Why are people in Accounting subreddits often so harsh?
I’ve spent some time browsing the Big 4 and r/Accounting subreddits lately, and I’ve noticed a concerning trend that seems unique compared to other professional communities. The atmosphere in these accounting-related forums often feels negative and unwelcoming. For instance, when a young professional shares their experience of not receiving a return offer, they frequently get bombarded with unsupportive comments, such as “you just weren’t good enough” or “you didn’t make the cut; you’re just a low performer.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. It appears that a heavy weight is placed on accountants, and if anyone speaks out about this pressure, they often face backlash from their peers. If you opt out of the Big 4 due to a toxic work environment, be prepared for people to tell you that you’ll need to work twice as hard. Many argue that the learning experience at a Big 4 firm is invaluable, regardless of the toxicity, implying that spending two years there is preferable.
It’s worth noting that other professions don’t seem to share this mentality, especially when it comes to the compensation we receive. Making $70k while putting in 60+ hour weeks for half the year is far from great pay. In contrast, many communities for computer science or engineering professionals are significantly more supportive of one another. In our Accounting subreddits, it often feels like we are quick to turn on each other. If someone mentions losing their job, instead of offering support, they’re usually met with questions like, “What were you doing wrong?” or “Are you sure you performed your job correctly?” It’s disheartening to see some members rally more behind their firms than their fellow accountants. This negativity isn’t constructive and doesn’t help anyone improve.
If we want the landscape of our profession to change for the better, we need to foster a spirit of support instead of tearing each other down. Lastly, if we want to encourage younger talent to stay in this field, we should be more considerate. There’s no reason to belittle newcomers just because you have several years of experience under your belt.
One response
You bring up some really important points about the culture in accounting-related subreddits. The environment you describe sounds really harsh and uninviting, especially for newcomers who are already facing intense pressures in their careers.
One possible reason for this behavior could stem from the high-stress nature of the Accounting profession itself. Many accountants, particularly in the Big 4, have been conditioned to be competitive and critical, often due to the demanding work culture and performance metrics they’re subjected to. This can create an atmosphere where empathy takes a backseat to toughness, leading people to respond rather harshly to those expressing vulnerability or doubt.
Additionally, it seems like there is a kind of “survival of the fittest” mentality. In an industry where every position feels hard-earned, some might feel threatened by the idea of not being the best, which can translate into tearing others down to reinforce their own position. It’s unfortunate but not uncommon to see professionals in high-pressure fields adopt this mindset.
I completely agree with your point about the importance of community and support. Encouraging one another and fostering a more positive environment can lead to much better outcomes for everyone. The Accounting profession could greatly benefit from creating spaces that prioritize collaboration over competition, where sharing experiences and challenges is seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a sign of weakness.
If the goal is to attract and retain young talent, it’s crucial for seasoned professionals to model the behavior they want to see. Constructive feedback and mentorship can go a long way in building a supportive culture that encourages people to stay in the field, rather than pushing them away with negativity. We should all strive to uplift each other instead of tearing each other down. Thanks for raising these important issues!