I don’t think I’m doing well as a first year associate. I take longer on engagements and I sense that I’m not up to par based off review points/other associates. I don’t think Public Accounting is for me. Where do I go next? And when?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

If you care enough to ask on this forum, you are doing okay. No one honestly expects anything of a first year, particularly during this climate. I’d say what you are feeling sounds 100% normal.

like

This has been abnormally tough for first years. Unless you are working a menial job you will have a lot of growing pains.

like

Following this cause I’m in the same boat.

Another group or another firm. May not be the right fit. It's tough times also. May just have to ride it out.

I think it’s not uncommon to feel this way. Would you want to do something else bc you don’t like the work or bc you feel like you aren’t comparing? If it’s just the latter I’d say keep at it and talk to seniors on how to improve. People appreciate working with positive ppl who are trying to learn and improve

This is normal tbh. I felt this definitely as a first year associate working at a small firm. When I transferred to a B4 firm after my first year as an experienced associate, I was still considered “on par” and got promoted to senior. You’re not expected to know anything as a first year associate - so I wouldn’t dwell on it too much & consider a career change already. That is unless you absolutely despise PA & you think it’s effecting your health / mental state.

I felt like this my first year or so. It takes a while to figure things out. This year is incredibly hard one to start. Talk to some seniors and managers in your group and don’t compare yourself to others at your level. They are each on their own path with their own experiences.

Yea, just control what you can control. Try not to repeat the same mistakes. Try to SALY as best as you can. If you’re spending a lot of time and also getting a lot of review comments, try “raising your hand” earlier with each project. It will get easier. It just depends on if you’re willing to see it out.

Related Posts

I just screamed at my dad and walked out of our home.

This morning I was trying to get feedback from him on a business idea and his response was: Maybe you should focus on your career since you didn’t get a job in finance and had to settle for consulting, and you work at Deloitte... it’s a sweatshop. They didn’t even give you a fast track promotion did they?

This is a regular thing and it’s the fucking weekend. I could use a break.

like

Is it worth it to pay for your own certification ?

like

Anyone here moved from EY to Accenture? Curious to know how was the shift, pros and cons for each company, any regrets? Waiting for an offer from Accenture but very conflicted on whether I should leave EY. Been there all my career and going to be a big jump.

like

Which country is better for job growth - Germany or Netherlands?

like

Which would you rather? Internal at MBB or client-facing at Big 4/ACN?

like

Transitioning from line of business familiarity (understanding financial statements) to... real(?) Finance (bonds and cap markets and other debt sales) any advice on books or resources to learn really from step 0?

like

Hi! How do one get from admin assistant role into an executive assistant role? Thank you for all your responses!

likeuplifting

Have any ADs out there jumped frlm an advertising agency to a more production-focused role? I’d love to do film/TV/music videos but not sure where to start because the idea of freelancing terrifies me

like

I come from a pure healthcare background and have minimal finance skills/experience. Want to eventually get in healthcare investing in a MM PE fund.

Is there anyway that I can start to make moves on this, while at my Big 4? Who are the best types of folks to reach out to at my Big 4?

Anything I should get smart on? Websites, podcasts, books to read?

like

Guys , I am fresher working in SAP RAR from last 1.5 year .
I should switch in same or should change technology to data or developement .

Please SAP folks guide me.

Heloo fishes, Which SAP module have better future opportunity- SAP FICA or SAP BRIM?

like

What are the different grade levels / titles in Deloitte india?

like

Hi sales engineers, I’m currently a cloud security engineer with a cybersecurity background. I am pretty recent graduate and am passionate about sales engineering but have struggled to get my foot in the door in this field. Seems like every job out there is like 5+ years experience. Any advice for how to get in this field with little experience?

