#44 Using the Right Pen Color
Jul 22nd, 2009 by pfi
Accountants have a need to follow the rules. It creates order, and life is just simpler when everything goes the way it should.
While work never goes the way it should, accountants can at least rely on the established pen color hierarchy. The pen color hierarchy varies company to company, even office to office.
When followed at the office, it is important that this color code is never, ever broken. Having the pen color rule broken is akin to ghost ticking (tickmarking without having done the work).
Accountants will adopt a number of pen colors such as red, green, blue, black, etc. to represent different levels of seniority. At a company, an accountant could start out with a green pen. They would never be allowed by their peers to use any pen whose ink is not green until they get promoted in title. By following this rule consistently, it makes the seniority clear for who worked on a given task.
The pen color, not what is written, defines the accountant. Accountants (as sad as this sounds, it’s true) long for the day when they are allowed to use the next pen color.
New accountants who use the wrong color are harshly scolded and then learn the color hierarchy fast. On the other hand, interns who use the wrong pen color are considered amusing since interns are held to a different standard.
If you ever get an accountant a gift (and for some reason think a pen is an acceptable gift to give), you need to be aware of what color is the right pen color. Failure to pick the right color results in an awkward gift that an accountant may not be able to use for years. Even worse, the pen color may be considered beneath them.
I have been out of public accounting for 5 years now and still use red pens religiously as that is what I used as an Associate at KPMG…
Green pens for review!
that’s weird.
With the jobs I’ve had it’s highlighters and color-coding things like bank recs. Woe be unto us if we run out of any of the colors, especially the ones that only come one in an assortment package, like green.
OMG I thought I was the only one with these lingering issues. Still haven’t gotten over the eraser requirements and Pentel lead sizes .5 versus .7 and blue lead for review and the pen issues. Haven’t been practicing in a CPA firm for more than 10 years but can’t shake this stuff.
Love this post and your content! So glad I found you via Twitter.
The Big Four office I worked in went as follows:
Red Pencil for interns/associates
Blue Pencil for seniors
Green Pencil for managers/senior managers
Black Pen for partners; only they use pen because whatever a partner writes is always correct. Hence, no need for an eraser.
What are those Pen things?
If we’re still working on manual workpapers, we use pencils, cause we know someone is going to ask us to change things.
But, yeah, we’ve got the red -> dark blue -> green -> brown -> light blue hierarchy, that gets totally thrown out the window when we start working on electronic workpapers…
I switch ‘em up. I’m such a rebel.
The contributor of this blog definitely works at KPMG, because most other firms don’t do paper audits anymore that required colored pens. No wonder I was able to relate to every single of of these entries.
@KPMGer My thoughts exactly.
Ah yes the red ticking pencil. I feel so low on the hierarchy.
Gotta use the Prismacolor pencils.
Red – initial work/referencing
Green – review
Dark blue – top review
Light blue – smarmy comments that don’t copy when you scan the workpapers….
We don’t use the pen heirarchy system (or maybe we do and THAT’S why I sometimes get awkward glares in the hall).
Can’t stand the blue pencil for review. How the heck am I supposed to read that? And now that I’m reviewing – yay for moving up the food chain – I felt guilty for using red pen, like I’m going to give the preparer some grade school complex. Then one of our managers started using red pen and I don’t feel so bad anymore.
Outlying data point…I use a Ticonderoga 1.0 mm pencil; no wonder I never made it as an auditor!
I was lookig for the answer to a question, that columnar paper why is it the color green?
As an auditor since 1989 thought this was humorous. We were trained to never use a pen, only pencil. The theory was that pen was for bookkeepers who are convinced they are never wrong and pencil was for auditors who knew better. Now of course it is all paperless so the hierarchy is set in the client properties for all to see.
I actually wasn’t aware of this. Not an accountant but the company I work for sells pens, and some are given to accountants – maybe we are helping some of our clients offend “you lot”!
I am an accounting major and yall are scaring the shit out of me. Is it really this bad? Not the pen thing.. thats ok. The drinking thing is acceptable too but if you don’t work for a gigantic corporation is there any hope for happiness and general enjoyment from this occupation?
I was taught the bookkeeper always works in pen, and the auditor in pencil, so that the auditor has a proper record of the bookkeeper’s process and not that the bookkeeper was smug; I’m sure they’d prefer to work in pencil too but they are only to amend, never erase, an entry.
Hope for happiness and general enjoyment outside a major corporation is quite high assuming you chose the field for more than its earning and job security potential.
Үour ωay of telling all in this агtiсle is reаlly pleаѕant,
all bе ablе tο easily undеrstand
іt, Thanκs a lot.
My brother suggested I might like this website.
He was totally right. This post truly made my day.
You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information!
Thanks!
When I first started out it wasn’t so much a pen colour hierarchy but there were certainly difference reasons for using different colours:
Red: Referencing
Blue: Concluding
Green: Tickmarks
Black: Notes and intro to a work paper
Not realising this was the strict colour palette of my workplace, I started using my awesome fine tip faber castell coloured pens to make my work papers colourful and boy did I get a roasting from my manager!
