The Firm

One of the best things about starting work is the good feeling you gain from earning your own money. When the Firm hired me after passing the board exam, I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I knew I have no experience in the job but it's okay since most of my batchmates were fresh graduates. But the catch in my first job was not the monetary rewards but the experiences and relationships I've gained.

When we were starting, the work was manageable and learning was inevitable.  I have met and known amazing people that were already part of my life. I learned and experienced a lot from them.  It was a pleasure working and be friends with exceptional and professional yuppies of the country. I could not survive the days in audit without my friends.  Banding together with my colleagues developed relationships and helped us felt like valuable assets to the company. That way, even if someone or something didn't realize our worth, we can always remind each other.

ACT Batch November 2009

In audit we have what we called busy season and slack season.  Busy season is the time of financial statements and tax returns preparations for SEC, BIR , PSE and other regulatory deadlines.  While on the other hand , slack season is what we all been waiting after the very toxic busy season where you have fewer clients, tasks, and if you are lucky you don't get client for months at all yet the firm will still pay you.  We can go out somewhere far for lunch, play at time zone for hours, go shopping during office hours and return at the office just to pack up our things and go home. :) Ops! I hope no HR personnel can read this. 

Red Crab with the gangsters

One of my favourite spot in this planet was my area 214-215. My cubicle was located in that area and I considered it as my land of make-believe and mascara for crying.  I am so blessed to have my favourite people in the firm joined me in that area.  During boring office hours we use to play games such as "pinoy henyo" and IQ test. My areamates are awesome and I love them.

Area Outing in 8 waves

I chose to work in an auditing firm knowing that it's the best stepping stone of my career and because my mother is an auditor.  After one year I was promoted as audit in charge and the stress levels have increased exponentially from back in the day. Moreover, I felt like I'm not being compensated at fair market value for my services rendered.  So after the busy season of being a first year in charge I made my exit with the firm and decided to enter a private Company.  

August 5, 2012 was my last day with the Firm. 

My decision to leave was not a snap decision. For the past 991 days in audit I’ve gained experience that would proudly decorate my CV. But that's not the highlight. It’s tough, but I grew a lot professionally and personally. Highlight of the 3 years, I'd say looking back all the people I got to know and love. Had some really fun and I was pretty lucky with the people I worked with.

I will truly miss the Firm's culture.  The food from Ambers, the fun summer outings, the couch in the reception area (oh the couch I miss it!), the voices of your managers when following up, the Audit phone answering line (Audit, how may I help you?), the food tripping and many more. :)  I am glad that the Firm always get in touch with their alumni. I'm going to post the birthday card they will send to me in my 25th birthday.