I did it! I got an in-house Paralegal position after years of working and being burned out at different law firms. I was going to leave the legal field all together because I was so burned out and depressed, but I decided to give the field one more chance if I was able to go in-house. Prayerfully, this transition will be a good one.

like

EY TARAS or EY GCR??? Between these 2 service lines which has better pay and opportunities??

like

I want to get middle school cert (for ELA) My degree is K-8. My current cert. & EdTPA is K-5. What's the quickest & easiest path to middle school certification?! (I'm in TN, specifically Sumner Co.)

like

Is anyone here an analytics engineer? If so what do you do, and what are the main differences between your job and a data engineer?

like

Opinions of the Google certificate for project management with a specialization in sustainability?

like

Hi all. I’m looking into potentially transitioning to PE with a background in Finance Transformation consulting @KPMG of 4yrs. Do I stand a chance? Any advice on how to best approach this would be super helpful, thanks.

like

Planning to take the CIPP and CIPM. Will be doing self-study. What is the “book” everyone refers to for studying? Is it just the “study guide” the IAPP sells? Does anyone know if the study guides and sample questions you can buy on amazon are sufficient to use for passing? Appreciate any and all advice.

like

More Posts

“Can you show me an example of great teamwork?”
Me:

Post Photo
likeupliftinghelpful

Any input or advice on taking the SQE exam in the UK to become a UK qualified solicitor? How much to study or any recommended prep courses? How similar is it to the NY bar? Considering taking the July exam so any and all advice is very welcome!

like

My breakfast consisted of one giant spoonful of Nutella.

like

McKinsey & Company Strategy& people are getting a $4500 special recognition bonus on top of the annual bonus!🤑

How are y’all firms doing?

Boston Consulting Group McKinsey & Company Kearney Oliver Wyman Roland Berger

like

Hey fishies! I’m looking to take a leap into the remote world. I am a Sr. Graphic designer and art director in Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦. I’m looking to take on more of an art director and creative director role, remotely. I can attach my website and a portfolio if anyone can help out. I have been designing professionally now for just over 15 years now. I work very quickly and very well with other team members. I also take on freelance work. I’m married with 2 kids so the more work the better.

like

I recently was let go (in lieu of accepting my two weeks) and I should have received my March expense check by the end of April per the employment agreement (submitted the report April 1, let go before mid April). I have emailed HR but haven't heard anything. I've got a feeling someone at the top is putting a hold on it.

How do I get my money from them? It's a few hundred dollars

Sorry if this isn't the right bowl for this question - I've checked a few.

like

How do you find in-house positions?

like

If you spend the day writing stuff on linked in, how do you get shit done at work?

likefunny

Got On track (O) rating for JPMC year end review, can someone help me understand what can be the expected hike and bonus if any?
Is this a good or a bad rating?
Joined JPMC in April 2022

like

What novels do you use in your ELA classrooms? I am curious to see what everyone else is using !

like

Sink or swim. I applied for a position as a “STEM Coach” that I don’t qualify for via university degree, but do qualify for on experience and self initiative. Got nothing to lose:).

like

Is Toronto as boring and quiet as this bowl ?

funnylike

I have got an offer from kyndryl on Openshift Container Administrator role.
Yoe : 11
Offered : 25.35 + 2 joining bonus
Band : 7B

Can somebody guide me if the offer is acceptable or there is chance of negotiation?

Post Photo
like

During my interview process I clearly stated my salary expectations of 95k-105k. They came back with an offer at 80k. Is it even possible for us to come closer to a better agreement with them being so low? All other aspects of the job are in line with what I'm looking for, so I really want to make this work.

like

Why is it that as soon as a male creative director is hard on you someone have to say “remember he’s a dad too”

like

Hi all
I have a kind favor to ask of you, my dad who has 25+ years experience in finance is looking for better opportunities in UAE , requesting your help to kindly assist if you or anyone in your circle are aware of any opportunity. If there is anything please let me know and I will DM you .
Appreciate your help and su

like

Everyone working in SEO: what do you do day to day? I am looking at moving SEO in-house instead of the company we have now, but I don’t know where to start. Tips?

like

Would you recommend Sedona during Christmas or San Diego during Christmas with a 1.5 year old? Entertainment, safety, meaningful experience-focused.

Sedona will be much colder, possibly snowing/icy and will be hiking, hot tub, enjoying the scenery focused. San Diego will be beach, enjoying scenery focused. Both Airbnb options look beautiful. Will also have 60 year old grandparents joining

like

I’m a new associate to a T&E group, partner goes away on vacation and leaves me with a 706 to review and sign. The family is very wealthy. Decedent married for 60 years. Partner says it’s “just a DSUE election, decedent was ill for years, no assets.” Provides no records. Not even an admission the decedent owned a toothbrush. So I looked up the decedent’s home - it’s a joint asset. Partner was “surprised”, and still insists “no other assets”. I found file references to art and antiques.

like

Additional Posts in Tax Bowl

Small Firm Question:
Working PA for the first time this year. Doing a lot of returns right now.

