[Hammer]

I’ll try and make this quick. I work for a small firm in my hometown. About 7 months ago I agreed to take a very large raise instead of pursing another opportunity. Stupidly, I signed an agreement that said I would pay back $7,500 to the firm if I left within the first 12 months of signing the agreement.

Fast forward to today and sure enough I have a mega offer from a fortune 500. I want the job. I live in a pretty small town, and opportunities like this one without having to relocate are almost unheard of. I’ll be able to travel both domestically and internationally, receive a 15% pay bump (already doing well for myself), and huge increase in 401k match, and undoubtedly better insurance premiums. Additionally, I don’t want to work for rinky dink clients anymore and I don’t want to work tax seasons. More importantly I’m going to grow personally and professionally and gain a true understanding of the global business environment. Needless to say, I want the job.

The separation is going to be very, very, very ugly. The partners at my firm think I’m “all in” want me to become partner someday and are not expecting this AT ALL. But, I’m fed up. In my 3 years with the firm I’ve seen 36! people either leave voluntarily or due to termination. That is once a month and I think that is insane. It’s not coincidence, it’s culture. We are so behind on our work, our clients are screaming at us to get there work done. We have a junior staff who, I’m not sure even went to college. Don’t get me wrong I have a lot of respect for the business the partners built, but, they are not fostering growth at all.

I don’t want to pay them $7,500. Within the agreement, there are things they did not hold up to on their end. For example, it reads “Upon passing the CPA exam your title will be senior accountant” I passed the CPA exam and I am not a senior accountant. “We will reimburse you for your cell phone policy” They do not pay for my cell phone. Do I have any recourse here? What would you guys do? Keep in mind the separation is going to be so ugly. We are already sooooooooo understaffed and behind on our work. Take me out of the equation and I don’t know what they are going to do.

Help please! Can’t stand the idea of losing this incredible opportunity or having to pay 5 partners $7,500 just because I don’t want to work here anymore.

FAR - 70, 81
AUD - 83
BEC - 77
REG - 70, 78

Licensed in Ohio.

Now what the hell do I do?

[Anonymous]

That's the bottom line.

just testing this quote thing

[JGM1986]

I had a retention agreement and ended up leaving before the required time period. My previous employer did not pursue the issue. It costs time and money to pursue a lawsuit and they may or may not be compelled to do so. I'd take the job and just be prepared if they do bring it up to negotiate it down or pay it. My gut feeling is that they wont pursue. My .02 cents

[ruggercpa2b]

@JGM1986 the OP already mentioned that he talked to them and they will expect him to pay the $7500 back. I think it all varies with employers. Some will not pursue. For others they may actually just prorate it and you pay back less.

The other thing is that the OP left this current employer once and they asked him to come back and paid him the bonus. And now after only 7 months of being back OP is looking to leave again. That may be one of the reasons they would make OP pay back the bonus.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[nadroj]

Large corporation or small partnership?

Fortune 500 is less likely to pursue the issue, other than making a factual notation in the employee's HR file.

[Hammer]

Just to clarify…my latest post said “they are NOT making me repay the $7,500”

Thank you for all of your advice and input. I've decided to take the job, move on, and be damn glad that I don't have to repay any $$$.

FAR - 70, 81
AUD - 83
BEC - 77
REG - 70, 78

Licensed in Ohio.

Now what the hell do I do?

[Author]

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