The Unwritten Rules They Didn’t Teach You in Accounting Class

When I started my career over a decade ago, some professional expectations were so ingrained, no one even thought to say them out loud. You picked them up by watching your manager, feeling the energy in the room, or — in some unfortunate cases — learning the hard way.

But the world has changed. Workplaces are more casual. Communication is more digital. And a lot of young professionals are entering the workforce with strong technical skills but without the benefit of a mentor who’ll pull them aside and say, “Hey, just a heads-up… we don’t do that here.”

This blog is for you — the first-year staff accountant, the new intern, the freshly-minted professional who wants to get it right but might not realize you’re missing something. It’s also for my fellow managers and professors who are seeing this gap and wondering how to help without sounding like a jerk.

So, let’s do this together. No judgment. Just real talk about the unwritten rules that can make or break your reputation early in your career.

The Unspoken Faux Pas: Stories from the Field

I’ve heard more than one story lately about new professionals getting into heated lunchtime debates about religion or politics — not realizing how uncomfortable and polarizing those conversations can become. In one case, someone went so far as to suggest that anyone who didn’t share their beliefs was immoral. That conversation didn’t just end awkwardly — it damaged their professional credibility.

Then there was the intern who had no idea that body odor could be an issue in a professional setting. HR had to step in and have a difficult conversation. It wasn’t a hygiene shaming — it was a cultural disconnect. But it mattered, because how you show up physically affects how others perceive your work ethic and attention to detail.

And I’ve seen plenty of new staff show up to work looking like they rolled out of bed. Hoodies, wrinkled t-shirts, athletic slides. Maybe it didn’t seem like a big deal to them, but to clients and leadership? It sent a message: “I don’t take this seriously.”

These aren’t isolated incidents. And they’re not about being old-fashioned. They’re about understanding your environment and adapting like a professional.

What No One Told You — But You Need to Know

Here’s a list of the unwritten rules that still matter in today’s workplace. They’re not in your textbook, but trust me — they’ll serve you for the rest of your career.

The Unwritten Rules of Professionalism

1. Watch your conversation topics.
    Avoid polarizing topics like religion and politics in casual work settings — unless your client or role directly involves those subjects, and even then, approach with care and respect.

2. Smell matters.
    Shower regularly. Use deodorant. Be mindful of strong perfumes or food smells. Yes, this needs to be said.

3. Dress for your environment.
    Even in casual offices, sloppy isn’t the same as relaxed. Iron your clothes. Wear shoes. Look like someone who respects the job.

4. Don’t overshare personal drama.
    Venting about your breakup, your family issues, or your financial situation might feel natural, but it can make coworkers uncomfortable and shift how you’re viewed.

5. Be careful with jokes.
    Humor doesn’t always translate well across cultures or generations. If you wouldn’t say it in front of your boss or a client, don’t say it in the breakroom.

6. Tone down the slang.
    Save the casual lingo (“bet,” “that’s wild,” “no cap”) for your group chats. At work, speak like someone who wants to be taken seriously.

7. Don’t ghost. Ever.
    If you’re sick, running late, or need help, communicate. Disappearing without explanation is never okay — even if you're overwhelmed.

8. Read the room.
    If everyone’s heads are down and grinding, maybe don’t start a loud debate or tell a long story. Match the energy and timing of the space you're in.

9. Learn your firm’s culture before trying to change it.
    Fresh ideas are welcome — but spend some time understanding how things work first. Your credibility will go further that way.

10. Seek feedback early and often.
     Don’t assume silence means approval. Ask how you’re doing. Ask what you can improve. It shows maturity and sets you apart.

Professionalism isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness. When you step into this field, you're not just representing yourself — you're representing your firm, your team, and the profession. And while your resume might have gotten you in the door, your soft skills — the ones no one teaches — are what will keep you there and help you rise.

Take these rules not as criticism, but as a gift from someone who’s been where you are, and who wants to see you succeed.

You’ve got the technical chops. Now build the habits that will make people say, “I want that person on my team.”