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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be gobsmacked that an interviewee openly told dh that he had looked at our accounts…

989 replies

ChampagneWorries · 24/05/2021 18:40

On companies house?

Dh did an interview today via zoom and the interviewee openly told him that they had looked at our company accounts on companies house to see if we were a healthy company!

Our dividends are on there and I'm really shocked that he basically admitted to being so nosey.

I know they are public information (which i disagree with) but they do show the company income, how much cash was in the bank and our salary etc.

Dh wants to offer him the job as he had some good qualities, but this has really put me off him.

I know people do look at peoples companies on the companies house, but you don't bloody tell them surely?!

Would you still offer him the job?

OP posts:
IrritableBitchSyndrome · 25/05/2021 19:01

Sounds like you and your husband have worked really hard to build a successful business despite a disadvantaged start. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Maybe you could look at helping other people from disadvantaged backgrounds by taking on apprentices and training them well or something similar, which might help you feel more positive and more 'entitled' to your success. Seems a shame to me that you don't feel proud of your achievements.

Cosmos45 · 25/05/2021 19:02

I had a couple of job interviews recently (and got the job) and me and the interviewers had a bit of a chuckle about me researching them (stalking on linkedin) prior to my interview. It is due diligence and a sensible move for somebody to make to ensure that the company is healthy. I guess it's a bit like checking out the house you want to buy with two large extensions on it has and was granted planning permission. This information is widely available, you just need to do a bit of research. It is after all public information. Nowt wrong with that.

Deux · 25/05/2021 19:04

It sounds like you’ve got pretty detailed accounts filed? You can submit abridged accounts. Plus some statements are voluntary and it’s up to you whether you include them.

RoseWineTime · 25/05/2021 19:12

I think you are being extremely unreasonable. I’m an accountant and would expect to be questioned on the company’s accounts at interview.

Dee1975 · 25/05/2021 19:13

It shows initiative. You should welcome someone who takes time to research the company they are applying to.

Poppynit · 25/05/2021 19:15

Take a shot every time you read ‘due diligence’ on this thread.

(Don’t do it, you’ll end up hospitalised)

Cloglover · 25/05/2021 19:15

Awww you should be proud! You and husband have created a successful company and earn a healthy wage and you've done it all by yourselves. Other people's snide comments are a reflection on them, let them be jealous. You've earnt that money fair and square. Good for you. X

lioncitygirl · 25/05/2021 19:17

🤦🏻‍♀️ Of course yabu.

pam290358 · 25/05/2021 19:17

If he’s leaving a job to work for you, then he has every right to do everything he can to make sure he’s doing the right thing.

LipstickLou · 25/05/2021 19:18

I am a consultant. I make sure people can pay me. If you earn a lot, good luck to you. Pay your taxes and help people to build a career. Simples!

PlentyOfBiscuitsWithTea · 25/05/2021 19:22

@PotteringAlong

It would make me want to employ him more, but your response would make me want to work for you less.
Basically, just this. Your attitude appears very hierarchical, and the culture of your workplace is one that doesn't value transparency. He may have picked up on it.

His behaviour is sensible and mature, yours is not.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 25/05/2021 19:29

OP it sounds like you've done exceptionally well - be proud of yourself and your accomplishments and don't project your unease about having done well onto other people.

It can lose you good prospective candidates and staff and also to be honest can really take away from your enjoyment of your success! You've done really well - enjoy that, otherwise what was the point of all your grafting years?!

Be open to listening and learning. For example you thought him not staying places longer than 2 years at a time in his twenties was a negative but people have explained why it's not a negative - can you now see what they mean about that? People have explained there are options when it comes to how your accounts are filed that change the level of information eg salaries vs abbreviated accounts (as it was known) - can you now see you can chat to your accountant about this? People face such a different response to the friend you asked in real life - can you now see how it's vital to always check business matters with third party sources? Not MN obviously, but just in principle to not only ask people you're already friends with...

What I'm saying is, you seem very defensive and protective about your success. When actually you can enjoy without shame while also choosing to listen and learn when things unsettle. Instead of doubling down on being 'right' it's liberating to say oh shit ok, I'm obviously projecting and was wrong to think it was a negative thing to do.

MeridasMum · 25/05/2021 19:29

If your business is successful enough that you actually employ people, I think we've got to assume that is down to your DH and not you with your clear lack of business acumen and grasp of English grammar.

I hope you have no involvement in the people management of your employees with your bizarre views.

SmiledWithTheRisingSun · 25/05/2021 19:31

Eh? Why is this shocking? Hmm

Xenia · 25/05/2021 19:31

Dux is right - check with your accountant if your turnover is lower enough that you only need to submit very very limited information to Companies House. Some accountants submit more than is required by law and need a bit of a nudge not to do so.

MidsummerMimi · 25/05/2021 19:32

I wish I could message this poor candidate and tell him “run fast and run far away from any job offer you might make him”.
A friend of mine from University, took a summer job working on a farm, owned by a family with unusual attitudes.
He was accused by them of witchcraft and bringing bad luck.
The poor guy had a nervous breakdown.
Being blamed for being normal is the stuff of horror movies and nightmares.

pollymere · 25/05/2021 19:34

I always looked up Companies before interview. It's a good indicator of career potential. It suggests they want to stay with you long term.

Original poster
ChampagneWorries · 25/05/2021 19:36

@MeridasMum

If your business is successful enough that you actually employ people, I think we've got to assume that is down to your DH and not you with your clear lack of business acumen and grasp of English grammar.

I hope you have no involvement in the people management of your employees with your bizarre views.

Dh’s grammar is much much worse than mine!

But it doesn't hold him back and he's not bothered by his terrible spelling and grammar.

We cant all be perfect and i think its very bitchy for posters to keep going on about the spelling and grammar i have used when it doesn't matter on an anonymous forum that is not work related

OP posts:
urkidding · 25/05/2021 19:36

I would expect an employee who was going for any position to look at the published accounts of a company. I have done that from the time I was aged 17! Not only that, I have successfully got jobs after analysis and pointing out factors they should be looking at!

purplefoxglove · 25/05/2021 19:37

@MeridasMum

If your business is successful enough that you actually employ people, I think we've got to assume that is down to your DH and not you with your clear lack of business acumen and grasp of English grammar.

I hope you have no involvement in the people management of your employees with your bizarre views.

You're not very nice.
vinoinveritas · 25/05/2021 19:37

There’s nothing wrong with this at all. It’s public information and he/she is right to be cautious in the current climate of uncertainty

restingbitchface30 · 25/05/2021 19:38

Why on earth would he not look this up to see how secure his job may be. You should feel happy that your husband wants to take on someone so thorough and responsible.

Someonetookmyname · 25/05/2021 19:39

OP think of having to make your financial information public as a trade of for the benefits of having a limited company. Or just don’t operate as one and keep your privacy.

Am I the only one who gets sick of people who are financially comfortable now still playing the victim because they had a poor upbringing?

I had a very rich friend like this - a banker who grew up poor and would never get a round of drinks in. When pulled up on it she always gave us a sob story about how poor she was as a child. Surely there gets to a point when you’ve made enough money that you can’t use your past as an excuse around money issues anymore...

ICECream821 · 25/05/2021 19:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Someonetookmyname · 25/05/2021 19:44

Although do agree with OP on all of the grammar police being ridiculous!

It’s Mumsnet FFS - who cares if there are spelling mistakes. I don’t get why people come online to correct other people’s spelling ( and yes I’m sure there are LOTS of mistakes in my post before anyone jumps on it!)