[ala72]

Hey everyone,

I’m not pregnant currently though it will happen eventually. My question is for CPA moms out there (or dads that know what I’m talking about – don’t want to be sexist).

My firm has 5 people, so we aren’t subject to FMLA regulations. We also don’t have the required 6 people that the state requires in order to require maternity leave.

In typical accountant fashion, I wanted to try to plan ahead. Therefore, I wanted to ask how some of you have breached the subject with your employers about maternity leave, short term disability, paid or unpaid, how much time off, coming back part time, etc.

We don’t have an HR department that I can contact, nor do we have a company handbook. It’s simply just talking with the owner and discussing things. But 1) I don’t want to stress him out unnecessarily, 2) I don’t want him to look at me and think I’m just a ticking time bomb 3) I don’t want him to think of me as a lost investment.

I adore my boss and I want to do this the best way possible. Advice and phrasings would be appreciated.

Thanks

Licensed NH CPA as of July 2015

AUD - 74 (Oct '13), 84 (Jan '14)
FAR - 79 (Feb '14)
REG - 61 (May '13), 81 (Aug '14)
BEC - 79 (Nov '14)

[MassiveDynamic]

Hi – I recommend NOT saying anything to your boss until you are in the second trimester. Unless they're idiots, they know on some level that statistically speaking, people are more likely than not to start families. Just be awesome at your job and use that as leverage to secure a good leave when the time comes.

Unless, that is, you've seen your boss be a shit about other folks' leave for any other reason (long vaca, illness, etc.). Then that's a red flag you should split for a better (bigger) place before you are pregnant.

B 85 Aug 2015
A 81 Jan 2015
R 78 May 2015
F 76 Jul 2015
DONE!!

[Missy]

I think you're correct to find out before a pregnancy whether you'll have a leave or not. The LAST thing you need halfway through a pregnancy is the stress of finding out your employer will not guarantee your job for you while you spend time with a newborn.

It all depends on the relationship you have with your boss. Good relationship I'd just honestly say you see a family in your future and want to know the effect it will have on your position there. If he is not receoptive, time to start looking now. He may just ease your concerns.

Re disability you should have access to the plan you've got if you've got one. Thats part of the policy and not discretionary.

re Part time, I'd be surprised in such a small firm if they'd consider it but they may be exceptionally family oriented.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

You say you adore your boss. That usually only happens when the feeling is mutual. Being a small firm, I imagine he relies on you quite a bit. He may be willing to do whatever it takes not to lose you.

I think you need to decide what would be ideal for you and then see how close he will come to that. Basic ST Disability policies usually pay six weeks. Would that be enough? Would you use PTO/vacation pay to extend your leave beyond what STD covers? Or, would you work from home in order to be out longer? When you return do you want to do so at FT or PT?

Just be clear that you want to do whatever you can to cause as little disruption to his business as possible, which is why you are asking well in advance. Also, assure him that you will do whatever you can (within your power) to not be out during busy season.

And remember, if you don't already have ST Disability coverage, get your policy in place well before you plan to start trying to get pregnant. Most plans want you to be enrolled at least 1-3 months before getting pregnant or they won't honor a claim when you deliver.

[ala72]

Thanks everyone!

Licensed NH CPA as of July 2015

AUD - 74 (Oct '13), 84 (Jan '14)
FAR - 79 (Feb '14)
REG - 61 (May '13), 81 (Aug '14)
BEC - 79 (Nov '14)

[ocarina]

It's devastating this is even an issue in a first world country.

FAR - 78
AUD - 82
REG - 79
BEC - 78

Study Materials: Becker Self Study, NINJA Notes, NINJA MCQ for review
Started March 2015 and finished December 2015 all on first attempt. Licensed CPA Jan 2016.

IT Auditor/CyberSec Consultant in Public Accounting
Future goals: Learn IT Network infrastructure, obtain CISA & CISSP

[ala72]

Europe definitely has the US beat in this category unfortunately

Licensed NH CPA as of July 2015

AUD - 74 (Oct '13), 84 (Jan '14)
FAR - 79 (Feb '14)
REG - 61 (May '13), 81 (Aug '14)
BEC - 79 (Nov '14)

[ala72]

Update:

I shouldn't have worried. My boss is awesome and offered me all sorts of work arrangements for whenever I need/want them. He said he'd “bend over backwards” to make sure that I was happy and doing what I felt I needed to. I feel so much better about the future knowing that I have this support at work.

Licensed NH CPA as of July 2015

AUD - 74 (Oct '13), 84 (Jan '14)
FAR - 79 (Feb '14)
REG - 61 (May '13), 81 (Aug '14)
BEC - 79 (Nov '14)

[Author]

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