[Anonymous]

A little history, I recently earned my bachelor’s degree. No experience. I’ve taken 2 exams but haven’t passed and now I have a job offer with a very small accounting firm that focuses on financial accounting, tax and consulting. Please help me evaluate this offer. By the way the firm is in Michigan.

Base salary: 32K

Estimated Annual Productivity Bonus: 2K

Health, Dental, Optical for 2 people: 12,400 (employer paid) with $500 deductible

Life insurance: 50K—paid by employee 89.40/year

Continuing Education: 1K max/year

Vacation days: 1 day accrued/month for first year. 10 days second year, 10 days third year. 1 additional day accrued after 3 years of service up to 6 weeks paid vacation.

Sick days: 5 days per year

Holidays: 10 holidays/year minimum

Association Dues: AICPA and other membership fees paid by company

License: CPA License paid by company

In addition, I would just like to say that I really do like the people working there and I’m happy that it’s a small firm but I’m just wondering if the salary and benefits are an accurate reflection of what I should be earning in the market. Also, this position is a normal 40 hours/ week during off season and I would only have to work 4 days a week during the entire summer. 50 hours max for busy season. Input, anyone?

[Anonymous]

Have you passed the CPA exams?

I think it is a little bit lower, it should be around 40k for a fresh grad, however if no other choice why not take it first?

Just my opinion though.

[Anonymous]

I've taken 2 exams but didn't pass either, came close. It seems low to me too but I'm in Michigan and there's a lot of people that believe I should just take what I can get. According to multiple websites this salary is below the 10th percentile of what I should be earning. I'm really not sure how accurate the websites are though…

[mla1169]

The company is paying 100% of your medical insurance and you are only responsible for a $500 deductible?

Where are you located? If your in a NYC or LA, thats very low. If you're not in a large metro area, a $32k salary without having medical insurance preimiums deducted is a pretty sweet deal (figure a family plan can cost an employee about $150/week, add that $7800 to your salary to determine your compensation).

I've gotta tell you, many people with bachelors degrees are making $13/hour and their employer is not picking up the tab for health insurance. For a recent graduate with absolutely no experience you should jump at this chance. You're going to need the experience to obtain the license anyway.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

MLA, the position is in a metro area of Michigan. I should mention that the employer originally presented the offer with 100% health insurance premiums paid for a single person which would've costed them approx. $5,100. When I asked about a family plan and they looked at me puzzled, I had to tell them I am a single parent and would be adding a dependent…the cost went up to $12,400. Later I asked if this offer was negotiable and they told me that I would have very little to no wiggle room after the additional health insurance costs

[Whatdidyou]

3 day weekends all summer? Sweet!

Congrats on the offer.

It probably could be better, but you aren't working crazy hours like some (im pretty sure if I factor in the extra hours I'll be working for my salary, I'd be making less than you per hour) and it sounds like it is relevant experience and you like them. I'd probably take it. It's good experience and will count towards CPA requirements which is more than can be said for some. & in all honesty, salary isn't horrendous and once you prove yourself you will have more negotiating power.

But it is really up to you. Those hours, if true, are a big incentive, especially if you are still studying for the CPA and are a single parent.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[mla1169]

Thats why even though the $32k is only in the 10th percentile, add that $12.5k to it and see where $44.5k lands you on the pay scale.

Whats the difference really between earning $44k and paying $200/week in health insurance or earning $32k. If you really liked the atmosphere it may just be worth it. Ask them what their plans are for you (raise/promotion wise) once you pass.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[yellowboy817]

You should take it – I remember I started off making $16.10 per hour after my 4 year degree.

I had to pay for mine and my daughter's insurance – single dad too.. 🙂

Cost was $240 per month – which was cheap.

Getting your CPA work experience is a good advantage.

The hours sound great and I'm sure once you finish all four parts you can ask for a raise or move position.

And at the end of the day if it doesn’t work out

Leave with you CPA license and look else where

Good Luck 🙂

[Minimorty]

You dont need life insurance, dont pay for it!!

[mla1169]

Mini I'm going to have to disagree. EEL has a child. I think ALL parents need life insurance. And seriously for $1.72/week?

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[MeaDebitum]

Not enough information.

Do you want to stay in the area?

How does that compare to other firms in the area? 32k in the middle of Montana is a liveable salary, 32k in San Francisco is poverty.

Do you have other offers or opportunities? If not, then the answer is an easy yes.

[Minimorty]

Sorry!!!! Saw recent grad and didnt see child mentioned anywhere.

Ignore previous statement.

[Anonymous]

Take the job, have them sign off on the experience requirement for your CPA license and then get the hell out ASAP.

In the meantime, don't stop looking for a better paying job either. Nothing personal, it's just business.

Makes you wonder why the vacation jumps to 6 weeks after 3 years. Sounds like with those low ball offers no one sticks around very long.

Good Luck

[jenuno01]

$32K seems low. But yolo, so take it.

Class of 2012

[MeaDebitum]

YOLO!

[OUCPA84]

Considering Big 4 in Detroit, I've heard, is around $50k+ signing bonus, $5k cpa bonus, and $3.8k Becker. I'd say $32k is on the low side. I'm sure regional and national firms aren't too far off from $50k. I think some corp accounting jobs pay more.

If i didn't have anything else, I'd take it. Something is always better than 0.

AUD Pass
REG Fail, Rematch TBA
FAR 11/26 Certain I failed
BEC ?

Becker

[Author]

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