I’ve been surfing on-line greater than 3 hours these days, but I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is pretty value sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you probably did, the web will probably be much more useful than ever before.
At my office (before paperless, and before I jumped ship to private in 2013) it was gray pencil for Staff < red pencil for Senior < light red pencil for Manager < light blue pencil for Partner. Of course, the Managing Partner had a big, thick black pen that was the ultimate seal, and that was the ultimate in the hierarchy.
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see
a nice blog like this one nowadays.
I’ve established the following rules in my company,
Blue: for all Juniors
Black: for the supervisors
Green: for the assistant managers
Red: for managers
It works very well as per position level
Mega red krill oil has lots of benefits for our health and
it is most probably the answer that we are
looking for. Proteins are the lessons of hair, so ensure your
diet includes an ample amount of protein. Here’s some great foods that contain ‘healthy fats’ that you can
incorporate into your diet.
Feel free to surf to my web site :: efagold
krill oil (http://Www.Deboraharkrader.com)
Delivering a Tweet can be performed quickly and easily via Menu > Tweet.
Reciprocate – If a networking contact is helping you, reciprocate which help
all of them back. 16-year old Canadian pop music- R&B singer Justin Bieber shows off
a street sign which is similar to his name.
Wow, fantastic weblog format! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?
you made running a blog look easy. The full look of your website is magnificent, let alone the content material!
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this web page regularly, this website is in fact nice and the visitors are actually sharing
good thoughts.
This is the only process that will remove all of these contaminants.
Overall, TLMessentials Omega 3 is an outstanding product that deserves 5 stars.
According to the Douglas Report, people who have low levels of Omega 3 fatty acids
struggle more with retaining their memory.
my webpage: fish oil supplement reviews
At this time it looks like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Amazing issues here. I am very satisfied to peer your article.
Thanks so much and I’m having a look forward to touch you.
Will you please drop me a mail?
Have a look at my blog post … Book of Proverbs (mytaxilove.com)
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve
had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Hi there to every single one, it’s really a nice for me to pay a visit this web page, it consists of valuable
Information.
Hola estoy encantada de visitar vuestra blog me parece super buena.
Yo soy una escolar universitaria que me encanta el desarrollo web, el apunte y sobre
todo la creación de aplicaciones de juegos para móviles.
Me gusta mucho vuestra página me parece super interesante.
Os felicito por vuestra web, soy desde ya una admiradora vuestra.
Hola me ha gustado mucho tu articulo
Es emocionante, buena averiguación la que he encontrado.
Muchos besitos.
Por fin algún que me lo ha explicado para que yo lo puede comprender.
Estoy asaz contenta.
Grande, que contenta estoy, es lo mas. Muchas gracias.
I want you to reverse or slow down your
aging process; I want to clean out your body of all the bad stuff that goes in it on a daily basis from toxicity in our environments.
Most of these supplements consist of nutritional products such as milk, protein, creatine inducers,
meat replacement products and even fatty acid energizers.
An assortment of soccer jerseys, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid,
Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal to name a few are the ones that reveal your die hard fervor for soccer.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before finish I am reading this
enormous article to improve my know-how.
In the Paleolithic period dairy products were not consume because animals had not been domesticated.
Sweet rice flour is the best at thickening sauces and gravies.
Fortunately for me, I already know what to look
for and how to prepare gluten free foods.
my blog; gluten free society
Heya! I understand this is somewhat off-topic
but I had to ask. Does managing a well-established website such as
yours take a large amount of work? I’m brand new
to running a blog however I do write in my journal daily.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience
and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or
tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!
Pretty part of content. I just stumbled upon your
site and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved account your blog posts.
Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your feeds or even I success you get admission to consistently rapidly.
Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your website by accident, and I am surprised why this twist of fate didn’t happened earlier!
I bookmarked it.
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the best sites online.
I am going to highly recommend this website!
Truly no matter if someone doesn’t know then its up to other users that they will assist, so here it happens.
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good
topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this information for my
mission.
Here is my page FIFA 14 Ultimate Coins
There are several health advantages linked to capsaicin and you
may read about them in a variety of sites regarding natural cures.
As someone who has been teaching health informatics students for a number of
years, it is rewarding to find this discipline finally receiving the attention and interest it
demands. s products and is knowledgeable about some of the underwriting
requirements or is able to research the best plan for you.
Heya excellent website! Does running a blog similar to this take a lot of
work? I have virtually no understanding of programming
however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if
you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic however I just wanted to ask. Thanks a lot!
An oversized pump may cause noise in your filter valve
due to excessive flow. He often works with the San Francisco-based company Speakers World (.
For anybody attempting to build a recurring income this is the simplest way to go about it.
Very good article. I am going through a few of
these issues as well..
Good info. Lucky me I found your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I have bookmarked it for later!
Here is my page pawn shops las vegas strip
hello!,I really like your writing so a lot! percentage we be in contact more
about your article on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to unravel my problem.
May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
Simply desire to say your article is as astounding.
The clearness in your submit is simply cool and that i can assume you are knowledgeable on this subject.
Well together with your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to stay updated
with approaching post. Thank you a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
I read this post completely regarding the comparison of most recent and previous technologies, it’s awesome article.
