From Personal to Political - Essay Example

From Personal to Political Introduction According to Richard Kemph (Quotiv Quote “Quotes are nothing but inspiration for the uninspired”. However, believing in oneself and ones ability is the key to achieving success. I am never daunted by those who say I can’t, I am only challenged to accomplish what appears to be impossible. Statement of the Problem While growing up as a child I was led to believe that hard work and determination were keys to success. However, a few years ago while I was employed to an international accounting firm, I realized that it was not always true. People were gaining promotions for a wide range of reasons, some of which did not relate to the ability to perform their role effectively. I was held back but soon realized that it was a personal attack - an attempt to lower my concept of self. To that extent my salary was held below that of others with similar experience and qualifications. I was not allowed any training which would allow me to improve my skills. However, when it became clear that I was able to perform without training from my employer, I was only allowed to go on jobs that were considered very difficult and not properly planned. These were jobs that had never been completed because of the difficulty experienced over the years in obtaining necessary information. Despite the problems encountered those jobs were signed off as completed. It therefore meant that my work was more difficult because of unresolved issues that would obviously keep coming to the fore. It is important to note that at no point in my job was I ever told by my superiors that they had any problem with my work. However, there was a point when there were obvious signs that some persons were bent on discrediting my ability. It led to the embarrassment of a senior staff who was misled into believing that my work was really not up to standard. To her surprise, it was way above standard. She lamented and wondered what it is that someone could have done to warrant the obviously blatant hostilities meted out towards me. What should have been professionals, people of honesty and integrity were proving themselves to be otherwise. The gullible were led to believe that I was other than required as a professional. However, there were many who were part of this web of deception and whose sole aim was to tarnish my reputation as a person of ability and character; a professional who stood by the guidelines in the code of professional ethics. However, I was strong. I held onto the virtues that my parents extolled. This made them fight even harder. I can recall from my first day on the job that I was totally ostracized. I was not guided in any way that could be compared with my peers. None of my questions relating to the job were ever answered by those in charge. However, as time goes by I was required to guide those who were new to the job. This was about treating others as I would have liked to be treated. This was something that I was never reluctant to do as I saw it as part of my development as a professional. Even though the preparation of staff appraisals was one of the policies of the firm, it was hardly ever done in my case. One of the things that made me wonder is that if the client spoke to me respectfully it was a problem for all those on the job since they thought I should be dealt with in a hostile manner. Having moved to another firm, I felt some reprieve as I was allowed to show off my skills but this was mixed with discrimination that was influenced from my previous employment. The jobs I brought to the typing pool which were urgent remained at the bottom of the pile by order of management. There was always a desperate search for faults. However, I was able to show how able I was when I went out with my manager who was unable to apply the skills required to get jobs done. The hostility continued nevertheless and was just as blatant as before. Attempts were even made to prevent me from sitting examinations that could contribute towards my career goals. I was strengthened by these incidences as they helped to build my character and I continued to challenge myself as frequently as possible. I later discovered that the reason for all of these problems or obstacles that I encountered not only related to honesty and integrity but also power. According to Gibson et al (1997) power is the ability to influence others to do whatever you want them to do (p. 10). I did not appear to be so easily influenced as I was very clear about my goals and objectives. In one of my first major assignment where my manager sought to test my skills I proved that I was more than equal to the task when I arrived at an unexpected conclusion based on work that was previously done. My conclusions were clear and the basis on which they were arrived at was also clearly stated. My Manager appeared very surprised but did not argue as every question asked was clearly and confidently explained. Analysis of the situation In terms of client relationships, my professionalism, independence, integrity and honesty were high points for me and were clear to everyone. All weaknesses were discussed with them and explanations sought. These were clearly indicated on my files. This seemed to be a divergence from what was the norm. While not made clear in writing or spoken words, it was clear in terms of body language and manner of speech that it is expected that I ought to understand that which is not easily said. That is, I am expected to do things that are not in accordance with the ethics of the profession. This could be insinuated from the following comment made by a manager to whom I presented a file for further work of a particular nature to be done. “Why do you want the client to pay a lot of tax?” she asked. This comment was based on the fact that I indicated the tax implications of income not included in the accounts. This was due to the fact that proper invoices were not generated for a certain transactions. I am consoled by the fact that professional accountants are expected to conform with accounting and auditing standards and are also required to follow tax rules promulgated by both standard setting bodies (local and international) as well as the government (Badawi n.d.). These problems point to the level of moral decay in the accounting profession which has resulted in the collapse of certain institutions and a lack of confidence in the financial statements prepared by assurance providers. These problems have helped to proliferate and have contributed to a series of financial crisis over the years as investors have lost confidence in the system that has been set up to protect them. It has led to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 which was aimed at protecting the interest of workers and investors. This Act was signed into law by President George Bush on July 30, 2002 who made the following comments: “… and now with a tough new law we will act against those who have shaken confidence in our markets, using the full authority of government to expose corruption, punish wrongdoers and defend the rights of American workers and investors” (Holt 2008, p. 5). Since the passing of that Act however, we have seen additional problems with doubts again being cast at assurance providers who are required to provide an opinion as to whether financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are deemed to show a true and fair view. The actions of certain accountants in public and private practice have led to violations of the code of ethics and has resulted in litigations being filed against them. The Journal of Accountancy (March 2008) indicates that a number of companies that were sued in class action litigation rose from 43% in 2006 to 2007, that is from 116 to 166 cases. One hundred companies were sued in the second half of 2007. Of these 23 were related to sub-prime issues (p. 23). Although this represented a decline when compared to previous quarters it is something that we can do without and that can be prevented. Conclusion Based on the number of scandals that have rocked the accounting profession and which has led to insurmountable problems for investors, it is clear that a lot needs to be done to clean up the profession and restore it to nobility. I am happy that I can attest to the fact that in my role as an accountant I carried out my duties in accordance with the code of ethics and I believe that it will continue to be my guide as I face the challenges that has dogged the profession. I plan to steadfastly hold to the principles that will help to clean up the profession. Works Cited Badawi, Ibrahim M. Accounting Codes of conduct, violations and disciplinary actions. 7 November 2011 Web Gibson, J.L, Ivancevich, J.M., and Donnelly, J.H. Organizations: Behavior, Structure, Process. USA: Irwin, 1997. Print Quotiv Quotes. Quotes are nothing but inspiration for the inspired. 2010. Retrieved from: http://quotiv.com/quote_15814_Quotes-are-nothing-but-inspiration-for-the-uninspired Holt, Michael F. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Costs, benefits and business impacts. Oxford: CIMA Publishing, 2008. Print Journal of Accountancy News Digest March 2008: 21- 26. 4 November 2011 Web Read More