[KMathew340]

I have been working at a small CPA firm now for about 2 ½ years now. Our audit team is comprised of an audit manager and two staff; one of the staff is myself. For about a year now every time I make a mistake or ask the audit manager a question or pretty much do anything it feels like, he sits there ridiculing me with the other staff member right in front of me through texting.

At first I just let it go and didn’t think too much into it but it’s been going on for about a year now and I’m starting to lose my patience. I’m considering to either start looking for another job or talking to the audit director to see if I can switch teams. I don’t have a personal problem with him but I can’t say the same for sure vice versa. I had my performance review with him last week and he just said I needed to improve in some minor things but nothing major.

Has anyone else had a similar experience and/or have any advice or suggestions on how I should deal with this?

[Topsya]

Hoe certain are you that they are talking about you?

AUD - 90
FAR - 83
BEC - 81
REG - 80
ETHICS - 100

[KMathew340]

At first I wasn't sure but as time went on it became obvious. They both have big cases on their phones so when it goes off you can hear it quite clearly and when they are both looking at you laughing it becomes quite apparent that they are talking about you.

[Topsya]

Well, this is really ridiculous.

I would try talking to them first….. Maybe they will get ashamed of themselves if you mention something…??

AUD - 90
FAR - 83
BEC - 81
REG - 80
ETHICS - 100

[Gatorgirl1231]

I had an audit manager that would scream at you and make you cry.

No one wanted to work with her or for her.

I finally gave up and left and it was the best thing I could have ever done.

Florida Candidate

AUD: 77
REG: 86
FAR: TBD
BEC: 79 (Expired)

[impska]

I'd call them on it. Say something like, “Guys, I'm sitting right here. You could at least let me in on the joke.”

“Seriously, you're giving me a complex over here, what's so funny?”

If it doesn't help the situation, then ask to switch teams (maybe ask to switch teams anyway). If your director pries into a reason, instead of saying “EVERYBODY LAUGHS AT ME!!” go with “They are clearly good friends and I just don't feel that I'm fitting in with them.”

REG - 94
BEC - 92
FAR - 92
AUD - 99

[Anonymous]

Just fart in the war room every time you think they are texting about you. I'm taking about a real heater.

Negative reinforcement- it even works with dogs. They'll catch on sooner or later.

[KMathew340]

@Topsya & impska, thanks for your advice maybe calling them out in a professional manner will work

@Gatorgirl1231, I'm considering leaving but I'm a bit hesitant only because I've finally gotten somewhat of a strong grasp of the firm's procedures and what not and don't want to start that whole process again of learning a new firm's procedures and such

@billbrasskey, HAHAHA, if talking to them doesn't work maybe this actually will

[Anonymous]

I def recommend talking first.

Sometimes its best to ask the 500 lb elephant in the room why its there.

Farting is a “just put my two weeks in” last resort.

[Skynet]

Honestly, I think it may be better to just look for another job and leave. If they everyone is doing this to you including the manager, they don't respect you. If you continue to stay, things may either get worse or even escalated.

I remember when I was working in retail a few months ago. There were Favortisim, Cliques, Factions, lots of Politics, and lots of Gossiping and Rumors. A lot of people and especially good managers and supervisors who left was due to the fact of all this crap that was going on.

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

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - In Progress
Phase III : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase IV : Form the new Charlie's Angels with Megan Fox, Scarlett Johansson, & Gal Gadot
Phase V : TBD

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

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - Initiated
Phase III : Bring back 8-Tracks
Phase IV : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase V : TBA

[fuzyfro89]

I don't know the full story, but my impression is that of a toxic cliquey/good ‘ole boys club/gossipy/not good place.

“I'm a bit hesitant only because I've finally gotten somewhat of a strong grasp of the firm's procedures and what not and don't want to start that whole process again of learning a new firm's procedures and such”

Sorry, this is a stupid comment (*gentle face slap?*). You're telling me you would rather put up with a manager you didn't trust and have a good professional relationship with because you are comfortable? Please PLEASE don't stick around at a job because of that. You are worth more than that.

I don't know your career goals, and how this current firm may (or may not) help you achieve that, but I assume that there's nothing special about your current company. If that is the case, then ditch them.

[ahugemistake]

My advice to you is that don't punish yourself like this. I work in an office where if I move too much and my chair squeaks a certain way I get an email requesting to stop making so much noise. It's suffocating. I have been here a year, and on top of the stress of learning new stuff, I have an ultra sensitive manager who can't bare listening to the slightest sound.

I am getting out after my review, which I know won't be flying colors, and I would suggest the same to you.

FAR: 78*, 75
REG: 76*, 85
BEC: 79*, 76
AUD: 79*, 93

All scores expired, let's try this again.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[thechapman]

It sounds like a few people work at different offices of Kindergarten CPAs, LLC. Pretty insane. I don't think I could handle a few of the examples.

Passed - 2014

[stoleway]

Accounting, one of the oldest profession swamped with a lot of egocentric and people with pull him down syndrome.

Time to search for a new job, its unfortunate that you find yourself in this situation.

REG -63│ 84!!
BEC- 59│70│ 71 │78!
AUD- 75!
FAR- 87!

Mass-CPA

[mystical guy]

2.5 years is a pretty long time, in my opinion. Tough it out or another 1/2 year then start looking. In the meantime, build relationships with recruiters in other companies, especially bigger companies where you'd be just a number, not someone to be laughed at under a microscope.

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

[RachelP]

I'd start looking now. Prime hiring time, everyone is looking. Put your start date right at your 3 year mark or a little before for resume's sake, and move on. In the meantime, like others are saying – I'd call them on it & just start asking what's so funny every time. Make them either make it more private, or escalate it. Once it's escalated, others will start noticing. If they are actual bullies, then they will go away once confronted. If they are just dicks (sorry, don't know how else to put it), then they are just the way they are & you are moving on anyway.

"Don't worry, beeeeee happy!"

Unhappy with job, long distance boyfriend, not much studying:
FAR- 66 [08/28/12] AUD- 61 [10/04/12] REG- 59 [11/28/12] BEC- 63 [01/11/13]
Year off (from exams): Got new job, got married, moved, etc
✓ AUD- 79!!! 01/10/14 FIRST PASS!! WOOOO!!!
✓ REG- 73 02/27/14, 81 10/27/14
✓ FAR- 83 5/16/14
✓ BEC- 80 7/24/14
✓ Education ✓ Experience
Ethics Exam

[Author]

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