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times
it’s tough to get that perfect balance between superb usability and visual
appeal. I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this.
In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Opera.
Exceptional Blog!
Feel free to visit my websitethere homepage (Geep)
I read this post fully regarding the difference of most up-to-date
and previous technologies, it’s remarkable article.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m inspired!
Veery helpful information specifocally tthe ultimate phhase
I deal
with such information a lot. I used to be looking for this partcular info for
a very lengthy time. Thanks and good luck.
Feel free to surf tto my weblog – sex chat rooms;
http://www.sexychats24.com,
adult acne treatment
Stuff Accountants Like » Blog Archive » #44 Using the Right Pen Color
Unfortunately for Cory, he becomes victim to his grandmother’s plot to destroy them by poison and is poisoned
by arsenic in his food. After an accident it can feel as
if your life has changed. The heart of this chapter though is in the decision to join the science fair.
I was recommended this bloog through my cousin. I am no longer sure whether or nnot this submit iis written by him
as no one else recognise such specified about my
difficulty. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Feel free to surf to my bpog :: carrabba’s
Howdy very cool website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful ..
I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also?
I am satisfied to find numerous helpful info right here in the post, we
want work out extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing.
. . . . .
Never before heard of a steam shower enclosure until finally I stumbled
upon this incredible website, so pleased I did really want one right now
and funds permitting will likely be enjoying one pretty
soon
my page; aqualusso steam shower
Awesome web site, just lately been exploring forever for tips on the best rattan furniture pieces for our home and in our garden. The site really helpedgreat
blog some great info here
My web-site port royal rattan sofa sets (Justina)
I was very pleased to discover this web site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this
fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every part of
it and i also have you book marked to see new stuff in your web site.
Here is my weblog – bristol hotels, discount hotels deals, hotels tenerife, hotel deals
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this
blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if
it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long
comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!
Feel free to visit my homepage :: spin surgery for back pain (Joleen)
That looks a lot like my shower enclosure my family and
i purchased recently, very satisfied with it for any individual on the fence when it comes to buying one,
do it now, you will not regret it
Here is my web site steam sauna shower units
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is useful. Thanks for
sharing!
Fantastic web site, just lately been looking forever for ideas on the perfect rattan furnishings for our home and
in our garden. The website really helpedgreat blog some great info here
my website: port royal platinum dining set
Hey There. I discovered your blog using msn. This is a really neatly written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read
extra of your helpful info. Thank you for the post.
I will certainly comeback.
game hacksd
Stuff Accountants Like » Blog Archive » #44 Using the Right Pen Color
But definitely if you want to get unlimited access to great bulk and tons of information it is still best to become a car club owner
yourself. A little time and money spent on periodic maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs at a
later date. This helps stabilize the vehicle after
you have jacked it up into the air.
When it is time to change oil, stop a moment before you pick the most expensive diesel car oil or cheap car oil.
Additional statistical reports furnish information about the estimated cost savings realized
if every car eliminates 5 to 10 minutes of idling in a day.
The oil is pumped through this filter as it circulates throughout the engine during operation.
Thanks in support of sharing such a pleasant idea, article is fastidious, thats why i have
read it fully
Had been actually looking for just a traditional shower enclosures during which i found this web site, didn’t have any
idea there were any such thing as a ‘steam shower enclosure’, wow, might possibly just
may have to have one
my page: cheap steam showers (Rick)
Users can thus download a game of their choice and start playing it.
It’s also different because most soundboard apps feature a common theme, like a movie, show, or a funny character.
The wallpapers you choose should reflect your personality,
to best describe your tastes and preferences.
Having read this I believed it was extremely informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together.
I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worth it!
Now an individual would able to navigate from one app to another instantly, with the use of virtual recent
apps button, which appears only when required, and is otherwise dimmed.
” May 18, “Planning,” paper published in the Chinese government network. Whether it is movie reviews, a new movie, a classic title or a movie you cannot find anywhere else, moviesplanet.
Consists of 18 semester hours of study in holistic health care
and related topics.
Excellent blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find high-quality writing like yours
these days. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
title loans loan borrowers
risk losing their vehicles to lenders after they take out that loan to pay other bills.
It’s taking the view that when it filters
too strictly, individuals will. com represents reverse-consumerisation – choosing
set up a hotmail account ubiquitous business tool and recrafting it for the consumer market,” he told BBC.
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme oof this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult too get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal.
I must say you have done a fantastic job with
this. Additionally, the blog loads suoer fast for mme on Firefox.
Excellent Blog!
Subsequent door is Polaria , a excellent location for all ages things to do in norway in june (http://www.nocoast.tv/gallery/insta-0001) uncover
out extra about this distinctive location of Norway.
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this web site.
It started with pen colour for audits and ended up in praising your blog And other technical features of this blog
However ,I have been auditing for years and things are like these~
No color issue for print outs of e records
Colours for manul a/c
Red for trainees and articles
Green for reviews by seniors and black for partners
Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this informative article together.
I once again find myself personally spending way too much
time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was
still worthwhile!