Job Issue...

CA.Giraffe

I started working for a government agency in December 2012. The position is limited term, not to exceed two years, while they implement an IT project. I act as a liasion between the agency and the IT vendor to make sure all business requirements are met. I don't have any IT experience - my degree is in accounting, and I was hired based upon my knowledge of tax code because the agency is a taxing authority.

Prior to this, I spent 12 years at another agency as a tax auditor. I loved that job, and would still be there if I hadn't moved to be with now-DH. 

Today, the audit manager in my new agency approached me. She said they've obtained funding for a new auditor position, and asked if I would be interested. I'm flattered, and would love to get back to auditing (while living with DH, best of both worlds!) But...I wouldn't want things to be awkward if I left the project only partially complete, and was still working for the same agency - having to run into my former boss on a near-daily basis, etc.

I'm usually of the mindset that I need to do what's best for me - but I don't want to burn any bridges or make enemies. I considered asking to delay my transfer to the audit staff until the project is complete, but the position would likely be lost by then because of the way budgets work. Any words or advice on how to execute this potential transition smoothly? I would need to tell my current supervisor before I formally applied for the new position, which is why I'm worrying about this now.  

CA.Giraffe

I am in no way guaranteed the new job. Common courtesy in this office would dictate I let my current supervisor know when I apply for the auditor position - I would hate to have him find out from someone other than me. At a minimum they would be required to interview me per civil service rules. We're a fairly small agency (<100 staff), and there's an outside chance my current manager would be on the interview panel. 

CA.Giraffe

My current contract will expire in December 2014 or when the new IT system goes live, whichever happens first. According to the current project plan, the system will be implemented in September 2014. If my current position wasn't temporary, I'd probably stay where I am until the project was complete, then look for the next opportunity to be an auditor again. ETA: my current manager doesn't actually have a permanent position he could offer me, now or in the future. His staff all have IT backgrounds, and it's a requirement for their positions. For that reason, I don't think he'd be terribly shocked to find out I was leaving. Just maybe a little bummed that he lost a resource, has to hire again, etc.

mcda04

I think you should apply for the permanent Auditor position. With the amount of experience and education you have; you might have high possibilities of getting the job and it will give you more stability. I'm assuming that because you're temp, you're not obtaining any type of benefits correct?

Talk to your current supervisor and let him know you will be applying.

I am a buyer. I started with my current company in the procurement department but two years later; two people from the aftermarket sales group were let go and because the pay was higher and the schedule was better than mine; I talked to my boss about applying and he had no issue; his words were "Michelle, most definitely, this is a great opportunity for you, thank you for letting me know" He did offer to match the pay but I told him I wanted to try the new position and felt capable. I got the job immediately and started within a few days. Hiring from within a company is actually pretty common and my company now sends a newsletter and gives incentives for referring or hiring from different departments. It's a way to keep our trained qualified employees happy.

Good Luck.