[Meddik]

So I started my first job in IA this past April (graduated in December to finish up the 150 hours). The starting salary is on the higher end of my reasonable expectations – given that I had no internship experience (had one lined up but it fell through). But I know that in my market, the one year of experience and having a CPA within the next year will significantly increase my value (~8-10k). I like it here and I know that’s a big pay bump for private (% wise), but I would hope for something comparable.

I’m definitely getting ahead of myself, I’ll admit, but I think looking toward career progression maintains my motivation to finish up these exams. So what do you think are the odds of a large publicly traded company giving me a pay bump closer to market value after one year of work and becoming a licensed CPA? I think I’m doing well at work, I’m learning our systems and have implemented a couple ways to make things more efficient for us. I obviously would look to take on additional responsibilities with the pay bump. I know I can’t get a definite answer, but I’m looking for anyone who may have been in this situation before.

Worst case, I’ll be able to get a job offer to give them an incentive to match it (or just go to a new job). But I do like my job and another year or two here would be great for my resume.

FAR - 86
REG - 83
AUD - 97
BEC -

[fuzyfro89]

“So what do you think are the odds of a large publicly traded company giving me a pay bump closer to market value after one year of work and becoming a licensed CPA?”

Most companies are very clear about certification expectations up front. To be very clear, some companies value and support certifications (whether it's CPA, CIA, or others), but it's not a 1-for-1 direct relationship. Getting your license doesn't make you 10k more valuable than you were without it. If you're curious how your company values and supports certifications like the CPA, then you should ask when you are setting goals and doing career-planning type stuff.

Something like… “Hey Anne (supervisor?), can we talk about the next 2-3 years of my career here? I want to understand what it takes to get to the next level in terms of experience and certifications so that I know what I can expect as well as what you expect from me. Also, I'd like to understand how compensation works in that same time period, and if/how certifications are considered? Can you please provide specific information?”….. if you get any pushback or unclear answers, then push for clarity. If still unclear, then realize the supervisor doesn't know and the company doesn't have transparency.

Please don't get into the argument of whether CPAs “deserve” more since it's not really relevant. A company is willing to pay whatever it wants for a certain skill level it desires. You (the supplier) can choose where to provide your time in exchange for pay. Maximize that in the long term. Don't jump around for 5k bumps. It's not worthwhile.

[Tscape16]

From my understanding (and experience), the CPA designation doesn't mean squat in regards to pay until you're in a review or supervisory position. It also helps you get to those higher positions faster. Needless to say, asking for a $10k raise wouldn't work out too well if you're at the staff level. I'll probably get a 7.5% pay bump, but that's because of on top of [hopefully] passing all four sections in less than six months, I've taken on quite a bit more responsibility.

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

*Licensed CPA

[Author]

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