History of my firm: small (7 employees, two interns), was a single CPA show for 20 years. Cont.

Anyone looking for new opportunities with middle market firms after the 9/15 or 10/15 deadline? Message me if you are interested in BDO. Most tax positions are still fully remote or flexible. Busy season you average around 55 to 60 hours, rarely goes over 65.

likefunnyhelpful

I know I'm in the minority here (and I swear this isn't a brag) but is anyone else less stressed this busy season working from home, and finding issues focusing because of it? My work is getting done, but just very very slowly. I'm able to sleep throughout the night and not wake up early (which is a huge negative right now) and literally feel no need to stay glued to my computer as in prior years. Am I broken?

like

I have more than 12 years of tax attorney experience at biglaw and big4. Are there any big4 positions that pay more than 200k? National Tax? Anything else?

like

First-year tax staff that started end of Q3, and just had my first year-end performance evaluation meeting. Still a blank slate in terms of tax experience, but I honestly do have a slight interest in international tax. Brought it up and I was given some names to find some work opportunities in that area. Besides SALT, any other specialized areas I should try to get some experience in? Also open to any tips and tricks to help tailor my workflow and experiences for the months to come.

like

If your an experienced staff or senior with hedge- fund experience and want to move to Dallas, DM me to discuss discretely. Honestly great team. Turnover has been low for last 18 months at 10%. Compared to 40-50% in other places. Crazy hours feb-apr, 40 apr-jul, 45 in Aug, maybe 50-60 that last week of aug/ early sept. <40 post 9/15. We have a need at the senior level to fill a gap. Seniors help is needed everywhere so if your interested, come cash in your chips!

like

Current market rate for federal tax S2 in NYC?

Went from a big firm to work for a smaller firm. The people in the smaller firm are protective of their work and are good by their work too. I no longer feel chaos or stress. I am treated with respect and my schedule is more normal. I am even working more billable hours than before, but it feels like a seamless experience. I don’t work then past 5pm or anything out of the ordinary for this time of the year. I am so grateful!

likeuplifting

Question about solo/self-employed 401ks: If I create a sole-member LLC for a side business and create a solo/self-employed 401k, am I only allowed to make contributions from the earnings earned via the LLC? Or am I allowed to contribute money earned from a different source (ie W-2 job).

like

I have so many deadlines lined up and need to work over 15 hours each day. I am already burned out and have no motivation to work. Part of me dares me to not work and face the consequences, at the end of the day its just a job. Is it normal to feel this way? I am just not able to find the motivation to work. Anyone who has felt this way, how did you get through such situations and lack of motivation?

likehelpful

Anyone else feeling like everything is on a one week delay? I’m barely getting through my days

like

Working for a senior who is beyond horrible. She talks to you like you’re stupid and makes it sound like you’re absolutely terrible at what you’re doing. She’s made 5 other associates cry during her 5 year career. Got someone fired and made another person quit. It’s known around the office that she can no longer have a female associate, because she talks down to females more than she does males. I came along and thought I could deal with it but she literally makes me want to not log on tomorrow.

like

Having thoughts about leaving Tax for a smaller Co that specializes in SALT credits and incentives... but could this limit me down the road experience wise if I decided to leave there? I have a diverse experience now, but I don’t want to be looked at as only SALT later.

like

Is this an aggressive position? Would you use final regulations effective for tax year beggining Dec 16, 2020 to support a deduction for calendar tax year 2020? Proposed regulations didn't include this exception. More details below.

Anyone in HNW 1040/trust/family office at Marcum? What’s culture like? Pros/cons?

like

Subject matter expert with my CPA. I’m completely fed up with the compliance aspect of public accounting Tax but don’t mind the technical side. Does it make sense to become an attorney to get out of compliance work and still do something related to specialty tax?
Or do I just go the college professor route? Wouldn’t mind working @ BNA or something like that either but I’m seriously fed up with everything about tax compliance and can’t keep doing this

like

In 2015 different governments in the US collected $5,175,829,952,000 to service 321,230,000 people. That’s over $16,000 per person. Anyone else find this shocking?

like

Anyone moved from big 4 to CohnReznick? Even worth it?

like

For a 2-year associate now tasked with senior-like roles such as reviewing and training, does anyone have advice on how to review individual hnw tax returns?

like

I miss BNA 🥺

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal