[mperez102204]

Hey everyone. Here is the back story. I just took AUD on 1/27. Right after the test I went to see the family, which is about a 5 hour drive. I had one day before close and this was the month I was beginning to learn more about the process to cover the controller.

My normal month end process was going just fine, along with the additional learning, except for today. I have to complete a spreadsheet that matches 5 expense accounts. This was completed, but I did a beginner mistake, I didn’t cross check before I sent it to the controller. Now, we are only talking 30 thousand in expenses for a company that makes 17 million a year.

The spreadsheet was screwed up with formulas. Just really embarrassed. I apologized and said I would redo. The controller said no worries, just start fresh in February.

Overall, I am just worried they will let me go because this test seems to be getting to much and effecting my work. This would suck because they are reimbursing when I complete it.

What do you think? Overreacting?

[EZ_Sims_4_me_Pls]

i wouldnt stress about the possibilities. doing so won't do you any good…and will only serve to occupy your mind which could lead to other simple mistakes in your work

[Missy]

If you're in industry, and they're preparing you to cover for the controller your work already speaks for itself or they wouldn't give you that kind of responsibility. Mistakes happen, I make them all the time, what's more important is what you do afterward, were you correcting the formulas and the errors. If you can find or be advised of an error and immediately spring into fixing it you're fine. Generally what anybody is looking to hear is what is your plan to avoid the same mistake, can you fix the formulas and lock the cells so they can't be changed, is there another way to double check the numbers before they're submitted?

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[mperez102204]

This spreadsheet is just a detail of the expenses already there. Maybe a few adjustment, but nothing crazy. So, I reviewed the formulas and found 2 of the errors. I am off about 5,000 still, but I think this might have been something of my own doing. Didn't change to account on the spreadsheet, but added an additional line item to show the reclassification entry.

Overall, I will ensure that this month I DO NOT make this mistake again. Even wrote a sticky that says, “check you work, silly!” I know elementary, but hey it will work. The funny thing is I have completed this spreadsheet for about 3 years now. First time messing it up, but really ashamed of it.

Thank you for the kind words. I am traveling next week for work, so I will make sure I let the controller know exactly what I do to ensure it does not happen again.

[thebigguy1992]

just a little advice not relating to this post directly: maybe you shouldnt post something like this so detailed and also have a picture of your face attached to your avatar. You never know who could be reading these threads. also your username may also be your last name as well, with m maybe being the first initial of your first name. if i was you, i would take the picture down.

[Want2BeCPAsoBad]

I agree with the above. You should take your picture down, and consider a different user name. But definitely take your picture down. The last thing you want is your employer to look at this threat and by read by your CEO, CFO and be upset that the controller didn't take action on a material mistake.

[Missy]

Clearly those she reports to are already aware of this mistake, further there's a huge difference between a material misstatement on financial statements than a mistake on a spreadsheet used for internal purposes. I agree with not putting personal information “out there” but this is hardly exposing something that's confidential or needs to be hidden. Sounds like the mistake was found and corrected, just someone worried that it happened at all reflects on them professionally, which it rarely does.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[thebigguy1992]

i know but just talking about personal stuff at work and also having your face as your avatar isn't very smart it seems. I think this is a pretty public forum and who knows how many site visits and hits they get on each thread/the site daily. its just better to be on the safe side.

on the point of the actual topic of the thread, it seems like you made a pretty minor mistake. you even said its a beginner mistake. thats expected, and its a part of the growing process. they were entrusting you or sort of grooming you for this position it seems, and there's going to be small mistakes like this as you learn. I dont think its a big deal really as long as you learn from your mistake and dont make it again.

[mperez102204]

THANK YOU! I appreciate the thoughts about both the subject and the picture. I am sure nothing will come of it, but there I will indeed take the image down. Again, thank you for the advice.

[Author]

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