[jonm857]

Hello –

As the headline mentioned, the small firm I worked for decided to part ways with me today. They told me I wasn’t where I needed to be at this point in my career. I’m 28, single, no kids, and was a staff auditor. They didn’t promote me obviously because I didn’t pass the exam quickly enough, which basically led to today. They also said I was too far behind knowledge-wise, quote: “Not getting it”.

I tried to get a better explanation about the situation but they weren’t really open. I even asked my boss (Audit Partner) for advice about how I could rebound from this and she kinda shrugged me off saying that “You’re just not getting it. At this point in your career you should be supervising others at clients at a senior level”.

Okay, I completely agree with what she said. And to be honest, I guess it’s not a complete shock. But what I don’t get is that they knew I had until Oct 2016 to pass FAR and REG, and then I’d be done with the exam. I liked working there too. It was a good environment with a lot of smart people and I felt like I learned something every day.

There were some setbacks in my accounting career that probably led to the “lack of knowledge” issue. For instance, I joined the Army reserve right after I got out of college and that took me out of accounting for over a year with all the training (boot camp, OCS, etc.)

I’m looking for advice on how to rebound from this since the firm I busted my @ss for for over 2 years didn’t have much input. Obviously, finish the exam immediately. Anything else?

Thanks in advance,

Jon

B - 81
A - 87
R - 73
F - July 5th

[Missy]

Here's my .02. Don't focus for the next 72 hours or so on the why. It's too fresh and frankly painful. Get the resume beautiful, make a list of places to look for jobs from LinkedIn to recruiters. Then in a few days ask these same questions here again. The insight will be more helpful and you'll be in a better position to take it in.

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

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

Update your resume, be able to explain what you learned from the situation, but dont lead with that or talk to long about, network and make contacts. I've had a few not so happy endings at companies. What Ive learned is you can't be discouraged by a negative result.

Dont waste your time trying to figure out why your manager did not do more to help you to succeed. Find a new manager that has the desire to assist you in your journey.

Hope this helps

[Martin]

If you can afford to be unemploy for a few months, you should just concentrate on your last two parts.

Through God all things can happen!

“You never fail until you stop trying.”
― Albert Einstein
When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people;as I grow older, I admire kind people.
“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”

FAR= 72-84
Audit= 73-82
BEC= 74-75
Reg=77

[CPApracticer]

Don't have a big gap in unemployment or employers will be suspicious. Update resume, and interview with as many places as possible and get a new job. Look for jobs/interview from 9-5 and study for exams at night. Thats how you rebound

F: 54 (4/13) 60 (4/14) 67 (9/14) 66 (10/14) 63 (11/15) 79 (2/16) PASSED
A: 60 (5/13) 80 (4/16) PASSED
R: 60 (7/13) 61 (2/15) 70 (4/15) 77 (7/15) PASSED
B: (6/16)

[Anonymous]

I don't have any great advice, I just want to let you know that I am 34 and was just put into a position where I would be officially assigned to supervise other people…and I do not have a valid reason (e.g. army reserves) for my late blooming. With that said, I am not in public and, from what others have said, it sounds like there is less patience for this type of personality in public. That's ok. Not everyone has to (or wants to) work in public.

[Anonymous]

I've been laid off once before.. took some time to travel and study for the exam, and found a much better job after about a half year gap. All I can say is: everything happens for a reason, and you'll be ok 🙂

[jonm857]

Thanks all

B - 81
A - 87
R - 73
F - July 5th

[Andyred04]

Didn't read all the other posts but in my opinion you should use this lay off period to study your rear end off and use them laying you off as fuel. With the experience you gained there and the license you will be getting soon I'd send them a big ol' middle finger as you're on your way to their competitor's firm.

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[thedude]

What mla11692 said was good advice. Of course it is easier said than done but try not to focus on it for 72 hours while it is fresh. Also, I would update my resume and try to get some temp jobs while looking for full time employment elsewhere. It may help assess what you can improve on and gain new skills in the process. I know this is a mean statement, but we are employed as long as someone wants us if we are working for them.

