It can be a good place to learn, but you need to be strong and able to ignore distractions that are not relevant to you.The good thingsThroughout my experience working here, I learned a lot. I truly appreciate and feel grateful for the opportunity to learn and work here. Coming from a mid-sized firm previously, I found that AY differs from other mid-sized firms in its serious approach to proper audit procedures. They do not simply ignore any issues. Everything I learned here has been invaluable in my current job. I have no regrets about working here.
The challengesHowever, there are always drawbacks. My primary concern during my employment was the toxic work environment. I personally experienced this when a tax manager, who was not my direct supervisor, harshly criticized my work progress. Despite rarely working directly with her, her condescending behavior deeply impacted me. This was particularly concerning because even my direct audit manager, who was aware of our team's dedication and efforts, did not express any concerns about my audit file progress.
Furthermore, I frequently heard that this tax manager had a tendency to speak negatively about other staff members, especially junior employees. She would often spread negative rumors within the team and publicly criticize junior staff for their mistakes. This behavior is highly unprofessional. As a manager-level employee, she should prioritize respecting others before expecting respect in return. It's important to remember that everyone, including managers, was once a junior employee and made mistakes.
Instead of publicly criticizing junior staff, she should address their mistakes constructively. This would involve providing direct feedback and guidance on how to improve.
My decision to leave the firm was not driven by a dislike for audit work itself. Instead, it stemmed from the challenges I faced within the team, specifically the negative impact of a particular manager's behavior. The toxic work environment created by this individual, with their constant negativity and lack of respect, made it difficult to focus on my work and learn effectively.
While the firm can be a valuable place to learn and grow, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of such negative influences. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to carefully weigh the potential challenges before making a decision.