Unhappy trainee accountant in contract

Lauren1505

Hi

I have nearly completed my 3 year training period and I passed my FAE's in 2014.

I don't think I have enough experience or have the acquired competencies necessary to be a chartered accountant.

I am the first and only ACA trainee in a small company and I am training in business. I initially thought training in business would be more advantageous than training in a practice.

Over my 3 years the majority of my time has been working in accounts payable, accounts receivable and some basic general ledger accounts such as prepayments, accruals,fixed assets and some once off projects.

I have spoken to my manager on several times about my lack of experience and shown him the competencies required as part of the CPD and diary.


He has promised me on several occasions more responsible and relevant work. He is constantly busy and changes the goal posts with regards to the work he has promised I can do.

I have completed ad-hoc projects/tasks over my training contract and he never reviewed or used my work and that work was just forgotten about.

For the past month I have had very little work to do and I am just sitting there with nothing to do. There has been many periods like this throughout my training contract but not as long as this.

Some my my monthly routine tasks that I use to do are now done by new staff that joined, as the company is expanding and new roles have been created.

I don't know what to do. I am a very hard worker and I feel very demotivated and that I am not given a fair chance to contribute to the company and reach my potential.

I know I will be disadvantaged when looking for a newly qualified accountant role as relevant experience will be more weighted than education.

Also as part of my diary of CPD, no mentor reviews have been done or diary entries locked. The diary is up to date on my part but he says he is too busy to do it and that when he does the reviews they will be short.

Will I be better off applying for trainee accountant/part qualified roles or staying where I am until my contract is complete and apply for newly qualified accountant positions?

Any advice welcome

prettyrestless

Firstly, congratulations on passing your FAE. I'm doing it for the first time this year and there's so much involved in it that I sometimes think my head will explode!

Secondly, I'm sorry that you're not happy in your current position. It does sound like your role has become quite limited and your manager doesn't seem to have much time to focus on your training. However, I would not get too hung on having every competency listed. I seriously doubt that any trainee accountant covers every single thing listed by chartered. I'm nearly 2.5 years through a 3.5 year training contract and I still feel like I have loads to learn. You're not expected to know everything when you qualify!

I really think you need to focus on finding a new job as soon as your contract is up. Don't sell yourself short by saying you are a trainee/part qualified. You have passed your exams and done your time and you deserve to call yourself qualified. It sounds to me that your current job and manager have lowered your confidence and I think getting out of there when you can will do you the world of good!

viztopia

You have passed you fae's so you obviously have potential. Wait till you time is up and then apply for a job somewhere else. Make sure all your records or returns are up to date as it will be harder to get these done after you leave. Dint be overly worried about what you have learned etc - the most I have ever learned was when I moved from one job to the other. Also - some qualified from the big four don't know the difference between a Dr and cr !

annaP79

hey
I am sorry to hear about your bad experience but you got your exams and that counts!
just start looking for something better and that's it, they obviously dnt deserve you so move on!
good luck !

Vancity

You will be fine but I know it's frustrating. Most important thing is to get the CPD diary completed and the entries locked. It will be really hard to get any of that done if you leave before it's final. So focus on that firstly and then you will be fully qualified so well done

Definitely don't advertise yourself as part qualified. You will be more than able for newly qualified roles. People train in a variety of places and then tend to find their niche when they move on from their training contract position. I trained in tax, did both accounting and tax exams and now work in a role involving bits of management reporting, forecasting, budgeting, transfer pricing, legal issues, investor relations and investment analysis.

Prettyblack

You need to get on to CAI straight away, get onto the training support unit and explain your situation. They'll be good at helping - at least, they'll make suggestions about what to do. I had a friend in a similar situation and they got some good advice. You can always move positions after your contract is up. My advice to anyone reading is don't go under a training contract in business, go the flexible way as then you can move after a short while if it isn't working out.

Lauren1505

Hi all,

thank you for your replies. It means a lot. I was really lost.

But, after a lot of thought, and trying to talk to my manager about my situation, I have decided to keep my head down and apply for jobs as soon as I am qualified.

Tried talking to my manager, only aggravates him, and never ends well.

Received advice from the institute just over a year ago, they could only advise as I wanted to keep it confidential.

Its best I just qualify and be able to move on with the qualification. Also depended on getting a reference from my manager for the next job.


Thank you all
Lauren.

chickenlicken2

Lauren1505 make sure you get your diary signed off. You could speak with the institute about concerns you might have about this. Pre empt and prepare instead of a rush right at the end.

Probably be no harm to visit a few recruiters. Explain your situation to them and see what they would suggest to do to upskill.

Look at cpd courses in areas where you are lacking experience or skills.

Keep your head down until the contract is finished, I presume you don't have long left? If you do the above now you'll be in a stronger position when you do apply for jobs.

Hope that helps!