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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:
Spidey66 · 25/05/2021 19:50

@ChampagneWorries

We have a wage of 162k a year between me and dh after tax, NI etc.

Yes I’am embarrassed about that. I grew up on a council estate, went to a crap primary and high school and left school with barely a G.C.S.E to my name. Dh was the same.

So yes i hate the fact people can see what i earn, it never bothered me when i worked for min wage years ago but it does bother me now. When i knew he had looked at the companies house, it was him seeing the dividends that sprang to my mind first.

And yet you won't tip your hairdresser a fiver?
Original poster
ChampagneWorries · 25/05/2021 19:52

I pay what they charge, why should i give them more?

I don't give money away willy nilly, i don't know anyone that tips anymore.

OP posts:
Spidey66 · 25/05/2021 19:55

Might make you feel a bit less embarrassed about your salary, if you tip someone who's scraping by.

And people do tip....i do, on ss fraction of your salary.

6079SmithW · 25/05/2021 19:57

@ChampagneWorries My background was similar to yours. I was fortunate enough to go to university though, and that changed the trajectory of my life. My lifestyle now (though not lavish by any means - single mum on good but not very high salary) is noticeably different to very close friends and family I left behind. I understand that it makes things difficult. I always mitigate how I feel by giving back wherever I can. I sponsor two little girls through Plan International. For every pay rise I take on a new monthly charity donation. I have tried to pay for nice treats and help my family wherever I can. I teach my children the value of money.
That being said, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't enjoy your success! You both have probably had to work very hard to get where you are. You should try to see yourself as a great role model for your employees and others. You are self made, and you deserve your reward.

whosappleman · 25/05/2021 19:57

@ChampagneWorries you don't know anyone who tips?! I don't know anyone who doesn't!

GreyhoundG1rl · 25/05/2021 19:59

i don't know anyone that tips anymore
But they're out there... Millions of them.

Why say any more, as if it were some sort of archaic practice that the more enlightened have moved on from? Hmm

Original poster
ChampagneWorries · 25/05/2021 19:59

@Spidey66

Might make you feel a bit less embarrassed about your salary, if you tip someone who's scraping by.

And people do tip....i do, on ss fraction of your salary.

Well thats your choice. There is probably lots of things i do that you don't do and vice versa.

My hairdresser isn't scrapping by, my mums is which is why i do give her money etc

I used to look after dying people on min wage and was never EVER tipped so i will not tip people who i feel do an easier job than what i used to do.

OP posts:
Blossomtoes · 25/05/2021 20:00

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?

No, you’re not alone. And as for being embarrassed by the salary you’re paying yourself, the answer’s simple - pay yourself less. And tip the people who earn a fraction you do out of your embarrassing wealth.

StillWaters77 · 25/05/2021 20:02

I want to know how I can get a job working from home earning that amount.......

TrixieMixie · 25/05/2021 20:04

I would be impressed, not upset. It's great he went to the trouble to do some research and find out about your company. This candidate has shown initiative and you want to penalise him for it? And why wouldn't he tell you he had looked at your accounts - it's not snooping and it's a perfectly reasonable thing to do. It's not like he went through your bins and read your bank statement, or hacked into your computer. You seem to be reacting as if he had done something like that. Separately, why on earth do you think your accounts shouldn't be public information? Of course they should. Employees, shareholders if you have them and other stakeholders have a perfect right to information about companies. The accounts would not show your salary either, as you claim, unless you are a board director of a plc, which I am pretty sure you are not. For smaller companies it simply shows the remuneration of the highest paid director without naming them. You frankly sound ill-informed and totally unreasonable.

ab21 · 25/05/2021 20:08

I'm probably not a particularly good source of advice about looking at accounts as I'm an ex auditor who used to have to pore over every bloody last word in the notes. Like the others, I'd be unimpressed if an interviewee hadn't looked at my accounts.

That said, the thread has moved on so I wanted to say you shouldn't be embarrassed that your company pays you a good salary. You've worked hard and deserve it, plus I'm sure you have to pay a fair whack of taxes on it too. Many of our friends are paid very generous salaries (partners in big accountancy firms/banking etc) - they don't shove their wealth in people's faces but neither are they judged negatively for it.

ab21 · 25/05/2021 20:10

Just to add before I'm jumped on, I understand that lots of people also work very hard but don't receive a high salary for various reasons....

MusicWithRocksIn1t · 25/05/2021 20:11

Why is someone attacking the OP for not tipping? It's got nothing to do with the thread and the OP has already admitted she was being UR about the interviewee which is a rare thing on MN.

Jolie12345 · 25/05/2021 20:12

Shows initiative. I would be impressed with a candidate who did they... which is probably why they mentioned it.

maddy68 · 25/05/2021 20:14

Who doesn't check comanies house when going for a job? It's a normal thing to do

anxietyanonymous · 25/05/2021 20:14

Most people who have been made redundant check out a companies financial health before going for a job.

I am shocked you are shocked.

It shows great initiative and someone wanting a long term secure job

Original poster
ChampagneWorries · 25/05/2021 20:15

@MusicWithRocksIn1t

Why is someone attacking the OP for not tipping? It's got nothing to do with the thread and the OP has already admitted she was being UR about the interviewee which is a rare thing on MN.
Because they have back searched to see if they can dig more dirt on me and try to pull me down even more.

On another note…

Many thanks for all the constructive, nice and helpful replies. You have given me things to think about that i would never of thought of before.

I was regretting posting at first but i’m glad i did now.

Every day is a school day!

OP posts:
notacooldad · 25/05/2021 20:20

I'm not sure if this has already been said as i haven't read it this since last night.
Op I don't want to freak you out but not only people going for an interview with your Company will look on Companies House. I know plenty of people who have looked up their friends or neighbours co.panies out of noiseness. As you know, the info is out there for anyone e to see and you don't need a reason to look.

Pagwatch · 25/05/2021 20:20

'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 dont know - does that happen often?

my experience was to feel sort of ashamed so I'd insist on paying all the time and because i was so acutely aware i 'd talk about it all too much and be a dick. But looking back i was kind of screwed because evryone around me was different and expected me to pick up the bill. So damned if i did or if i didnt.

i always tip, especially in hospitality. i respect people in the service industry because its hard work and the hours are usually shit and you have to deal with the public.

But being poor and suddenly being well off does take adjustment exactly as it does to be well off and then poor. ive done both.

Wheresthetimegone · 25/05/2021 20:21

I'm absolutely astonished that people have made nasty comments about OPs grammar.
Shame on you all, it's not what this thread is about.
I hope those that have commented on it, feel really great about having put somebody down unnecessarily.
By all means disagree with a view but there's never any justification for being unkind to others.

newnortherner111 · 25/05/2021 20:23

Someone did their research, shows an interest in the company. Seems fine to me.

Pagwatch · 25/05/2021 20:24

The grammar police are awful

The only time to be snippy about Sp&g is if someone is banging on about their brilliance

Titofeline · 25/05/2021 20:24

I've looked up companies in the past I've gone to interview at and then taken it to the next step and looked at all the pies directors have their fingers in. So many Directors are not just on one company.

I just want to learn about who owns/runs the company and is it stable/been a going concern for a while.

Nothing personal, just business

MidsummerMimi · 25/05/2021 20:28

Well done to you OP. Your last post has taken some courage and decency.
You have had some pretty tough criticism, but you have shown open mindedness and positivity, about learning new things.
You have achieved success against difficult odds and should be proud of yourself.

Bluntness100 · 25/05/2021 20:32

I used to look after dying people on min wage and was never EVER tipped so i will not tip people who i feel do an easier job than what i used to do

Wow.

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