[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. It has been awhile since I have posted!

Anyhow, I work for a small firm as a Staff Accountant making around $20 hour on the West Coast. I am the grunt and do a lot of work from financial reporting (complicated bookkkeeping that is outsourced), tax preparation of different entities and individuals, tax projections, etc. I am under a lot of stress and have worked piled up for me that is never ending, while veterans and partners take vacation and PTO like it’s the cool thing to do. The more work I get done, the more work I get thrown at me. I don’t even bother taking my breaks anymore and just grind through all of the work to keep up and make my Boss happy (rich). I have about 9 months of experience and have passed the CPA exam.

Is this completely normal for public accounting? Just work like a machine and never be complimented for your work, while higher ups slack and provide no leadership or training?

Also, my Boss can be a real jerk – slamming doors, chewing others out, and always being the Alpha male around the office. He was really, really mean to me when I first started working for the firm and bullied me, so I do not trust him when he acts nice to me now.

Is this all normal or should I start looking elsewhere? It’s hard for me to get over the fact I was bullied and humiliated when I first started working at the firm.

Thanks for your feedback!

[Anonymous]

It get's better after your second tax season, when you know what you are doing. If it continues to suck, get those letters and look elsewhere after next April.

[MaLoTu]

It is normal to do all the grunt work and not be able to take vacation (without feeling guilty or working from home). The higher up you get the less grunt work you have to do, but the more you have to review and facilitate assignments, which is also challenging. I think this is a constant in public accounting. I take vacation and still work or I don’t work and feel guilty.

Having leadership that you do not feel comfortable talking to is not the norm. The only way to have a successful career (in general not just public) is to have people around you that you can trust to help guide you. At the very least, someone you can model yourself after.

Finally, you are probably being paid below market. I am assuming you are in So Cal? In SF, most CPA firms are paying around $65k for entry level. I know that there is some variance depending on your specific location.

[Anonymous]

@Big Del

Thanks for your reply. I’m sure things get smoother after your first tax season. I appreciate your support!

@MaLoTu

Thanks for your response. I remember u back when I was taking the exams and posting on this great forum!

I was also assuming doing all the grunt work is pretty normal. But, like you said, leadership who is on a huge power trip and always controlling and I cannot yak to is super frustrating. There is something really wrong with my boss. I don’t think anyone likes this person.

I am in Cali and will probably make around $45k this year. Definitely below market considering my 9 months of experience, all exams passed, high GPA etc. I took this job bc I had someone on the inside I knew well and needed the experience. I will probably go to MTF though bc I think they recruit heavily in the Fall? I’ve never been, but need to put myself out there and I know people at the larger firms. They copied off me all semester while at University! Lol.

[TalkNerdyToMe]

That's not normal to me, but I guess it all depends on the firm. I'd honestly be looking for another job. I've been working for the same CPA firm for 12 years and was promoted to VP in January 2017. My life at this office is nothing as you're describing. Yes the work load is crazy, and yes I want to pull my hair our sometimes, but having a bad boss would make life miserable. It doesn't have to be like that.

[lam2848]

@Blue Collar, I think you may be working with the wrong firm. It seems like the firm culture at your job is lacking. I work in public accounting and have been an associate for almost a year now. While the job is stressful and I always have a ton of work, my firm embraces “open door” policy. I've never had a manager or partner slam a door on my or tell me that they wouldn't help me. Also, I don't think they are paying you enough. This could have something to do with where I live, but I got paid $28/hour as an intern so you making less than that is kind of crazy.

I definitely think if your job is causing more harm than good, you need to find a new job before it starts affecting your health.

[Nate]

I agree, the work load will be tough anywhere. What's most important imo is you have to find a place with good people to work with and bosses who want to help you and see you succeed. If your boss is only in it for himself and is just exploiting your work for low pay, and doesn't really care about your professional growth, then I would find a new employment. From what it sounds like your boss only started being nice to you because he realized he struck gold with having someone work under him as capable as you for only 20/ hour- he could be just trying to keep you as long as possible-but that's for you to decide. Luckily the firm I'm in now has great leadership that wants everyone to succeed- it makes the work so much better.

[Superdude3000]

I work at a mid-tier firm and really enjoy my job.I love all the people I work with and while the work is stressful I enjoy the challenging nature of it and that it's usually different every day. I'm an auditor btw.

[OnmywaytoCPA]

Yes, I think you should definitely move on. I have worked at 4 small CPA Firms. The work load at all four of them sucked but only one had a toxic environment and I got out of there as fast as possible. You’re too smart, talented and you have your CPA. Go ahead and start looking somewhere else. You shouldn’t have to put up with any abuse/intimidation.

REG - 74, Retook 6/10/16, scored a 72 (Hate this exam)
BEC - 69, 79, 8/1/15
AUD - 83, 4/4/15
FAR - 77, 2/27/16

[Anonymous]

Thanks for everyones replies. I really appreciate all of your responses and suggestions.

I agree that my work environment is very unhealthy – mostly due to this individual and how this individual treats people. I was practically humiliated when I first started – it was really embarrassing and demorallizong.

Now, this person tries to occasionally put on the nice person show, but I know the true colors behind the mask. I just need to get my confidence back and start looking elsewhere in the San Diego area. There are a lot of opportunities here, but being bullied can affect your self worth and confidence. I hate to play the “poor me card” because the real world can be brutal at times. But that doesn’t mean a superior should be able to bully you and just walk on everyone like a doormat.

Goodluck to everyone who is studying for these challenging exams! Make sacrifices and you will eventually pass!!

[Adam]

Most suck..but it gets better when you are more valuable..I've been at 4 places in 2 years and went from 45k starting to 70k current at small firms..the new firm I work 4 days in the summer and get 2-3 weeks vacation..I'm in the Chicago Area.My next move will be in two years for 90-100k hopefully..

I've been lied to by attorneys, been put under (at two places) non degree accountants that were paid $10-15 an hour and were in charge of my work..when they didn't understand debits and credits..frustrating explaining to someone a cab ride is not an auto expense..Or Cash accounts cant be over drafted 200k on every client since they do not understand bank recs..and then they change your work back to the way they did it since that's hows it always been done..

My advice would be to stick it out until November/December and look from something better with more pay..surely you can get $55k in Cali..like I said in two years I went from 45k to 70k in a market that pays less then cali..For salary always ask for more then you think you can get..because most of them are going to come 10% or more below your number asked for.

Also earn as much about tax code as you can in your spare time..I read and research every week on new things..Small firms don't pay you more for having a license or experience..THEY PAY YOU FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM MAKE MONEY..which usually goes hand and hand with the other stuff.

[Author]

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