Is it just me or has the talent level dipped? Maybe it's just bad luck with the ones assigned to my jobs, but it sure seems like our interview process needs to be streamlined a little. I'm a believer in the one-month grace period for new hires, but not when it comes to common sense. I probably have to extend it to three months, but the training diapers need to come off before busy season. Around the firm, i've heard things ranging from good to lukewarm, which is expected initially. We're not expecting any associates to audit equity, but some of the blank stares I get when i ask them for items that you don't really need to go to college for are surprising. Don't get me wrong, they're still scared to death in this environment, which is a good thing for the team. For those in public accounting, what's your take on the new hires?
Blogged about my life in the Big 4 and now about life in Private Accounting
Comments
My guess is that a lot of kids that join your company have never worked a day in their lives. Probably all products from fancy colleges that the Big4 like and mommy and daddy paid for. These kids are in shock and lack all basic (life) skills. Basically, you are the new mommy and have to help your kiddos with the most basic tasks. I don't envy you.
Not all of us are incompetent.
Annon- There is a big difference between a probation period in government and at an audit firm. When was the last time that you worked til midnight during your probation period? In auditing not taking a single day off means you work til 10pm Saturday and Sunday too, not like in government where working hard means 8 to 5 everyday with two 15 (most likely 20) minute coffee breaks during the day.
My government job is not challenging or stressful (if not counting boredom) but that is the whole point of working there. The 8 hours a day pay the same as public but I go home at 4:30 and don't worry about the economy. I earn my real living after 4:30 and that is why I got the government gig. It is just a matter of simple math. Public is not worth it since I would be a cube slave until I turn 65. Because I am not working 14 hours a day for the boss, I can make real money for myself. I will retire early in a few years from now when I am 45 tops.
Seriously, what is the attraction working for free for the boss until 10 pm during the weekend?
Anon (who started with "Jesus you people are harsh") - I don't think this post is directed at you and your circumstances... You are on the job 2 weeks not 3 months... get over yourself (yes that's harsh)
Managers and seniors gotta understand that auditing is never taught in school and should explain the actual procedures to us.
They get the mostly-useless group training, then are thrown into things, and their education and training is at the mercy of whatever random senior(s) they end up with. You may have a great senior who takes time to explain everything. Or you may get someone who refuses to answer questions and doesn't care about anything except getting the file done, whether you learn or now.
Check out my blog posts on this subject, including the latest one, where one interviewee asked us why we were doing an IT SOX project...
Search for the word "interview" on my blog or click the Employement category.