[SGShiver]

Okay this has been bugging me for a few weeks now while interning at the firm. I don’t want to mess up or offend someone by not using the proper name. For example, (using Roger Phillip’s name to keep anonymity) when you address a partner or manager in charge what do you typically call them. Mr. Roger? Mr. Phillip? or just Roger? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

FAR- 53, next time 5/5/16
B: 7/30/16
A:TBD
R:TBD

[Son]

I've been working in public accounting for a few years now and have never heard anyone address either their superiors or clients Mr/Ms, either in a conversation or an email. You just call everyone by their first name. Further, if someone uses a short version of his name in an email signature that's how I continue to address him in the future (for instance, if Robert ends his email with “Thanks, Rob” I would start my next email with “Hello Rob”).

The culture might be different at your firm though, so I would see what people one level above you do (i.e., full-time staffs and seniors). In any case, I can't see you being fired if you call someone by their first name for as long as your tone conveys respect.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[tmacpa]

i work at a small firm and all of the partners are decades older than me. I guess maybe I havent heard other people address the partners in front of me much but Im pretty sure everyone uses first names.

It makes sense to me, we are coworkers. Using anything but first names would be kind of strange.

AUD - 78
BEC - 79
FAR - 78
REG - 90

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[EuroAddict]

Always start initial convo with Mr or Mrs. 9 times out of 10 they will come back with “just call me…”.

I've never had anyone want me to call them “Mr” or “Mrs” Smith.

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REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[Skynet]

I would say “Your Majesty,”or “Your Highness”.

AUD - 90
BEC - 78
FAR - 84
REG - 87

World Domination Plan

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BEC : 78
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FAR : 84
AUD : 90

World Domination Plan

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Phase V : TBA

[EuroAddict]

lol – “Oh hello future subordinate”.

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BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[Mehow]

I signed my Big 4 offer back in October and even the partner that interviewed me, I called by his first name. However, I held an internship before that at a wealth management firm and I was just a junior when I started. I would call my boss Mr. eventually he told me, my name is Jim, you can call me Jim. I personally don't think Mr. is fully required, you're an adult and you're working with the partner.

To be safe, just call them Mr/Mrs until they tell you to call them by their name.

FAR = 86 4/22/16
BEC = 80 6/01/16
REG = 07/26/16
AUD = ?

[Tawpeak]

I think it depends on your age and the age of the person you're addressing. At my firm, I call three of the partners by their given name. They are in their 40's and have kids my age. The other two partners are addressed with “Mr.”, as they are in their late 60's (or older). You also have to think about the person's culture or ethnicity. For example, addressing a Japanese partner/manager by their first name can be considered very rude.

Done.
AUD 95
FAR 86
BEC 82
REG 84

[Mehow]

I agree with Tawpeak. I called the president of my previous firm by his first name. But really, you can't go wrong with Mr./Mrs., they will correct you eventually.

FAR = 86 4/22/16
BEC = 80 6/01/16
REG = 07/26/16
AUD = ?

[SGShiver]

Thanks everyone! The suggestions were very helpful.

FAR- 53, next time 5/5/16
B: 7/30/16
A:TBD
R:TBD

[Anonymous]

Comrade

[Author]

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