happier with my decision!! Industry isn't perfect, but it has provided me a healthier life both mentally and physically. So my advice for you would be to start exploring different careers paths outside of public accounting or even a different firm. It sounds like the energy at your firm is toxic and it is only going to continue to break you down. At the end of the day you have to look out for yourself! It's okay to leave public accounting and others don't have to understand or agree with your decision, but if it feels right to you then absolutely get out. I am sooooo much happier and you should be too!

[Author]

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