[Tscape16]

Hey all,

Long time no post, but I figured this would be the place to ask questions. I recently received a written offer from PWC as a 2nd year associate in a Midsized market (handful of large public clients, many smaller clients). This is located in the greater Midwest. First of, anyone know if the initial salary or sign on bonus is negotiable? It seemed from the conversation with HR that it wasn’t, but it’s not in the range I was expecting. In case you were wondering, the offer was $52k and $2k sign on. My previous experience is two years in a governmental specialized cpa firm where our focus is attest engagements.

FAR - 90 ✔
BEC - 86 ✔
REG - 82 ✔
AUD - 92 ✔
ETHICS - Passed

*Licensed CPA

[Nessie]

It might not hurt to ask for more. I was offered a bit more as a new hire associate with no experience in tax.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Sage]

If you haven't accepted already, I would do some research of average salaries in the area. I am in Arizona, so I have no idea differences in cost of living, average salaries and such in the Midwest, but I was offered (and accepted) a little more than that as a new associate right out of college. I didn't get any kind of starting bonus, so I don't know what is normal in your area. However, I would expect with you being licensed and some experience would warrant at least a higher salary. With some back-up you can justify trying to negotiate a higher salary, being able to present them with averages may help. I think you should set your expectations before hand and decide what the lowest you'll settle for is, and if they can't meet that you should really consider if it is a good fit. Unless you desperately need/want the job, I never think it is a good idea to settle if you feel you are worth more than they are willing to pay, and I don't think it can hurt anything to at least ask.

FAR - 89
AUD - 78
BEC - 81
REG - 5/28/16

[iwana_PASS]

yes your offer seems too lower for a big four. i am at midsize one of the top 10 for entry lvl tax 68k and we get raise during every july and i now make almost 75k for working over 1 year

AUD - 77
BEC - 78
FAR - 79
REG - 82

[Tscape16]

Update: I spoke with an accounting professor from my university. He told me to accept the offer because the college recruits in this market are getting $48-50k with no sign-on bonus. I might ask for an additional $1k, but that's it. I'd be taking a $4,000 pay cut as-is, but I'm going from a large regional (utilizing GAGAS) to big four audit. Unfortunately there isn't much in the way of pay info for this office since it is small (less than 30 people).

FAR - 90 ✔
BEC - 86 ✔
REG - 82 ✔
AUD - 92 ✔
ETHICS - Passed

*Licensed CPA

[Nessie]

Good to feel it out….PwC has a lot of employee benefits, and seems like a great company. So, make use of what they offer to offset any salary shortfalls. Congrats!

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Tscape16]

Thanks Nessie! Congratulations to you as well!

FAR - 90 ✔
BEC - 86 ✔
REG - 82 ✔
AUD - 92 ✔
ETHICS - Passed

*Licensed CPA

[Author]

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