I joined my current company as a GL Accountant three months ago. The company operates in the oil and gas service industry. My supervisor, the VP of Finance/Legal and one of the owner’s daughters, previously handled many of the tasks I’m now responsible for over so many years. Recently, I’ve noticed she has become less responsive to my emails and requests, offering minimal guidance or review.
As a GL Accountant, I don’t have control over costs, overhead, budgets, or work-in-process data. My role is limited to month-end closings based on the information available to me, which leaves me feeling like I’m working in the dark. For example, I tried to improve how employees allocate their hours to jobs to ensure accurate labor cost tracking, but my efforts were unsuccessful due to a lack of cooperation. Similar issues arise in other areas, raising concerns about potential fraud and inadequate internal controls.
Currently, the company only conducts a year-end review rather than a full annual audit, which, from my understanding, offers limited assurance. I’m worried that without upper-level review processes and stronger internal controls or audits, the integrity of my work—and potentially my position—could be at risk.
I’ve previously suggested implementing both year-end and interim audits and briefly convinced my supervisor to consider them. However, she seems reluctant to move forward, citing the higher cost of audits compared to reviews.
What steps can I take to address these challenges effectively as someone new to the company? How can I help ensure proper controls and support for my work?
As a GL Accountant, I don’t have control over costs, overhead, budgets, or work-in-process data. My role is limited to month-end closings based on the information available to me, which leaves me feeling like I’m working in the dark. For example, I tried to improve how employees allocate their hours to jobs to ensure accurate labor cost tracking, but my efforts were unsuccessful due to a lack of cooperation. Similar issues arise in other areas, raising concerns about potential fraud and inadequate internal controls.
Currently, the company only conducts a year-end review rather than a full annual audit, which, from my understanding, offers limited assurance. I’m worried that without upper-level review processes and stronger internal controls or audits, the integrity of my work—and potentially my position—could be at risk.
I’ve previously suggested implementing both year-end and interim audits and briefly convinced my supervisor to consider them. However, she seems reluctant to move forward, citing the higher cost of audits compared to reviews.
What steps can I take to address these challenges effectively as someone new to the company? How can I help ensure proper controls and support for my work?