Graybeards Need Not Apply?

Judging by the recent influx of AARP materials that I routinely find in my mailbox, I suddenly realized that I'm approaching a milestone in terms of birthdays.

When my wife asked me if I wanted a lavish dinner party, I wryly told her that if we do, to make sure she sat me between her overly talkative mother and her brother, who never met a relative he couldn't hit up for money.

Then, I made an impassioned plea for a three-day excursion to Las Vegas.

With that option however, I make it clear that I want to go to Vegas and, by inference, alone.

The former suggestion is greeted with a dirty look, while the latter elicits a flying pot or two targeting my cranium.

So much for the city's marketing tagline of "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

But I digress.

Recently, the AARP took a brief time out from stuffing the mailbox at Chez Carlino to publish a list of the 50 best places to work for people over 50. The list of criteria included many of the perks someone over 50 would especially appreciate, such as superior benefits and flexible schedules.

As most of our readers know, Accounting Today regularly publishes sections on promotions and new hires as well as news affecting accounting firms.

We at editorial central are also sent reams of releases trumpeting the fact that, for example, Shlabotnick & Co. PC of Poison Well, Nev., was judged one of the best places to work by (insert name of local paper or organization here).

But interestingly enough, there was not one accounting firm on the AARP list, a roster that included such marquee names as Principal Financial, Busch Entertainment, Pitney-Bowes, Volkswagen and even the Girl Scouts.

I'm a little perplexed as to why no audit firms have managed to elbow their way into AARP's selected crop of 50.

After all, I attend more than a few conferences each year where managing partners regale the audience with tales of staffing woes and how many of the firms have rolled out a host of perks such as concierge service to attract and retain employees -- including those fresh out of college.

So why is there an apparent disconnect between freshman and veteran auditors? I'm sure most auditing firms would welcome the experience that someone of, ahem, my age, would bring especially considering the additional workload as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

There are several staffing firms out there that specialize in placing older workers in corporate finance and accounting posts. (I only know this because I recently received a story pitch from one provider.)

Many professional and industry sectors have recognized the value of catering to older workers. As a rule, they're more dependable than those just starting out and, above all, can serve as invaluable mentors and elder statesman to young impressionable employees.

From a personal perspective, I learned more about my craft from a 63-year-old former colleague than anyone else.

Therefore, I'll await next year's AARP list.By then I'll hopefully be able to confide how I spent my golden birthday.

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