[mystical guy]

I got a job offer from one company, and the contract is pending a background check which I know I’ll pass.

On the other end, a company I really want to work for (more money, better culture, better fit), has taken it’s time in their interview process, but I have my final interview, over the phone, on Monday. They know that I have an offer from another company and I’m guessing that’s why they’re moving a bit faster (aside from efforts by an insider).

If I start the job at the company I have an offer with, will quitting in a few days be something to put a dent on my record? (being listed as not eligible for rehire or something?). Additionally, any suggestions on how to get the company interviewing me now speed things up?

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Anonymous]

What is your start date for Company #1?

[mystical guy]

@CPA means Cant Pass Again, the offer letter says September 22nd or as soon as the background check clears. That means they could tell me I'm ready to start next week, and I would have to say I want to start on 22nd.

Hopefully that won't be a red flag to them.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[hvansaders]

Have you told this other company you are still interviewing with that you have an offer and they have asked you to start on the 22nd or earlier? That may push them along. Monday is only the 8th though so they could make you an offer the next day if this is the final interview, which would give you plenty of time to give the other company notice that you have accepted another offer.

I personally would not go work for them for a week and then quit. I feel like that is bad karma. Try to make a decision either way before that happens. I know you don't want to lose a job either but its definitely a sticky situation. Hopefully it works itself out beforehand so you don't have to be put in a bad spot.

[I Believe You Have My Stapler]

I would advise against accepting and then reneging on an offer or quitting shortly after. All it does is burn bridges and show Company #1 that you are untrustworthy, and people remember that. You never know who else they may know in our wide world of networking. It is perfectly acceptable to let Company #1 know that you are also interviewing with other companies and want to fully consider your options. If they really want you, they should understand (or even try to sweeten their offer). But again, don't accept an offer only to bail later. Not only will you hurt your professional reputation for integrity, but you could be taking away someone else's job opportunity.

AUD- 97! (May 2014)
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FAR- May 2015

[mystical guy]

@hvansaders, I've told the company giving me a final interview that I do have a competing offer already. Usually, they really drag their feet but they're appearing to move faster with me, I'm just worried it's not fast enough (they waived one interview for me, and I don't have to fly to their corporate office. Saved a lot of time).

@I Believe You Have My Stapler, I'm very concerned, especially because the company that has given me an offer has treated me very well. If I tell them I'm entertaining other companies, they could easily pull the rug from under my feet. I know that the background check being done should be over any time soon. I'll be happy at the big company and the damage will be done I feel. I'm just looking for some mitigating strategies.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Myredstapler]

I believe I do have your stapler…..

[mystical guy]

@Myredstapler

hilarious lol. What's this obsession with office supplies?

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[TheDeedtheGlory]

Just be transparent with both companies. Assuming they are accounting firms they know there are a lot of other companies trying to swoop people up. I got my job offer the day after my interview because I told them about a couple pending offers. If they like you and they were planning on giving you an offer then being honest and telling them is probably a good bet. Don't feel bad about telling the firm that gave you an offer that you are waiting to hear back from other companies. I think it shows that you are not just “jumping in” to what ever offer comes your way. They want a person that picks what is right for them, that will benefit both parties. If anything just ask how long you have to accept the offer and then make the decision when you are ready.

[Mr. Dim]

@mystical guy

Office Space….this is the obsession…

FAR - 95
AUD - 98
REG - 92
BEC - 10/4/14

[How many letters do you need]

Start dates are among the many things that are negotiable. Especially if the other company is moving quick, push your start date a week or so. Still doesn't mean they won't hate you, but you definitely don't want to start and leave.

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Mr. Dim]

But on a serious note, I faced a similar moral dilemma not too long ago. While it's obviously best not to put ourselves in these positions (I know, I've been there), it seems the best mitigating strategy is to hope Employer B hires you before your start date with Employer A, and immediately rescind the offer with A. It may tarnish your reputation with the employer, but IMHO, this is preferable to declining an offer from Employer B if that is where you really want to be.

…now back to these TPS reports….

FAR - 95
AUD - 98
REG - 92
BEC - 10/4/14

[mystical guy]

@Mr. Dim, Office Space was hilarious. I've had bosses like that and it wasn't funny then lol. I was telling my sister about my situation and said that either way I'm “effed” but if I get the job I really want, I'm less effed up.

I'm considering, also, what @How many letters do you need, suggested which is asking for one additional week if push comes to shove.

@TheDeedtheGlory, I'm dealing with non-Accounting corporations and your suggestion is very very tough – being honest with the offering company.

All in all, I agree that if the company I'll interview with are serious, they will give me an offer quickly. If they delay for weeks when they realize my dilemma, I might have to withdraw my candidacy, and lose the money, but retain my reputation.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[How many letters do you need]

Conversely you can stall a few days before accepting the offer at all. I was in an identical situation a few years back. One company moved quickly and had an offer out, the other one had to fly me out for a final round of interviews. After stalling for as long as I could I accepted the first offer and interviewed in person for the second one a couple days later. The second one knew I had a written offer from the first…lined up 6 interviews in one day (including lunch) and had a written offer and package to review on the flight home. I ended up backing out of the first. …took the second and in hindsight the first would have been a much better spot for me than the second. Although I'm now incredibly qualified (much more so than the first time) I've tried to apply for a few positions with the first company…..they won't even give me a sniff…and its been 7 years.

Bottom line you have to make the best call you can at the time. Odds are if they are making your final interview over the phone you have a VERY good shot of getting an offer letter within 24 hours after….

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[fuzyfro89]

It's no secret. You know the answer.

Yes, if you leave a company within a month they will be very annoyed.

Then the only real question is if that bridge is worth keeping in order to work at Comoany A. It's a cost of doing business. The question is, is the benefit > cost?

[mystical guy]

@How many letters do you need

It's comforting to hear many like you have been in a similar “predicament”, if you will. It's a double-edged sword. I'll stall my start date but I'll definitely be pushing the company I'll interview with for a quick decision.

The other comforting idea is that the company I'll have to reject, I most likely will not apply for work with them again. Mostly because they're very small.

To add to that:

@fuzyfro89

the benefits definitely outweigh the costs. I hate to say this, but if bridges are burned, I can swim, but I want to treat others the way I want to be treated.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Author]

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