[Anonymous]

I am expecting an offer from a small local CPA firm this week and was looking to see what your opinion is on starting salary and any tips to negotiate to a higher salary.

The Firm:

30-35 Person Firm

Offer a variety of services, main service is tax and consulting…. individual, closely held corps,p-ship etc…

Also offer Estate Planning

Located in Greater Philadelphia area

My Experience:

Gov’t Employee

Audit Inheritance and Estate Tax Returns

Passed CPA Exam, should have license by summer

I currently make $60k and was already told in a past interview that my starting salary will be less and I shouldn’t concentrate on starting salary so much due to possibility of advancement.

I see them using my inexperience in public accounting as leverage, however they recognize that I am not fresh out of college and have already passed the exam.

Thank you for any input.

[teeteenounouche]

DO NOT DO IT in my opinion…even if you can afford a pay cut, employers always ask what you are making at current position or salary history and they will pay you accordingly…trust that the best position will come along and be patient…

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[teeteenounouche]

DO NOT DO IT in my opinion…even if you can afford a pay cut, employers always ask what you are making at current position or salary history and they will pay you accordingly…trust that the best position will come along and be patient…

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[Anonymous]

No No No No No. You can do better. Well, that depends. Rural? City? Other public options? You would be screwing yourself for future jobs. It may take you 3-5 years to get back to $60K…

[Anonymous]

No No No No No. You can do better. Well, that depends. Rural? City? Other public options? You would be screwing yourself for future jobs. It may take you 3-5 years to get back to $60K…

[Anonymous]

My advice, if it is available, would be to contact a recruiter from Robert Half or someone similar to that if you haven't done that already.

[Anonymous]

My advice, if it is available, would be to contact a recruiter from Robert Half or someone similar to that if you haven't done that already.

[jlough]

I see you are from Philly- I am too. I started my career in B4. My advice to you would be to hold out for an opportunity with a B4, even if that means having to wait for the summer/fall. I feel like they will definitely offer you a higher salary than $46k (however, no O/T) and the name recognition is worth its weight in gold.

F- 7/13- 84
R- 10/13- 79
A- 11/13- 99
B- 1/14- 86

Licensed in PA- 3/20/2014

This exam ALMOST defeated me back in 2006-2008, but I came back and WON!

[jlough]

I see you are from Philly- I am too. I started my career in B4. My advice to you would be to hold out for an opportunity with a B4, even if that means having to wait for the summer/fall. I feel like they will definitely offer you a higher salary than $46k (however, no O/T) and the name recognition is worth its weight in gold.

F- 7/13- 84
R- 10/13- 79
A- 11/13- 99
B- 1/14- 86

Licensed in PA- 3/20/2014

This exam ALMOST defeated me back in 2006-2008, but I came back and WON!

[Anonymous]

@jlugh I hear ya, I think my plan is to take the hit now gain the experience and jump ship to big 4, I don't see the current firm giving me a big raise at the end of the year with the salary being what it is.

[Anonymous]

@jlugh I hear ya, I think my plan is to take the hit now gain the experience and jump ship to big 4, I don't see the current firm giving me a big raise at the end of the year with the salary being what it is.

[Anonymous]

@curtis I've been in touch with recruiters, expereince is always the downfall. They offer other positions but nothing that puts me on the path I want to be on.

[Anonymous]

@curtis I've been in touch with recruiters, expereince is always the downfall. They offer other positions but nothing that puts me on the path I want to be on.

[jeff]

I worked in a small firm and and it is a breeding ground for drama.

Best of both worlds:

Keep your current gig and do part-time tax returns during busy season.

As others have said – it will take you FOREVER to get back to $60k from $46-50k…several years.

Let's say it takes you 3 years … that's $30,000 in wage difference (and that's if you get them to $50k).

Also – IF you are dead-set on taking it, then counter. The worst they can say is no.

You will never get this chance again. Once you say yes to $46k – you're locked.

“Well – I'm making $60k now + solid benefits…I will need $56k otherwise it's too much of a drop”

“We can offer $53k, but no more.”

“OK – to make up for the gap, toss in another week of PTO and we've got a deal.”

“Our PTO policy is set and can't budge.”

“You know, I incurred a ton of fees to pass the CPA Exam – can we do a $1,500 signing bonus to offset my costs?”

“We can do that.”

(or something like that)

Poker Face!!!!!

[jeff]

I worked in a small firm and and it is a breeding ground for drama.

Best of both worlds:

Keep your current gig and do part-time tax returns during busy season.

As others have said – it will take you FOREVER to get back to $60k from $46-50k…several years.

Let's say it takes you 3 years … that's $30,000 in wage difference (and that's if you get them to $50k).

Also – IF you are dead-set on taking it, then counter. The worst they can say is no.

You will never get this chance again. Once you say yes to $46k – you're locked.

“Well – I'm making $60k now + solid benefits…I will need $56k otherwise it's too much of a drop”

“We can offer $53k, but no more.”

“OK – to make up for the gap, toss in another week of PTO and we've got a deal.”

“Our PTO policy is set and can't budge.”

“You know, I incurred a ton of fees to pass the CPA Exam – can we do a $1,500 signing bonus to offset my costs?”

“We can do that.”

(or something like that)

Poker Face!!!!!

[Anonymous]

@jeff I already tried to counter and nothing. I would never leave my job if I could prepare tax returns, but it's a “conflict of interest”

[Author]

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