Started in public accounting (audit) in January. I’ve been told by coworkers that it’s ok to “not know everything” and “to make mistakes” when you’re starting off but at the same time, I don’t want to push the envelope. My past few engagements have been frustrating because I’m new and my past team members are too overwhelmed to teach. I have also been making mistakes. My fear is suddenly getting laid off because of a scathing performance review (which hasn’t happened yet). Any advice?

likesmart
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It's not only okay, you're expected to make mistakes at your level. How are you supposed to learn? You're fine. As you have said yourself, everyone is okay with you making mistakes and nothing has happened to indicate anything of the sort that you'll be fired. Nobody fires a first year, that would be dumb and a waste of time on their part. They're aware they have to train you up and have taken on the cost of doing so.

Instead you should change your perspective, I personally enjoy being told I made a mistake because that is THE opportunity to learn something and grow my skills and knowledge. NOTHING better than it. Just keep pushing those above you to teach you. It's their job. Do you think they should be paid not to do their job? No. It's not your responsibility that they're too busy, YOUR job is to learn and make sure those around you are teaching you (even if it shouldn't be like that and it kinda sucks). Don't feel bad, just keep asking and keep learning.

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K1 - by the time we starting doing everything writing everything was very straightforward and direct. I didn’t want there to be any confusion over what i was asking or where I thought they were falling short. At first, really any time I give feedback, it’s much more indirect to spare feelings (no one likes to be an ass, and 99% of us don’t like confrontation) but the longer it went the more direct I got.

As a senior, it is really frustrating to hear that the people above you aren’t taking the time to teach you. I am very busy in my role but I always make sure to take the time to teach staff… especially if they are anxious to learn and reach out to me. I’m sorry that you had that experience.

I definitely expect staff to make mistakes and it’s the seniors job to correct those and teach you! Keep going and reaching out to the seniors to help you learn!

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It’s great to hear this from a senior and appreciate your understanding. So far, I’m trying to make the most out of my situations, like watching the training videos and looking at prior year financial statements. However, depending on the assignment, trying to teach myself can be rather time-consuming (not great either). I’m glad my firm has “tutoring hours” on Fridays so I can go over things I need clarity on.

I’ve been fortunate to have some awesome seniors and managers. However, I’ve had other ones who were just, you know, really overwhelmed. I say this because it’s tax season and I’m not taking the stress personally.

Everybody makes mistakes and it is expected. The best learning experiences come from making a mistake. My advice is to make sure you are taking the lesson from the mistake and being sure to show growth & development by not continually making the same mistake. If you are concerned about your performance or feel that you are not getting enough teaching experience, reach out to your next direct line & let them know that you would like more feedback or more one on one. You have to be verbal in what you need to succeed in this business/career. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know. Good luck!

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I really appreciate the advice I’m receiving on this post! For someone who hasn’t worked in public accounting before, I find it insightful.

uplifting

People only get annoyed if you repeat the same mistakes that have been pointed out to you.

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