Would you take this "promotion?"

[NewJersey]

Here's a little background:

I graduated in May 06 and started at a Big 4 Accounting firm in August '06, doing external auditing (I know..people hate us! )

I was approached today by my senior (2 levels up from me) who is in the process of restaffing another client (a large client but would not tell me the name yet) and wanted to schedule me to it. I would be an acting senior; so it's not a promotion technically but it would put me on the fast track to an early promotion instead of the usual 3 years until a person makes senior. I already work long hours but as an acting senior, I would have much more responsibility. I am meeting with her next week to find out more details (the client, in particular) so I'm eager to hear about that.

I don't know what to do; I don't enjoy what I do, but I'm putting in my few years time in public accounting to get experience and head off to the private industry. Being an acting senior, would essentially guarantee a promotion next year when the review process comes up, and I would get a bigger raise this review process. I'm just worried about the additional workload, stress, and time committment especially since I hate my job already.

I'm going to talk it over with my bf, my parents, and my coach but was wondering the input from the DIS. Thanks!

ETA: I guess another concern of mine is if I'm ready...I'm 6 months into my job, and this role is usually for people with the firm 18 months - 3 years. I have asked seniors on other clients I'm on, and they all tell me they think I am.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I would weigh the possible extra workload/stress against it being able to get you where you want to go faster. I would choose to hurry up and get it over with. Good luck.

 

[Hedy]

Wow! I'd weigh the pros (yay! early promotion) vs. cons (boo! extra work). Is it something you could discuss with someone in your field?

 

[salmoneous]

Often in big-corporate-America, when they ask you if you are interested in something like that, they aren't actually asking. They are politely telling. Make sure to know which it is...

 

[Hercules10]

ETA: I guess another concern of mine is if I'm ready...I'm 6 months into my job, and this role is usually for people with the firm 18 months - 3 years. I have asked seniors on other clients I'm on, and they all tell me they think I am.

I would have the same doubts. You should know if you're ready or not and if you stumble here your promotion could be delayed. Even worse you could be made the scape-goat if a ENRON scenario develops.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[NewJersey]

Wow! I'd weigh the pros (yay! early promotion) vs. cons (boo! extra work). Is it something you could discuss with someone in your field?

Yeah, I asked my senior on the client I'm currently on and he is telling me to go for it and he thinks I can totally handle it. I'm going to get a beer with my coach tomorrow night and talk to him to get his insight.

 

[NewJersey]

Often in big-corporate-America, when they ask you if you are interested in something like that, they aren't actually asking. They are politely telling. Make sure to know which it is...

Good point and the same thing crossed my mind. I think she was genuinely asking and I think if I turn it down, I have a valid point of the fact that I think I would be better off developing my skills as an associate before taking the leap 6 months into a job.

 

[Crankyshank]

I would definitely be concerned about the workload and the affects on your relationships and your health.
Definitely talk to your co-workers and your boss and see what the position will entail and what the realities of the position is. You know how things look one way on paper and the reality is a whole different story

Don't let your newness to the company scare you. It's definitely a good thing that your boss thinks you are capable of handling the new position. Would it cause friction with your peers if you were promoted ahead of them? Might be something else to put on your consideration list.

Either way, Congrats

 

[Ava83]

Often in big-corporate-America, when they ask you if you are interested in something like that, they aren't actually asking. They are politely telling. Make sure to know which it is...

This is a true statement...you may hurt yourself in the process by turning it down...I was told to look into doing this internal certification (expert in the field kinda stuff) Translation it means do it this year (I am working on it as we speak) When you get fast tracked it is an opportunity and if you leave the job after your next review you have that on your resume.

Good luck with your decision...it does sound like a great opportunity (I always tend to link that word with more work )

FYI...I work for a huge company so I know how about this kinda stuff...it sounds like you are shining...which can be difficult to do in a larger company.

 

[Saphire]

I think the best time to work hard and crazy is when you are young and single. Also, the best time to get your education and additional degrees are before you are settled and have a family. I say if everything else is lining up...go for it!

 

[TCPluto]

I don't enjoy what I do, ......

You've posted very recently how much you hate your job.

I'd bolt now...

 

[Fitswimmer]

I would definitely be concerned about the workload and the affects on your relationships and your health.
Definitely talk to your co-workers and your boss and see what the position will entail and what the realities of the position is. You know how things look one way on paper and the reality is a whole different story

Don't let your newness to the company scare you. It's definitely a good thing that your boss thinks you are capable of handling the new position. Would it cause friction with your peers if you were promoted ahead of them? Might be something else to put on your consideration list.

Either way, Congrats

I agree with this perspective. Find out as much as you can about what will be expected of you in the new job-if there's anyone you can talk to that has already done that level work and moved on they might be a good resource.

I also think that you should take it as a positive thing that your boss is looking at you for a promotion.

