[livingandbreathing]

I have been working in governmental auditing for the last 2.5 years – my first career job. I interviewed last Wednesday at a smaller sized corporation for an internal audit position. This is a newly created position due to the company just recently going public. There would only be me and my direct supervisor working in internal audit, and the job would have a lot of responsibility attached.

On Thursday, I received a verbal offer, and on Friday, I received the pay and benefit packet. My problem is this: we all know government jobs don’t pay exceptionally well, but this initial base salary offer is an 11% pay cut from my current salary. I really want this position and I fully intend to call HR and negotiate on Monday, but if they don’t offer an increased base salary, I’m not sure if I should take it.

I know that corporate and government are opposite sides of a coin, and I know there would be a learning curve attached. But I feel like that is a fairly significant decrease in pay for a lot of responsibility.

Thoughts?

FINALLY back on the horse.

AUD: 08/2013
FAR: 11/2013
REG
BEC

[IwannaBaCPA]

Sounds like a good opportunity. You have to think long term – where do you want your career to go? If you think this opportunity will help you reach your career goals, then you probably should take it…that is if you can afford the pay cut.

BEC: 79 - April 2011
FAR: 78 - May 2011
AUD: 81 - May 2012
REG: 79 - October 2012
Ethics: Passed - March 2013
I am finally DONE!

[livingandbreathing]

@IWannaBaCPA I agree that it is a good opportunity. I do want to get out of government auditing, and this position would allow me to assist laying the groundwork for the company's internal control structure.

There will be lots of work involved, but I think it will be rewarding work. I feel like I can afford the pay cut, but their offer was well below the average range in this area. So I'm really hoping negotiations go well tomorrow.

FINALLY back on the horse.

AUD: 08/2013
FAR: 11/2013
REG
BEC

[Mayo]

Hmm, that's weird that a public company would pay less than a government job. Then again, you always hear that some govt sectors have compulsary promotions/raises that don't exist in the private world.

How does the IA salary compare with other IA jobs? Personally, I've been part of a public company growing rapidly, and IA played a critical role in managing that growth. Many times the firm grows faster than its infrastructure or internal controls can handle. You can really make a name for yourself now, and get in with a good firm from the ground up.

I'd try to negotiate with some hard numbers. Maybe you can use a salary guide like one from RobertHalf as a starting point. Just keep in mind that these are sometimes a bit inflated. Also, many recruiting firms will list job openings WITH salary ranges. So that can help.

But honestly, this sounds like a really good opportunity. See if there are other perks that can make up for the salary cut. Maybe they can provide some flexibility in your schedule? Maybe they can offer to pay for CPE?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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