I had a rough day today. I work for an organization that has been seriously affected by Trump’s executive orders, resulting in a staggering 50% drop in our revenue. Today, I met with our external auditors, who are considering issuing a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. While I genuinely believe we have things under control, their shifting expectations have been frustrating. Initially, it was about cash flow, then about unrestricted net assets, followed by the recoverability of receivables, and now we’re focusing on the consistency of receivables being paid. I lost my temper, voiced my frustrations about their assumptions, and came off as confrontational. I truly believe I have a point, and their continuously changing criteria feel unjustified, even if each individual concern makes sense on its own.
To my friends in public Accounting: how often have you experienced a client losing their cool during a meeting? Did you manage to resolve the tension and come out on good terms afterward?
One response
It sounds like you had an incredibly frustrating day, and it’s completely understandable to feel that way given the circumstances. Dealing with such significant financial pressures and the shifting expectations from external auditors can really take a toll. It’s tough when you’re trying to navigate a crisis and it feels like the benchmarks keep changing on you.
Regarding your question, in my experience, it’s not uncommon for clients to lose their cool during tough meetings—financial stress can bring out strong emotions. The important thing is how both parties handle those moments. Often, after some time to cool down, clients and auditors can come back to the table and work towards understanding each other’s perspectives better. Sometimes those heated discussions can actually lead to stronger working relationships, as it shows that you care deeply about your organization and are willing to fight for what you believe is right. How have you approached reconciling with them after today?