I was hesitant about taking a job with a remote bookkeeping company because of disaster stories CPAs have told me with unqualified bookkeepers and other tales.

Anonymous

May 24,2022 at 8:42PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I was hesitant about taking a job with a remote bookkeeping company because of disaster stories CPAs have told me with unqualified bookkeepers and other tales. I was approached by one at the end of last year and thought they sounded reputable and my job driving long-distance needed to end. I feel like I made the wrong choice. New company still starting up, no checks and balances, no oversight, owner doesn't know the product they're selling and trusts bookkeepers to do everything. Knowledge is limited with some, others are leading the pack and they make mistakes but no one corrects them. I can see these companies are basically out of control in an unregulated market and will eventually cause bookkeepers to become licensed. I'm in favor of that, but for the time being there are few jobs that pay well in my location. I'm concerned with reputation and the quality of work. Plus, head bookkeeper makes changes in others work without informing them. Can't figure that one out...yet. Not sure what to do, except start looking for a new job. Just venting really.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

8 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

8 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:12PM UTC
Oof. That sounds like a tough situation. I don't have any advice, but good luck. I hope your current job settles down & figures it out, or a better opportunity comes along quickly.
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:30PM UTC
I would start looking if people are making changes without any controls in place.
In the meanwhile, I would start document a process(es) you have first hand knowledge of and note where controls are needed to pass audits and meet SOX compliance or even just to tighten it up for creditability sake. I would try to have a meeting with someone higher up to talk about Audit controls and show the work you have documented and created and see if you can't create something out of your current position.
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:39PM UTC
Tough situation. Know your professional standards and protect yourself. No job is worth your license. If you want, password protect your work. If asked, you can say protection is your routine.
No job is worth your sanity. Decide for yourself what you can't tolerate.
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:57PM UTC
My experience is that this will likely end poorly and that's rough and disappointing. As stated here it's not worth the money to be in this type of situation. Highly recommend looking for a new job. I was in somewhat similar position years ago, could see that company was so off kilter but it was all about revenue and I stayed because I needed the paycheck. It came crashing down and I landed okay but in hindsight wished I had already been looking for another job. Wishing you the best!
Colleen MolloyJune 1,2022 at 5:19PM UTC
Agreed with the comments here--it's a difficult spot and the best remedy is to find a new job. We all know that can be exhausting, but at least we're still in an excellent market for it. Best of luck!
Becky JacobyJune 1,2022 at 7:47PM UTC
When you have a doubt, there is no doubt it is time to explore other opportunities.
Break a leg!
Diane CohenJune 2,2022 at 11:23AM UTC
New Job!! In the meantime, you're still earning money. Take care of you!
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJune 2,2022 at 12:46PM UTC
Start up companies can be exiting and frustrating at the same time. There's a ton of potential, but also room for mistakes and "what now"?
Many moons ago, in between jobs, I took a temp position with a small start-up company. The work wasn't steady, but it was a host of fun. Fortunately for me, everyone knew what was going on and what everyone needed to do.
As others have posted, you need to take care of yourself most of all. If that means finding another job - go for it.
Either way, I wish you nothing but the best!