Was I unprofessional?

Question

I was helping a friend with an audit.

I helped him last week and got most of the material in order. He called me today to help him finish it up for his appointment with the IRS tomorrow.

When I got there today, everything I had done last week was undone. He had some other friends come in and "help". I had things sorted by their categories and in date order. Everything was remixed together today.

On top of that I was told that I would have to move some items out of one area and put them over in another area and "make the numbers work".

I told him that he had the wrong person for the job and I left. And I told him I wouldn't take any money for the help I'd already provided.

Was I unprofessional?

I just graduated with a BS in Accounting. I am not a CPA yet.

I did intern for this friend previously and he liked my work, therefore he asked me to help again.

Answer 1

NO! Mechanics and CPA / Accountants are in a unique position. They help people who know they need help, but when it gets down to it the person they are helping thinks he or she knows better than the professional. When he had someone else come in and undo what you had done, that crosses the line. And asking you to "make the numbers work" is where the person took advantage of your services and you did the right thing!

Answer 2

I dont think you were unprofessional. If someone undoes your work and then asks for your help later to fix a new mess, then by all means you have a right to walk out.

Answer 3

what is your profession? are you an accountant? did he hire you? was he a client? if just a friend helping a fiend no need to be professional.

Answer 4

absolutely not. I think you handled yourself well and in a very professional manner. kudos to you.

Answer 5

not as far as i'm concerned - you may be minus a friend though.

Answer 6

if your account is accurate, then no, your actions were correct and ethical.