I became indispensable at work at 23— and it’s overwhelming.
I’m a 23-year-old from Brazil who transitioned from a Big 4 firm to an internal auditor position at a travel agency, where my salary nearly doubled. However, things took a turn when the CEO fired both the controller and CFO due to their repeated mistakes. Since I held an Accounting degree and was pursuing my postgraduate studies, I was assigned to oversee the company’s Accounting, which serves around 220 employees and generates $7 million in revenue.
When I stepped in, I encountered a complete disaster: outdated manual processes, a poorly set up ERP system, a closing process riddled with manual journal entries, and a finance team in disarray. To make matters worse, the department was structured in a way that left me solely accountable for cash flow management, financial reporting, and the Accounting close, among other responsibilities.
For the past three months, I’ve been working tirelessly to fix the mess left by the previous accountant—properly configuring the ERP, organizing cash flow, and attempting to restore some semblance of order. On top of all this, I now have a toxic CFO who seems to expect me to handle everything, completely overlooking the contributions of other leaders in the department.
Does anyone have any advice?
One response
It sounds like you’re in an incredibly challenging position at such a young age, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few pieces of advice that might help you navigate this situation:
Set Boundaries: As much as you want to help the company succeed, it’s important to recognize your limits. Clearly outline what is feasible for you to handle within a reasonable work schedule. Communicate these boundaries with your CFO and make it clear that while you’re committed to improving the situation, you can’t do it all alone.
Build a Support Network: Reach out to colleagues, other professionals in your field, or mentors who have faced similar challenges. They can offer valuable insights, support, and advice on how to tackle these issues. Additionally, if possible, engage with your team openly and delegate tasks to share the workload.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of the issues you’ve found, the steps you’re taking to address them, and any progress made. This not only helps in managing your workload but also serves as a reference point for discussions with leadership about resources or support needed.
Focus on Prioritizing Tasks: Identify the most critical issues that need immediate attention versus those that can wait. Sometimes fixing the most urgent problems first can provide a sense of accomplishment and relieve some pressure.
Communicate Effectively: Regularly update the CEO and any other stakeholders on your progress. This not only keeps them informed but also helps manage their expectations regarding the time it will take to resolve the issues.
Seek Professional Development: Since you’re pursuing a postgraduate degree, consider using your coursework to apply theoretical knowledge to your current situation. This can help you find innovative solutions while furthering your education.
Self-Care is Essential: Make sure to take care of your mental and physical health during this stressful time. Schedule breaks, lean on your support system, and engage in activities that help you decompress.
Consider Long-Term Goals: Reflect on whether this role aligns with your career goals. If it’s proving too toxic or overwhelming, it may be worth exploring other opportunities that provide a better work-life balance and a healthier environment.
Remember, you’re doing an incredible job given the circumstances, and it’s okay to seek help and advocate for your needs and limits.