I recently changed jobs, moving from one role as a construction controller to another in a different company, but their approach to the role is vastly different.
At this new company, there’s no CFO, and I report to the director of accounting/HR, who previously served as the controller for a decade. She emphasizes that my primary job is to simply process approved information and that I shouldn’t question job status or payroll coding. I’m not expected to identify issues or take responsibility for the financial package, and I’m not involved in operational meetings. This contrasts sharply with my previous position.
Interestingly, this new company generates $50 million more in revenue, yet my base salary remains the same at $150k. Should I be concerned? I’m puzzled by the idea of being discouraged from taking on more responsibilities when I know I have the skills to contribute.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this situation.
One response
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, and it’s understandable to feel concerned about the stark contrast in expectations for your role. Here are a few thoughts to consider:
Understand the Company Culture: Every organization has its own culture and structure. It seems your new company follows a more hands-off approach when it comes to financial oversight. This might be their way of streamlining processes or maintaining a specific hierarchy.
Assess Your Responsibilities: If your role is strictly limited to processing approved information, it may not align with your skills and experience. Consider how this might affect your job satisfaction and professional growth.
Seek Clarification: It might be worthwhile to have an open conversation with your new director of accounting/HR about your role and responsibilities. Express your eagerness to contribute and see if there’s room to take on more responsibilities or to be involved in operational discussions.
Evaluate Opportunities for Growth: If the new role lacks challenge and aligns poorly with your career goals, you might want to look for opportunities elsewhere that use your skills more effectively. Consider whether there are ways to carve out a role in the new company that’s more aligned with your experience.
Network and Build Relationships: Even if your role feels limited, building relationships within the company can lead to future opportunities and provide insight into the company’s vision and goals.
Ultimately, it’s important to find a role that feels fulfilling and allows you to leverage your strengths. Keep an eye on how this position aligns with your career trajectory, and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself if you feel your skills are being underutilized.