I’ve Got a Job!Now What?

Presented by the Albuquerque Chapter of CPAs

Stephanie Melton, CPAJason Deshayes, CPA

The First Hit of RealityYou’re making more money than you ever had beforeYou have more responsibility than you ever hadExpectations are higher than they have ever beenWhat used to be ok…not so much anymore

Your Personal Style Has No Place Here

In college – blue hair, shorts, flip-flops, piercings, bling and tattoos were totally acceptable and perhaps encouraged!

Your Personal Style Has No Place Here

What is good for the workplace?

Follow your employer’s dress code – if there isn’t one, err on the side of your bossesNatural hair colors = goodShoes – quality, not frayed, tastefulYou don’t have tospend a ton of money tolook nice

AttitudeWhere do you think you fit in the chain of command?

Attitude

You are here

You want to behere

Low Man on the Totem Pole

There is a chain of command in nearly any workplace you can find

Learn and respect itThere is nothing worse for an employer than a new employee who doesn’t think the rules apply to themEntitlement is not a virtueAs much as you won’t admit it, you are easily replaceable

So, what should I do?Offer 110%Take more responsibility, don’t just do your basic jobYou are no longer a 9-5 employeeWhen your supervisor asks you do something, accept with a smile and get something out of itLook at the job duties of the position above you and perform at that levelBy showing you want more responsibility, you will climb that totem pole before you know it!

What do I need to learn?Figure out your place in the organizationLearn more about the leadership team, as well as the business itselfWho are your competitors?How can you enhance the business?How can you enhance your coworkers?What can you do to make your bosses’ lives easier?How to prioritize your time – balancing of work, social and family lives

What your job REALLY is

While you may be a “staff”, you’re expected to do way moreDon’t just show up to the office and workBe involved outside of the office

Find a board that needs a treasurer or director Volunteer with something that you are passionate about

Take the job above you and perform at THAT levelFigure out how you can enhance your employer, not who your employer can enhance youSet and make a goal to pass the CPA exam (or other professional license exam)

Workplace EtiquetteYour cell phone/Blackberry/iPhone/DroidCPA Exam studyingWeb browsing – lean to less than moreOffice place chattingPersonal callsCube interior decorationPetsCube mates and neighbors

Workplace Relationships

You should get to know your coworkers, but you don’t have to be best friendsAt the same time, don’t assume everyone is your friend – your boss is your bossSocial events – good to encourage relationships, but isn’t a venue to get a little too wild and crazyRule #12 – don’t get involved with someone you work with

Workplace Communication

Not everyone communicates the same wayHow do your bosses like to communicate?How do your coworkers communicate?Your body language can say more than your wordsProfessionalism is keyCommunication isn’t just limited to what you say, but what you put in writing

Written Communication

Anything you put in an e-mail or another form of written communication is available for the whole worldThat magical “forward” or “reply to all” buttonThat spell check is there for a reasonThink before you sendAdd a subject lineThink before you send via e-mail

Bad news may be better via phone call

Boss and You – Not Seeing Eye to Eye

Arguing about things you’ve been asked to doNot taking notes, when you’re expected toPunctuality/Respect for other’s timeYou think this, they expect thatBeing a “clock watcher”Abusing technologyNot paying attention to detailAttendance at the office

You’re not going to get babysat, but you are held accountable for your time

Rules to Live ByA good handshakeEye contactRemembering names and details about a clientHair coloring/cologne/perfumePiercings/tattoosCalling in sick

Rules to Live ByBe accountable to clients/bosses/coworkersIf you receive constructive criticism, accept it and grow from it – don’t take it as a personal attackYou can do anything, and you should be willing to do anythingUnder promise, over deliver – be the miracle worker “Starship captains are like children.

They want everything right now and they want it their way. The secret is to give them what they need, not what they want.”

Rules to Live ByThe admin staff are your friends, not your servantsYour car should be presentable at a moment’s noticeCarry your business cards 24/7Return calls and e-mails within 24-48 hoursLearn…all the time!You are a representation of your employerThis is a small town…you never know who knows you

The Big PointYour life is starting a new growth curveThis means new challenges, lots of learning and starting from the ground upThe longer you are in this business (whatever it may be), the more you learn you know very little