What can I do now for a career?

[autisticunemployedbitchparents]

I recently got kicked out of a Big 4 firm for failing exams and poor performance, likely due to withdrawing from my medication. My partner at the Big 4 firm refused to believe I am autistic because I was diagnosed late at 24, and my symptoms are different from the stereotypical male autistic. He claimed I was lying about my autism because I could look people in the eye and then proceeded to spend the rest of our time together staring intensely at me in the eyes. He has an autistic daughter who got diagnosed when she was 13 and has meltdowns in airports, something I never experienced.

I was on ICAS, not ICAEW so I can't even find an accountancy firm to pick up my contract in England. The partner did tell me that if I want to continue my accountancy career, I should pick a smaller firm bc they tend to be less demanding in terms of workload and expectations.

I’m often told by people that I don’t look autistic and that I can’t be autistic because I understand sarcasm, comedy, etc. Interestingly enough, they realize I cannot do small talk. Now, I’m out of a job.

I suspect I have ADD too, as I've always been late to meetings, forgotten information, misspelled things, and left things behind—traits I've had since childhood. I have a background in Economics, a 2:1 from a Russell Group university, and work experience in finance.

I’m a CPA and trained at big4. It’s not a failure that you have been pushed out. The best people fail at big4 because it’s a toxic workplace. Making partner is a fools game.

Let’s start with the very basic questions of: What are you good at and what do you enjoy doing?

I believe you in calling partners fools---my ex partner was certainly one.

1. I am very creative and innovative, good at innovating new ideas and solutions
2. I like writing, my verbal IQ is high
3. I like sustainability and the environment

Also, if I go to a smaller accountancy firm, will the hours be just as intense? Or is the culture better now?

Why do you want to be an accountant? Based on what you've written about your interests it doesn't sound like it ticks any of the boxes.

Maybe working in ESG would be better for you? Similar roles in finance but less numbers based etc? Suspect large banks or asset managers might have entry level roles in their sustainability/ESG teams that will be less rigid and possibly fewer a*seholes too?

If you still want to work as an accountant you could try CIMA? Management Accounting.

Your credits from ICAS will be transferable if you passed any stage and possibly some of your degree.

It's not as cut throat and you can self fund/don't have to be sponsored by a firm. The culture is definitely better than big 4. Pay is better too starting out, then its up to you how you carve out your career. You aren't then guaranteed the salaries you may have got in big 4 but you can still get them.

You then work for a general company initially as something like accounts staff moving to financial manager, aim for CAO

How do I get one of the sustainability roles? Are there any job boards for this?

Sustainability is a great area and it’s growing because of the regulations. Get qualified and join a consulting firm specializing in this niche.

Look at the FSA certificate administered by IFRS and the CFA sustainability certification.

Join a regional firm such as BDO, RSM or Mazars and get qualified there before leaving to join a consulting group where you get better paid.

Listen to him when he says aim smaller for the sake of your sanity.

In terms of finding roles: I'm not an expert, but LinkedIn is probably a start or searching for ESG/Sustainability Analyst / Consultant roles. Big 4 will have teams of non accountants doing ESG reviews and "audits"; there are also specialist ESG consultancies

Sorry posted too soon!

I will say it would likely be helpful / propel you forward to do some sort of Masters / CPD / course in ESG and sustainability, which if you have the time/can afford it would likely open a lot more up to you and also give you more visibility in terms of the types of roles around than I can.

Good luck x

You could try the civil service, an economics degree would be attractive to them, less stressful than Big 4 and generally supportive work environment for people who are ND.