Not really, but it's time for a real job. I had an interview last week with a CPA firm trying to screen candidates for a local retailer who desperately needs a financial person. The retailer has been around for a million years, but the top dog died a few years ago and now the son-in-law is trying to run things. 2012 wasn't a good year and they're stuck in a rut of not knowing exactly how they want to proceed.
Over the past few years, they've gone from having a financial person to getting rid of him/her to save costs to deciding they need one to not knowing if they need one. As of last week, they've decided they need someone. So, I interviewed with the accounting firm trying to help them out.
In a perfect world, it's a match made in heaven. They have no one to manage their cash and expenses and need someone to question the way they do things and I am good at managing cash and expenses and giving my opinion of how shitty things are done. The accounting firm guy admitted my background was a perfect fit and I admitted the company really needed what I could offer.
My job is to wait to hear from them about actually interviewing with the CEO. As it stands, we're a bit off on money, though I think we could agree to something that makes both of us happy, and there is the question of them deciding next month if they still want a controller, and/or if they'll even be around in 6 months.
I'm in a win-win situation because a job that pays more than a dollar is more than I'm making now, so whatever it pays is an increase. However, I've been saving for a few years to buy a condo or for when I'm unemployed, so I don't have to take a shitty job just because it's offered. So, I wait to hear back from them.
Today though, I had an interview with another place. It's a mining company located in Evansville that's owned by an Australian company. I met with the CEO and the Company Secretary. Both guys are Aussies. The CEO is stationed here in the States, while the Company Secretary (that's what his card said, I'm not sure how that job position translates here) is from Perth. I shook hands with both to introduce myself and received a "G'day" from the guy who lives in Perth.
They thanked me for coming in on such a cold day. I said it was no problem and mentioned it's starting to warm up. The CEO looked at me and said, "Do you ever really get used to the cold?" I assured him we did and then we started talking about the job and what I might be able to bring to the table.
This company has been buying up mineral rights in the Illinois basin, which extends into Kentucky and Indiana. They're in the process of getting the appropriate permits and hope to break ground on the mining operation within the next 18-24 months.
They really don't need a financial guy for 40 hours a week since there's not that much stuff going on right now. The opportunity for part-time was offered, but I mentioned I desired full-time. They then asked if I was interested in doing some things outside the accounting field like helping organize their complete financial system, as well as maintain their database of mineral and land leases. Basically, help the CEO with reading reports on the land, making sure shit gets paid on time, and making sure there is enough money in the cash accounts.
I initially hesitated because I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but once I realized they didn't balk at my salary requirements, I tried to ease back into the "I'll help do anything" mode. They admitted they aren't 'anal' like a lot of companies, so I can get away without a tie and maybe eventually I could get them used to sweats and t-shirts...a total plus for me. Also, I made the mistake of mentioning my golf trip in May, then immediately backtracked to cover that remark when the CEO said, "Let me stop you right there. We don't care if you go on vacation in May. We don't care if you leave early because you have something to do. Obviously there will be times when we have deadlines and things, but as long as you get the job done, we don't care."
He had me at, "...don't care." I wanted to reach my hand and say, "I accept," but I played it cooler and let him continue talking.
Eventually I stopped entertaining them and the interview ended. They still wanted to talk with a couple more candidates and they should know more in the next couple weeks. As we exchanged our thank yous for the meeting, the guy from Perth said, "Cheers" as I walked out the door. Very cool.
During the 10 minute drive home, I decided I wanted to give this place a shot. I really don't mind doing shit other than accounting, which can be boring at times. There's no staff to supervise so I don't have to deal with employee problems, just the occasional sexual harassment case from the lady in the office who likely hasn't heard f-bombs at the rate I can spit them out.
Once home, I ripped off that damned jacket and tie and got into something more comfortable and went right to our computer room to write a thank you letter. I reiterated how I was the bomb and explained how much they needed me. Instead of saying 'sincerely' at the end of the letter before my signature, I wanted to say 'cheers,' but decided against it, not sure they'd find it as funny as I did.
Hopefully I've found my new place of employment, though by looking at the picture I posted earlier today they may have already ripped my resume to pieces. Wish me luck.
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