Busy Season Help/Advice – Is this normal?!

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  • #191985
    Liz
    Participant

    So, I’m pretty new to the Big 4, about 5 months in now and Busy Season is in full swing. I was assigned my areas a few weeks ago and it’s A LOT of work for one person, I don’t have a senior, everything is direct to a senior manager, which is fine as I am somewhat familiar with some of what I am testing. Anyway, they changed the way we do some of our procedures and it was just assumed I would catch on, but a lot of things slipped through the cracks (too much miscommunication, not clear answers, lots of back and forth), so basically I got a little behind and as we’re coming down to the wire, they keep re-allocating some items. And while I am grateful for the help, I feel like I’m being looked down on for not being able to complete everything on time. I’m not trying to take it personally, but I don’t want this to affect me negatively. Not sure how upper management views this. Also, I just feel like everyone’s frustrated with me because I’m not as fast or quick with all of these new things.

    Can anyone give me advice or shed some light? Am I in the doghouse with the team?

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  • #646507
    TNCPA16
    Participant

    Welcome to public accounting 🙂 I'm assuming you are working on some public clients that are filing their 10-Ks soon…so keep in mind that everyone on your team is super stressed right now. Don't take things too personally. Do your best to get your work done and make sure to keep communicating with your senior manager. The last thing s/he wants to have is any surprises (i.e. work not finished, unknown exceptions, etc.) before filing. I promise you that the audit will get done – amazingly, no matter how much work there seems to be, files always get finished and opinions always get issued.

    Try to stay positive – a good attitude, even when you are stressed, will go a long way! I know someone who is in the same boat – this is her first busy season, she has a senior (but she's worthless) so she really only has a senior manager, and the engagement is very challenging….but she goes into work every day full of energy, ready to do her best and always has a positive attitude. Has she missed things and dropped the ball? Absolutely, every first year will. But all I ever hear from people about her is her great attitude. It's easier said than done, but keep your head up and try to finish strong!

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