Re “Looking Back Fondly on Well-Spent Years”
Dateline Dayton – When I ended our discussion last week about my career as an accountant, being underfunded was now becoming a crisis. I was sent on trips to smooth matters with creditors, collect accounts, stall suppliers and manage our relationship with our banker.
In addition, we were spending hours putting proposals together for presentations to possible financial backers.
The new president brought in a consultant. He might have known finances but couldn’t manage his own money, or didn’t have the where-with-all to get, or hold, a position that paid. He came up with the brilliant idea that we should go out to eat, rent a limo and discuss our finances. My take? It was our funeral procession.
I put a damper on the evening when I announced that in my estimation we had 90 days. Then the bank would be after us. The owner and new president were not happy, but the “expert” agreed with my prediction.
The consultant was told to devise a plan with my help. There wasn’t any plan that could be devised. Once given this information, they took matters in their hands and fired me, finding someone who had all kinds of money connections as my replacement.
He lasted about a month. I was called and asked to train his replacement. Being the nice guy I am, I spent a week showing the new person the ropes.
Close Enough
I only missed my 90-day prediction by a few days. The bank called their note and that was the beginning of the end for the company. The bank obligation was purchased by a retired executive of a company here in Dayton. He operated the business for a number of years under a new name.
I remained in contact with the owner of the laminating business, but I haven’t heard from him for a couple years.
After a period of unemployment, I landed the controller’s position at a health insurance company, in Dayton. Boy, was that a different animal. I struggled in that job.
In the year and half I spent there, I discovered an employee stealing from the organization, improper accounting practices, which led to the president being fired, as well as some of his cronies. An interesting experience, but I needed out.
I found another position, which turned out to be the worst job I ever had. The boss didn’t come to work until later afternoon and then she expected you to stay all evening. I was beginning to think I was attracted to companies with financial problems. This one also had a shortage of cash.
Since this business was a franchise operation, corporate brought in their accountant to take over when I left, after less than a year. The business was eventually closed.
Prior to leaving the weight loss franchise, I was offered the accounting manager’s position at a local distributor. I was employed there for three years. Although I devoted a lot of time to the position, the job was not getting done. This was probably the low point in my career. I was terminated. I wasn’t surprised and in a way relieved. They really needed someone to convince them, their computer system was not working properly. I couldn’t. It was replaced shortly after I left.
(To be continued)
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
