[superhenderson13]

So I have been around these boards for a while and I have a question to ask that isnt related to the exam. I figured because we are all accountants (or trying to be), that this would be an ideal place to ask this.

So I work at a regional firm where we deal with very few public clients and ones that we do, I am not assigned to.

I am also a financial markets guy where I invest in companies. It is one of the reasons why I didnt go Big 4. A friend of mine writes for a financial blog where writers will write about stocks that they see potential in and other topics related to investing.

He asked me to join and write for the site. It is a real site, not one of those underground/shady sites. However, I was concerned that this could be a grey area given my profession despite not working with public companies. Is this something that would be frowned upon? If it would be okay, is this something I’d have to disclose with my employer? I dont want to make a big deal about it so if you think this wouldnt be right and/or if i’d have to talk to my employer, i likely wouldn’t pursue it. I was just curious if anyone had thoughts/past experiences on the matter.

REG: 74/76
FAR: 75
AUD: Early April 2016
REG: Late April/Early May 2016.

[Missy]

I'd check with my employer if I were you. You can get 100 responses here that say it's ok but the only opinion that counts is the one who signs your paycheck, and if that's the only opinion that goes against the grain, it is what it is. Especially if your name will appear in the by line you don't want your employer to wonder why you never mentioned it. I can't see why they'd have a problem with it, fwiw.

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

[ohiostategirlcpa]

I would be careful if you work in auditing. Companies you audit may have an investment portfolio that includes the very stocks you might write about. Keep in mind independence need be not only in practice but also in appearance.

Nothing wrong with CPAs being investment analysts and advisors, but that is incompatible with being an auditor.

F91 A95 R90 B94
CMA since 2015
(Gleim books/PDFs, MCQs, SIMS)

[Author]

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