[nigercpa]

I work in a small two partner CPA firm , a 12 employee firm and on an annual salary of 36k with no benefit. After I joined, I noticed I was probably the lowest paid as the others are in the mid forty to mid fifty despite the fact that I am the only CPA in the firm aside the two partners. The average salary for accountant in my region is between 48 to 55K for entry level. I accepted the offer because I had been searching for a job for 9 months. Prior to getting the offer, I had a first meeting with the senior partner and he said the pay for the position was $28K, so when I had the second interview with both partners and was asked about the pay expectation, I stated a range of $35 – $45 cos of the initial figure the old partner stated and cos I wanted the job so badly. I tried to negotiate with the senior partner when he called me for the offer and he said the salary will be increased after 3 months by 10%. . At 3 months, he didn’t keep to his promise and instead extended it for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, my colleagues that have spent 2 years told me I shouldn’t expect much from it based on their experience. The junior partner is leaving the firm to open his own practice and he approached me to join him, he said he would compensate me for distance, cos it’s an additional 15mins drive from my current office. I know with the compensation, it still won’t put me in a fair salary bracket. He wants me to give him an answer very soon. But I told him I would want to meet him to discuss more. I see this as an opportunity to negotiate a better pay. Though he knows my current pay but he is not aware that the other partner stated the $28,000 at my first meeting with him. So to him, he probably felt the pay was within the range I stated when I had the interview with both of them. Assessing the two partners, I really prefer the junior one cos he is more professional, understanding and more relatable. I also know I would learn a lot more with the new guy than the senior partner. The tax season is few months away and he will need me to be the second CPA in his practice since he would be employing new accountants and he already had two other employees that are joining him from the old firm. The only negative I see with joining him is the 15 minutes extra commute to the new firm. I will be meeting him in 2 hours, so how do I approach my meeting with this guy to discuss an increase in the salary? I seriously need opinions on how to drive my point. Also, if he doesn’t have much to offer, is it reasonable to join him with the extra commute involved. Thank you!

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[Anonymous]

wow, so what did you end up doing?

[hasy]

Hmm, I don't mean to be heartless or anything but it seems like they're lowballing you. If you already have your license, I would consider joining a different firm for better pay. Unless you feel that new firm that other partner has room for growth.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Accountant183748]

I agree. If you've been there for over a year I would consider joining another firm. Now is the perfect time actually for smaller/local firms 🙂

[livealittle]

wow. my first job straight out of school with a CPA firm in 2004 was $28,000 a year. I didn't have my CPA or even the 150 hour requirement met.

they are seriously lowballing you!

that was 12 years ago!

ok, I think I'm over my shock a little. did you meet with the younger CPA yet? I suggest printing out the salary range for CPA's with your education and years of experience. BUT before even trying to negotiate salary, what are you looking for? what do you want in a job? career? Where do you expect to be in 1 year, 5 years, etc. do you already have a 5 year plan?

some things are worth more than just the money. Will this potential new position in a brand new firm give you the opportunities for skill acquisition? for advancement? what about company paid training? CPE? etc.

negotiating for higher base annual salary is one thing, looking at total compensation is another along with total opportunity for growth/advancement is another.

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[nigercpa]

I was able to negotiate with the partner leaving the firm. And he agreed on starting at 45k, that was a 9k increase. Though it's still below where I should be, I feel I can stick it out with him till after the tax season and weigh my options. Thanks for the response.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[nigercpa]

Livealittle, yes I know they low balled, sincerely at that time, I was desperate to get a job and I had to accept it cos there was no alternative. Funny, there is no benefit, no CPA reimbursement or anything of sort. Like I said I want to have my first tax season with the new guy and then weigh my options after the season. I actually plan to have an accounting firm few years from now. But I would want to start as an home set up with few clients to augment a full time job. My success on that will determine if I will go full time into the accounting business or not. So the experience is actuallt valuable and I have learnt a lot and still learning.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[The.Underdog]

Dang that sucks, where do you live? Low CoL?

FAR - 86
AUD - 93
REG - 8/31/16
BEC -84

[Author]

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