Do I have to give a 2 week notice?

Anonymous

May 9,2022 at 7:42PM UTC

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Do I have to give a 2 week notice? I work in the accounting profession, and work with a consultant that is current acting CFO at my current position. I have worked in the accounting for over 10 years. Recently, the CFO began giving instructions that seem inconsistent with accurate accounting procedures. This has been going on since the beginning of 2022. I tried to bring this to the attention of management, and was ignored and no one wanted to discuss what had occurred. In fact, I am pretty certain that management has started interviewing candidates to replace me. I also have begun to look for other employment. So if I find other employment, do I have to give a 2 week notice? I know if supposed to be a professional courtesy, but I live in an at will state. I could be terminated without reason, so why should I give notice? Thanks!

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AnonymousMay 9,2022 at 7:53PM UTC
Whatever you do, DOCUMENT all the things. If there are shady accounting practices happening, you want to cover your own butt, lest you find said butt under the wheels of a bus.
And yeah, get out. Up to you if you give notice, but CYA whatever you do.
Julie HumbirdMay 9,2022 at 8:03PM UTC
The short answer is "No". The long answers is "If you want any of these colleagues to be a professional reference, you might want to offer 2 weeks". This isn't to be confused with your employment being validated.
Employers are heavily limited on what they can give during an employment verification. Many orgs will only validate title/dates of employment and nothing more to avoid any conflicts or lawsuits. Large organizations use a 3rd party service so even if someone tried to be negative, it doesn't get passed on to the new employer.
On the other hand, a professional reference can be sent a much more detailed questionnaire about you and your work quality.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKMay 9,2022 at 8:55PM UTC
Unless there's something specific in your contract, no, you don't. It's a courtesy, and I recommend it, but generally speaking there's no law or anything prohibiting you from having your last day be tomorrow.
AnonymousMay 9,2022 at 9:28PM UTC
The most important question is did you secure the job yet already?
As soon as you receive a firm offer and start date, put in your 2 weeks notice. If they terminate you after you put in, that may cross the legal lines of retaliation. Look up laws in your state to see how that applies. Your #1 priority is securing the next job
Sabrina CortesMay 9,2022 at 9:30PM UTC
You don't want to burn bridges, so I'd say yes, it's best to give notice.
Shenelle S. LaPierreMay 9,2022 at 9:45PM UTC
It’s definitely a courtesy and not a requirement. Employers allow it in the event they hire someone and you’d be expected to train the new hire or transition the role internally. However, employers also have the option to let you go once notified of resignation. Could go either way but its best to have something lined up before doing so.
Lisa OGradyMay 9,2022 at 10:58PM UTC
I was wondering - Up until then did you like your job? You’ve had 10 years there -that’s kind of impressive and I think they’d value someone whose been there that long.
Also wondering how you presented your questioning of the instructions.
if you went at it angrily or in an unprofessional accusatory kind of way, maybe you upset someone. But you sound nice and I would think if you asked in a concerned fashion they should have discussed any changes with you and perhaps even gotten your input.
I also live in one of these “at will” states. Fun, huh?
Are there policies/procedures written down? If so, I think I’d be speaking to my HR Dept and expressing my concerns but I’d be as polite as possible. I mean you’re only protecting the company if you’ve
AnonymousMay 10,2022 at 6:25PM UTC
I have only been in this role for 9 months, at first, yes I did enjoy this job. But when I started to realize what the CFO was instructing me to do, I asked why. Then things got confrontational when he said it was my job to do as I was told to do. This consultant has worked with this company a long time, and no management has not spoken to me when I stated there was a problem. I decided just to give 2 weeks notice after securing other employment then sit back and let karma do the rest.
JJMay 9,2022 at 11:36PM UTC
If they are doing something illegal or unethical that you can document, then do the documentation and then you do not have to give two weeks (which is a curtesy that does not apply to illegal activities.) Later, if an employer mentions the short notice or the current employer gives you a negative reference you have documentation to back up your decision.
AnonymousMay 10,2022 at 12:53AM UTC
First, carefully review the company policy and follow it. I would give notice as soon as you have something else lined up. You can give 2 weeks notice in your letter but state in your letter that you will not participate in any activities that are unethical during that time. That’s usually a heads up to HR that something’s not right and they will likely walk you out the door ASAP.
AnonymousMay 10,2022 at 1:19PM UTC
Typically employers do not allow you to take vacation or PTO after you submit your resignation.
AnonymousMay 10,2022 at 11:30PM UTC
Two weeks always-You don't want to burn any bridges. Not saying you'd ever want to go back to the company but don't forget that PEOPLE people people are your network, not just organizations and you are your brand!