Need a job advice for an accounting job

[Lili 3]

Hi everyone,

I am in the dark about a promotion. If anybody has any advices and/or opinions, it would be great.

I am 23 years old and an accountant. I graduated last year and have been working with this company directly under the controller.

Well, the controller had enough of the politics (i don't blame her) and quit.

This place offered me her job. Career wise, this is a great opportunity that i can't turn down.

But i don't think i can do it. I want to try and give it my best but not at the expense of the company's success.

Keep it mind that even though the GM told me that they will give me all the help and support that i need, it has been known in the past that it isn't true. He said he will give me free reign and i can hire whomever i want to get into my spot.

There is a lot of stuff that i have no idea how to do it and will have to learn it on the fly.

An opportunity like that is golden at my age. It won't happen again till a decade or two down the road.

Everybody in the company think i will do great and are excited to deal with me. But maybe i am taking more than i can handle.

I will talk to my boss today and ask her for her honest opinion.

Maybe someone has an opinion too?

Also!!! My current work visa is about to expire and i am waiting for the new one to get approved (knock on wood). If it doesn't go through in time, i will have to resign.

Thank you!!!

[carpe diem 2]

Ok I'm not an accountant but here are some thoughts anyway.

I understand this is an incredibly responsible position and that the consequences of failure can be huge. However, clearly people like you and are impressed with your work and from your posts on the forum my impression is that you're very smart and your English is excellent. If you have serious doubts you could suggest that you fill this position on an interim basis, say for six months, so that you could always go back to your current position or move on to a new position. Also if there are any other accountants in senior roles I would talk to them and make sure they are willing to make themselves available anytime you have questions about accounting-- or if that is not a possibility maybe you could establish a line with an accountant outside of the company (not sure whether that would be a feasible option but if it is I would think about it).

Also don't forget that the US is called the land of opportunities for a reason-- don't be too afraid to jump on something great that comes along. Also -- and please don't take this personally -- as you probably know, the type of "modesty" that is the norm in much of Europe may be mistaken for lack of self confidence here so if deep down you do feel that you can do it, don't act like you have doubts just because you think that is expected.

In any case, congrats on the offer. Best of luck!

[wowswift 3]

Take it. Many people have to learn on the fly. Plus learning makes your job more interesting. That is way too good of an opportunity to turn down. They obviously think you're qualified for the job, give it a chance.

[Lili 3]

Thank you everyone. I talked to my boss (the controller who is leaving) and she definitely think i should take it, and thinks i am way capable of doing it.

She will make sure that the GM is aware that i will not be able to fully take her workload for a while.

This will be interesting. I just need my EAD to get approved. If not, this will become a moot point very quickly.

Thanks again. It is nice of you.

Edited April 18, 2008 by Lili

[carpe diem 2]

Yay, way to go girl! I'm very excited for you. And something tells me the EAD approval will come along in time (in any case don't panic if a solution must be found for one or two weeks).

[Lili 3]

Thanks, Carpe Diem.

My current work visa is expiring on May 15th so I would have to put my two weeks notice on May 1rst. I am cutting short. :-s

I shall stay positive in the meantime!!

[Jigi 0]

hi,

Do what your heart says.

Jigi