By ANDREA KAY
Gannett News Service

QUESTION: I must get out of the company I work for, but I can't get a job anywhere else. Our paychecks are bouncing, the company has bad credit and they owe back taxes. Since I'm the bookkeeper and sign checks, I'm afraid I'm getting blamed and the owners are telling others these things are my fault.

How do I explain to a prospective employer why I'm leaving this company? No one would believe the truth. No hope

ANSWER: Get as far away as you can from this company -- even if, temporarily, you have to take a job that is not as a bookkeeper. You don't need your reputation dragged through the mud -- if that is happening. And you don't want to be a part of unethical business dealings.

As far as what to tell new employers, plan a very succinct response as to why you left -- without accusations. Say something like: "I was with the company for X years. They began having financial problems this past year and I felt it was best to leave at this point. Now I'm looking for a position where I can contribute my business and bookkeeping experience to a new firm." End of story.

Don't assume that the company is bad-mouthing you. This will only make you feel more helpless. Focus on what you do control, which is how to respond to the questions every employer wants to know: Who are you and why should I hire you?

Send questions to career consultant Andrea Kay at P.O. Box 6834, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206 or andrea@andreakay.com.