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Exactly! Accountants who can write. HA! I was working with 25 of them and
almost none could write. Very smart nice people, but not much on the words.
And only a couple had the attention for detail that is required to get these
docs into shape for the auditors.
I've been thinking about STC too. I have a proven model that's added 4 tech
writers at just one company, so maybe they'll be interested.
The time to act is now, I think. Companies have to be compliant within a
couple of years. I'm curious, does anyone with experience in another
regulated field (e.g., banking) know how tech writers can be involved in
ongoing work like this? My understanding is that most of the ongoing work
will be in testing and updating test plans, with only occasional changes to
process docs.
Diane, I'm curious about your viewpoint that SOX is going to spill into the
private sector. It's an awfully expensive proposition. While I can see
private companies perhaps becoming a little more careful about documenting
processes, I'm not sure I agree that they'll take on the extra expense. Can
you explain more?
Lisa
-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-53104 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-53104 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com] On Behalf Of Diane Boos
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2004 9:15 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: RE: Sarbanes-Oxley 404 Project Information - RANT
I have spoken to several recuriters, managers, and the outgoing STC-PSC
newsletter manager about Sarbanes-Oxley, its possible impact on companies,
and the creation of technical writers jobs. The general impression I've
gathered is a collective shrugging of shoulders. When I explain my
understanding of the relevant code sections (I actually did read it.), I
feel like I should play that old "knock, knock, whose there" game. Total
disconnect.
The newsletter manager asked if anyone would be interested. I thought
unemployed tech writers would be interested in this possible market for
their skills. Nothing has come of it.
I talked with a recuriter who has been trying to fill SOX orders. What he
wants are accountants who can write. He is having difficulty finding anyone.
I agree SOX could have a huge impact on publically traded companies and,
eventally, on techical writers. I also suspect the impact of SOX, while
centered on public companies now, will reflect into the private sector.
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