[IwannabeaCPA2017]

I’m not sure why my post isn’t showing up..So I apologize if this ends up being a duplicate. Here is my original post.

I have been getting one common feedback from my supervisor is that I should ask and understand more about why I am doing something vs just completing the return/workpaper (I am in tax). The thing is I do ask questions whenever I’m lost or confused and Ive tried my best to review my work and all.. but almost all the time I get a bunch of notes that I have to make changes on and I expect this as a somewhat new staff (1.5 year in and still learning). There are times where I just don’t understand at all and not sure what to ask.. how did you guys deal with this? I just don’t want my partner to think I’m not making improvement come annual review time. I have received feedback from 3 separate individuals and that is one common issue I’m having (understanding why we do something).. sorry for being repetitive, just trying to provide more details so I can get some advice from yall. Thanks

Note: for some easier returns I understand and get good feedbacks on but those don’t get a formal feedback report.. at my firm we only get a formal feedback in writing if we spend more than 15 hours on a return. Thus far all my feedbacks aren’t that great compared to some people I started with. I just don’t wanna look like an idiot everytime when I prepare a return.

I guess my point is, for those that experienced this when they first started their career what kind of questions should or did you ask when you just don’t know how/what to ask? I’m not sure if that makes sense but hope I’m not the only one that feels this way.. I guess this is one reason why I keep doubting myself

BEC- PASS (Expiring in DEC 2017)

REG- PASS (Expiring Feb 2018)

AUD- PASS (Expiring Oct 2018)

FAR- 65, 60, 59, 77!!! -GOD BLESS

If I can do it, anyone can do it!

 

[livealittle]

I will answer you from the opposite perspective.

I have been in accounting about 15 years. I have been in a supervisory role for the last 12. When ever I explain something to new staff, I always explain why. For example, I oversee the preparation of the quarterly payroll tax returns. My firm does a “Proof” of the client provided data before preparing the return. I can't tell you how many times I've seen staff adjust the proof so the numbers will “tie” and not understand why their work is not correct.

I've spent many hours preparing training material and holding “workshops” where we all prepare returns together to try to communicate the concepts of why this is right and that is not even though both sets of work “reconcile”.

I don't prepare individual or corporate tax returns so I'm not sure what parts of “why” aren't clicking for you.

When you get review notes do they explain why it should be different?

Our job as accountants and tax preparers is to provide our clients with accurate and timely information, work products (returns, financials, etc), and advice. Part of that is to minimize the client's tax bills while keeping them in compliance with tax laws. If there are multiple ways to do something, 1 is often preferred over the others. it seems like you should focus on understanding why 1 way is better than the others.

hope this helps.

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[Author]

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