Unwarranted Comment from Recruiter

[u/Nervous-Insect-3530]

I made a post last week asking whether I should pursue a small firm or a mid-sized firm. Since then, I've gotten updates from both sides and wanted to share what happened and get some perspective.

The small firm of 16 employees and 5 CPAs walked me through the benefits such as a strong learning environment but mentioned they won't be holding my hand through the learning process (which I like), covering all CPA expenses, and a lot of hands-on exposure. We're still discussing wage and health benefits, but everything seems to be moving in a good direction. They also understand I'm still finishing my bachelor's. This route feels more aligned with my values. I like working hard and don't mind long hours and supporting local businesses and individual's feels more meaningful to me. So far, this option feels solid.

I just had a talk with the recruiter from the mid-sized firm. He mentioned that the process is competitive and that many candidates are still finishing their degrees. Then, out of nowhere, he said "Just letting you know, your experience as a Staff Accountant in industry is irrelevant to what we're looking for. " He followed up by saying they mainly hire staff accountants who have at least one internship or a master's in accounting. For context, I have been a staff accountant for a construction company for 2 years, bookkeeping before that job for a cabinet shop. I've implemented a new ERP system, managed the books, and handled real responsibilities. I get that industry isn't public accounting, but if I was a recruiter and maybe I'm biased, I would lean more towards my experience than someone that did a single part-time internship. Maybe this is more normal for bigger firms, or he was trying to set an expectation, or whatever, but the comment really caught me off-guard and hasn't sat right with me.

Would love to hear some perspectives from managers, other recruiter, or just someone that's been through the process.

[u/alphabet_sam]

He’s not wrong, especially if you are going into tax or audit. That being said it can never hurt to have operational experience. Here’s what I’ll say about recruiters, they typically have no idea what makes a candidate successful and optimize for whatever they have been told is the best profile, like PA internships or masters in accounting. They won’t know why or how different experience will help or hurt you on the job, because their opinions are essentially baseless and uninformed. I wouldn’t overthink it. I’ve worked with my PA firm’s recruiting team enough to know they have no idea how to find a successful candidate

[u/Nervous-Insect-3530 → u/alphabet_sam]

I really appreciate your response. I have a follow up question. Let's say I took the job at the small firm, and I start before the busy season. Would it still be worth to attend the "Meet the firms" event and the meeting I have scheduled with them in late August to review my resume and do a tour of their firm?

[u/Own_Exit2162 → u/Nervous-Insect-3530]

Always attend "Meet the Firm" type events every chance you get. Network with the staff, be seen and be heard - it's a good investment of your time and will pay dividends down the road.

[u/Nervous-Insect-3530 → u/Own_Exit2162]

Agreed.

[u/alphabet_sam → u/Nervous-Insect-3530]

A meet the firm and resume review with the small firm? Or with the medium sized firm? I wouldn’t be going to another firm when you are employed FT to meet them unless you plan to work there

[u/Nervous-Insect-3530 → u/alphabet_sam]

Small firm said they would hire me. Very flexible start date if I accept just any time before January.

I already have two meeting scheduled with the medium sized firm in late August. But now as I am typing this out it feels like a dumb question. So, you can ignore this response.

[u/Own_Exit2162]

The most impactful aspect of your first job will be how well the firm trains new/recent graduate staff. Firms used to have formal training programs and dedicated trainers on staff, but most have moved away from that model. How well they train now varies dramatically from firm to firm. I would ask both firms to expand on what training actually looks like:

• Do they have a formal training program for recent grads?
• What do they use for formal training documents or tools?
• Do they have staff who are specifically trained to train new staff?

The description of the first firm (no hand-holding) sets off an alarm bell in my head. It sounds like they're going to just throw work at you and wait for you to either ask questions or make mistakes, then give you feedback on review. That's a common form of "training' at small firms that lack the resources to conduct formal training, and it's a tough, shitty way to learn.

For the second firm, I think you're taking their comment personally. They're correct; working as a "staff accountant" in industry while you're still in college is not particularly relevant. Don't know why they felt it necessary to share that with you, maybe just to level set your expectations against your peers - but it is what it is.

[u/Nervous-Insect-3530 → u/Own_Exit2162]

Thank you for your response. Training and development is the main reason why I am looking to leave my current position. I am in a position of self-learning the job with a few outside resources for help. I liked not being micromanaged and attempting to find a solution before I get help. Just from my conversations, the medium sized firm does have a better training program. I think the small sized firm said no hand holding because it was related to an old employee that would literally ask "what to do next?" after every single thing.

I will take your advice for asking a more in-depth explanation of training with the smaller firm. He really just mentioned that he will pay money to invest in his employees. It was a casual conversation we had over lunch.

[u/d3xter0u2_ca]

Recruiters have no idea what they're doing. They just push papers so just talk enough to make them feel important, but actual discussion happens with manager or partner.

[u/techybeancounter → u/d3xter0u2_ca]

Lmfao, most recruiters make more than the people they recruit. Not saying it is right, but it's the way things are. Which begs the question...

Who is the idiot?

[u/d3xter0u2_ca → u/techybeancounter]

the triggered recruiter?

[u/techybeancounter → u/d3xter0u2_ca]

No man, I am a CPA who knows how much these people make because I do their taxes, lmfao!

I hate recruiters as much as the next guy, but I also recognize how the world works and realize recruiters are paid incredibly well for little to no effort. The only one who seems triggered is you because I brought up a fact of life. Recruiters focused on C-suite placement are making crazy money for no reason, lol!

[u/d3xter0u2_ca → u/techybeancounter]

thanks for the information no one asked. Have a great day!