Aud: 42 (ouch)

All others TBD

[Nessie]

First, Jonn, thank you for serving our country. Are you still in the reserves? Perhaps you could work part-time in the military for now and finish your exams? The way you will not have a gap in your employment.

Having military experience is very valuable and should help you to find your next job. Just wondering….Does the military hire accountants? Surely they must since there are JAGs, dentists, etc. Maybe look within the military.

Don't worry about it, go do some P.T., relax and just think, it it wasn't good fit, they are doing you a favor in the long run.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Anonymous]

The most benevolent way to look at it is it's just a bad fit. Letting someone go is a lose-lose for the firm and the employee, two years is a lot of training. Unfortunately, it's hard to give people honest feedback on why because of the fear of litigation.

LIke someone said above, look at the federal or state job websites.

[Misu243]

Here's my 2 cents. I kind of relate to you OP. I am 28 as well. When I was in a small firm (just individually owned CPA firm focusing on bookkeeping/income tax planning), I was at one point demoted. Definitely a devastating experience. By the way you are describing what you were told while being ejected, it seems to me that the individuals there are extremely unprofessional and insecure about themselves. It's also a sign that it really wasn't you actually. Seems like they were trying to justify removing you. Now here is my advice as you will start looking for a new job. Look for a government job! Just go on your state website for open jobs. People of your caliber are in HIGH demand. The key is to continue looking at the website everyday until you see an entry level accounting job. As soon as you see it you apply and provide all necessary documents. They will definitely call you once you meet all requirements. The interview will be easy as hell too! Once you are in there, there is absolutely no way of losing the job unless you commit a felony! Don't lose heart because I can tell you now by your description that you were not laid off from there because of your skills or the lack thereoff. They were just probably restructuring. But they will not last long if they continue insulting people while parting ways. That's the last thing you do! And good job with the Reserves service! Maybe you can look for a federal level govt job? Good luck man.

BEC: 66, 74, 80* (Expired), 73, 76*
FAR: 66, 72, 67, TBA
REG: 68, 72, 74, 70, 79*
AUD: 43, 71, 77* (Expired), 71, TBA

[Tncincy]

Because they gave you a reason doesn't mean it IS the reason. You know if you committed to the job, and did all you understood to do. There is no one that will work a job and not ask questions. What you've learned you can apply somewhere else. If employment is not an immediate need then study aggressively for the remaining parts of the exam. The fact that they weren't willing to work with you is kinda sad, but hey we all live and learn. So gear up and be ready for the next chapter. Passing the exam doesn't mean you'll get it either, what ever you didn't get…..you might still need an experienced accountant to take you under their wing and mentor or even train you so you can get it. Pass the exam and move on (emotionally).

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Missy]

I do want to give some insight into why you didn't get better information from anyone at your firm regarding why. The first thing is that we live in a sue happy country and if they gave you more specific details it's just groundwork for a legal battle even if they can back up every single detail. Too many people decide they were wronged and go straight to a lawyer. Few bad apples ruin it for those who want to use it as a learning experience. Second reason is the highest priority when letting someone go is getting them out the door asap with as little fanfare as possible. You just never know when a conversation might turn into a scene and become upsetting. I know it doesn't help today, I've been fired twice and it always goes exactly the same way. Don't take it as negative about you, wasn't the right fit where they had the ability or desire to help you achieve. They need people who arrive fully trained, you need an employer who will develop your career.

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

[tacctfin11]

Sorry to hear that. Keep your head up. You have all ready passed two of these sections. The good thing is that you have experience that can take you elsewhere. With military service plus the accounting you are golden.

FAR- 76 01/08/2016 exp 08/04/2017
AUD- 82 04/14/2016
BEC- May 28th

baby

REG- TBD

[Author]

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