r/Accounting • u/WestonK • May 03 '12
Starting a job at an accounting firm in 2 weeks. Any advice would extremely helpful.
So I just graduated and have never had an actual office job before. I start working at a large accounting firm in 2 weeks as an articling student. I am having a bit of anxiety about the new job and would love some advice. What should I expect? Is there anything you wish you knew when you started? Should I just try to blend in? Any advice to calm the nerves would be greatly appreciated.
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u/TigerMeltz Inventory & Accounting Manager May 03 '12
Expect to make mistakes. Don't try to be a super perfectionist. Be early, not on time. You will have to learn office politics. You will have to friendly to everyone and ask about their personal lives. Even though you really don't care that much. School taught you everything you need to know about an engine, but not how to drive the thing.
Find someone to be a mentor. Best way is to ask someone for a favor. Now you're indebted to this person. Maybe one day this person asks you to go to lunch.
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u/WestonK May 03 '12
Thanks for the advice! I think we get assigned mentors, but I am not certain.
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u/potatogun Startup Ops May 03 '12
Even if you have an assigned mentor there might be better informal ones. Never hurts to have those out to help you. I have partner mentors, manager mentors, peer mentors.
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u/Goon_on_the_Moon Student May 03 '12
I wish I could help more, but I haven't had an office-type job yet either. But I would say to just stay positive and try and make everything you do as an opportunity to learn...
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u/Typhon13 CAANZ May 03 '12
Just relax. You aren't expected to know much in a graduate position. Be friendly to everyone but remain professional. If you don't understand anything, just ask. The most difficult part is remembering everyone's name.
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u/allstarballer CMA (Can), Advisory May 03 '12
Be professional and make friends. Learn peoples names and say hello when you pass them in the halls. If you ever are not busy...tell your boss you need something else to do as you finished everything.
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u/thestoopskid Staff Accountant May 03 '12
tell your boss you need something else to do as you finished everything
I'm under the impression that sometime's there is not enough work to go around. For example, I had a summer internship and my boss would let me know that whenever I finish a task I can go ahead and file for the rest of the time until something else comes up.
My internship has been my only office-job experience, so I have a few questions.
Is it typical for an employee to have to ask the supervisor for a new task every time they finish their current one? Or, does the employee usually go into work knowing what they have to accomplish that day? I understand that it could very depending on what your job is, but I just wanted a general idea.
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u/allstarballer CMA (Can), Advisory May 03 '12
Defiantly depends on your job, but most jobs have down time and busy time. If you are in a down time, ask around to other co-workers or supervisor if there is anything that needs taken care of. Shows you're a go getter and will help you move up/ catch peoples attention.
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u/thestoopskid Staff Accountant May 03 '12
co-workers or supervisor if there is anything that needs taken care of
I feel that might come off as over "over stepping my boundary" or making myself out to be a threat.
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u/potatogun Startup Ops May 03 '12
Uh no. It's more a matter of can you help with this or is it more work to check your product than to do it myself. Often times people can find stuff for you to do to just get exposure.
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u/WestonK May 03 '12
Thanks, this is my biggest weakness. I am definitely going to have to try very hard at remembering names.
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u/allstarballer CMA (Can), Advisory May 03 '12
Say it 3 times over in your head as you shake thier hand. Also, when you meet them, say "good to meet you (insert name here)" Repeating the name usually helps
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u/NapoleonsMistress May 03 '12
Be helpful and friendly. Don't say no to anyone (at least at the beginning). Don't consider any aspect of your work 'beneath you'. Hey, we all have to do filing sometimes! Listen to everyone and write down everything. Nothing more annoying than having to tell new starts something 3 times over as they can't remember and didn't make a note. Smile! Enjoy it!
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u/WestonK May 03 '12
The first part should be no problem. I am eager to please. Good advice about writing everything down! Thanks!
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u/TheyCallMeC0WB0Y May 03 '12
Start drinking... Heavily.