You have talked about how much you dislike what you're doing now, maybe this opportunity is coming at a good time for you.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Well, Tim, hmmmmm....

I agree with those that say it could hurt you turn it down. I also view it as the faster you move up, the faster you can move out to something you enjoy more.

I think you are pretty smart guy , change is scary, but if others think you are ready, then maybe you really are. We are always our worst critics.

Good luck in weighing all the pros and cons. Let us know when you know more!

 

[mom2boys]

Often in big-corporate-America, when they ask you if you are interested in something like that, they aren't actually asking. They are politely telling. Make sure to know which it is...

Exactly. I would also be concerned that declining the position would be a "death sentence".

 

[DISUNC]

Here's a little background:

I graduated in May 06 and started at a Big 4 Accounting firm in August '06, doing external auditing (I know..people hate us! )

I was approached today by my senior (2 levels up from me) who is in the process of restaffing another client (a large client but would not tell me the name yet) and wanted to schedule me to it. I would be an acting senior; so it's not a promotion technically but it would put me on the fast track to an early promotion instead of the usual 3 years until a person makes senior. I already work long hours but as an acting senior, I would have much more responsibility. I am meeting with her next week to find out more details (the client, in particular) so I'm eager to hear about that.

I don't know what to do; I don't enjoy what I do, but I'm putting in my few years time in public accounting to get experience and head off to the private industry. Being an acting senior, would essentially guarantee a promotion next year when the review process comes up, and I would get a bigger raise this review process. I'm just worried about the additional workload, stress, and time committment especially since I hate my job already.

I'm going to talk it over with my bf, my parents, and my coach but was wondering the input from the DIS. Thanks!

ETA: I guess another concern of mine is if I'm ready...I'm 6 months into my job, and this role is usually for people with the firm 18 months - 3 years. I have asked seniors on other clients I'm on, and they all tell me they think I am.

Or is it the fear of LESS TIME TO DIS?????????????

GO FOR IT! Why wouldnt you??????

 

[reeeoga]

Jump!!!!! .

They WANT YOU IN THE JOB!!

TAKE IT!!!!!





If you think you want it, that is.

 

[Princess89]

If you don't enjoy what you do...then why would you want extra work? Only you could answer that. Also, if your senior thinks that you are qualified and able to tackle the job, then I'm sure you are. It would reflect your senior if you failed at this job. I'm sure you are more than ready, and sometimes you have to jump with both feet in, BUT keep your head above the water, always looking out for yourself at the same time. Have some confidence in yourself, and with a clear head think this over. Once you commit give it your all! Best of luck to you!

 

[U2_rocks!]

I'm assuming that after you leave auditing you'd be going out into "industry", right? You'll get hired into a much more senior level there if you've had supervisory experience at the audit firm. Being an acting senior on a job, which will fasttrack you towards becoming a real senior, will get you promoted much more quickly and out of there!

BTW, when will you become "qualified"? Will a quicker promotion get you your relevant work experience for your CPA quicker, or will you still be playing catch-up once you have passed the CPA (or have you written it already? I'm not sure how it works in the U.S., or in your State - I'm Canadian qualified).

Things to consider.

 

[NewJersey]

Thank you all for the insight, I appreciate it!

I definitely agree with those who say it might hurt me if I turn this down, because if next year or in 6 months, I want this (and feel more ready) I would have lost out on the opportunity and word might have gotten around that I turned it down.

I also agree that we are our biggest critics, and one of my biggest faults is my lack of self-confidence. I know that based on performance appraisals I have gotten already, and informal feedback from seniors and managers, they think I am doing a great job..I just have a hard time translating that to what I think.

I found out before I left work that on another one of my clients, the partner recommended I be the acting senior for the 2007 Fiscal year audit.

I'm going to hold off deciding anything until I hear more about the client (besides that it's a broker dealer with a public entity - I audit financial services companies) and get some feedback from family/Steve/coach; but it seems as though this is something I should do.

Thank you again.

 

[NewJersey]

I'm assuming that after you leave auditing you'd be going out into "industry", right? You'll get hired into a much more senior level there if you've had supervisory experience at the audit firm. Being an acting senior on a job, which will fasttrack you towards becoming a real senior, will get you promoted much more quickly and out of there!

BTW, when will you become "qualified"? Will a quicker promotion get you your relevant work experience for your CPA quicker, or will you still be playing catch-up once you have passed the CPA (or have you written it already? I'm not sure how it works in the U.S., or in your State - I'm Canadian qualified).

Things to consider.

I have 2 parts passed out of the 4 (Financial, Business) and I planned on taking Regulation and Audit already, but with the way my schedule is, I haven't had time. I plan on taking the other two parts this summer.

From my internships and my work so far, I have 1 year audit experience and I need another year to get the required work experience to become a CPA.