[Lonely in Idaho]

Hi All,

So I am approaching end of my first year in public accounting, and although (I enjoyed) the work at the small sized firm- I feel it had been an unsuccessful.

I got more responsibility as the year went on, started with standard first year stuff (cash, AP fixed assets); and moved on to more challenging things (revenue,equity). Got overwhelmed -and screwed up the challenging areas-and let down everyone.

I feel like I’m being unfairly judged on my shortcomings; and I’m fearful that I’m being looked at by the managers​ as hit my ceiling.

Things I didn’t like was I didn’t see much tax work- I wanted the experience.

Question is do I have any future at the firm? Or should I be looking at the classifieds​?

[Anonymous]

Have you had a performance review yet? If not, ask for one. The feedback is not only valuable for knowing about your future at the firm, but on how you can improve in your career in general. Hopefully your relationship with your current manager is good. Also, get whatever you can in writing.

[Anonymous]

If they haven't fired you, then you must be doing your job adequately. But, public is not for everyone. I started my accounting career only a few years ago (i'm in my early 40s) so public was out of the questions for me – although I wouldn't have wanted to work there even if I was still in my 20s. It is a very powerhouse, competitive environment and unless you like that kind of environment, it's advisable to do your career in private. I've seen the B4 audit teams in previous jobs over the past few years and although I never had a lot to do with them, I saw what they did on a day to day basis and how much they grilled and fried my boss and many of my coworkers. The audit team was a big noisy bunch of fratboys and sorority girls haha! My desk was right next to the conference room where they went in and out all day long, OMG I was so sick of seeing them and they took forever to complete the audit! Anyway, best of luck to you, you'll do what's right for yourself.

[Author]

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