[KeepUPosted]

I am a new CPA, have a little over 3 years experience (1.5 public, just under 2 in industry at my current company). Honestly, I did hope that my new license would help me get promoted to Senior. Unfortunately, I found out that I was passed by a non-CPA peer for the promotion (who has a similar education and work background).

I was pretty shocked and disappointed, especially as I just had such a great annual review. So, I asked my manager what happened. I was told that my peer just asked for the promotion earlier than I did. Also, I was told that I could still grow in a couple of areas, even though I did have a very good annual review. Furthermore, I was told that the CPA really just doesn’t mean everything at my company.

So, here is my question…..how long should I wait around at my current company for a promotion to Senior? I love my company and the people I work with….however people are promoted very slowly at my company (sometimes 5 years before making Senior).

I have always leaned towards sticking around at a company….however I do value my own career development too! Should I wait until next year? Longer? Or start looking at other companies now? If I should start looking….I do know of at least one company in the area with as great of an atmosphere as my current one…if not even slightly better.

[Anonymous]

You should definitely keep an eye out to see what else is out there just in case something comes along, at the same time, if you were to ask for more responsibility at your current position and gain more “Senior” type experience, that will make you more marketable.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Private accounting just sucks imo. Have you considered going back to public? Small firms are good options if you're seeking work/life balance.

CPA for life...

[mla1169]

In industry its pretty common for them to give little weight to a cpa license. Thats why I left my last job, they probably would have cared as much if I got a motorcycle license.

That said, its not necessarily a “bad” thing that someone else got a promotion because they asked first, makes your employer sound pretty fair to me. I can't say I'd give them x time frame to promote me or leave. If you feel you can find a better opportunity elsewhere theres no harm in looking.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[LSNYC]

I would start looking. However I don't understand how come you both can't be promoted. I never understood that, maybe it's just where I work but in my group there are 3 seniors, all with different jobs but same title.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[KeepUPosted]

Thanks for the replies so far guys! Just a sidenote, a “Senior” at my job has almost exactly the same job as a “Staff”….it's mainly an act of recognition and a salary increase. There are quite a few Seniors at my company….most have been there anywhere from 5 – 17 years (love the company and don't want to leave). Am I killing my marketability if it's essentially the same job?

mla – I agree, if the CPA doesn't mean everything, then it was fair. I may have not come across that way in my original post, I apologize. I just am worried about missing my shot as promotions do not occur frequently at my company….so trying to determine if it's worth the wait (and if 2 years would be too soon to leave).

LSNYC – Actually, two were promoted (I just didn't want to say that in my original post and make my situation more identifiable….I don't know if my peers browse this forum. My company is still recovering from a slump….probably why they could only promote two.

[SonjaBlue]

Private industry doesn't promote as quickly as CPA firms. At the company I work, you can't be promoted to a Senior level until you have five years experience minimum. Even if you get five years experience, you have to take on Senior level work to get the promotion.

I think your current employer is doing a disservice to its employees by giving them an “honorific” promotion based solely on who asked first, rather than your roles and responsibilities. Being a Senior should be based on merit which includes soft skill competencies, technical accounting knowledge, analytical skills, and job responsibilities.

Having worked for a mid-size CPA firm for two years, a multi-million dollar (non-public) company for 9 years, and a billion dollar (public) company for five years, I have watched people promoted to Senior level desks get fired (for inability to perform duties), get demoted to staff (for the same reason), one person had what I would characterize as a nervous breakdown, a couple people complained about having “no work/life balance” as a Senior level accountant. Do a self evaluation and ask yourself if you are really ready for Senior level work.

If you are ready …. you should start looking for a new job now. Choose a position that has Senior level work that goes along with the pay. The only real way to develop yourself and grow your career is to be able to perform at the higher Senior level. The “honorific” title won't get you to that place.

Good Luck!

FAR 02/26/13 78 [05/25/12 67]
AUD 07/07/12 85
REG 05/28/13 80 [08/25/12 72]
BEC 11/26/12 81

[The Dingo]

No, walk in there immediately and announce: “Show me the money, or I'm outta' here, jackwagon!”

I mean really, you passed a test, so you're instantly…immediately more valuable because you…wait…You passed a test…I mean, congrats, it IS an accomplishment and certainly celebrate and you can reflect how the certification brings more horsepower to the department and the organization…but in reality:

Did your performance or level of contribution change dramatically from the day before you received your scores to the day after…?

I'm not trying to sound like a smarty-pants here (it's just a natural talent, but bear with me…)

It IS entirely possible the individual who was recently promoted was promoted because he or she demonstrated capacity for the work and was performing better.

One more, and I have coached this to young associates and managers for a long time…it's about your recent review:

You were recognized for performing well AT THE JOB YOU DO NOW. (capitalized with intent) That's good, certainly a very positive thing to here…but what about that review makes anyone believe you can perform at the next level?

I know (I actually read your posts)…you said the functions are similar, but maybe not as exactly similar as you might believe…So my advice to individuals early in their career is to demonstrate you can perform at the next level…show that you would be successful at the next step…Make yourself a known resource and the decision for management on who gets promoted next is easier for them when you demonstrate you're ready for the job, because you're already performing.

Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

I'm a Senior Acct at my private company, and I would say that there is a much better work-life balance here than in public. I worked public for about 5 years, and tax season was killer.60-80 hours a week, then performing audits immediately following. Was CRAZY. I think it really matters if you can get in the right private firm. My company really treats employees well, giving 10% bonuses and 3% raises annually.

If you feel that the work you put in for your license is not being utilized or rewarded, get in touch with a job recruiter and see what's out there. There is no harm in watching the market for better opportunities.

[KeepUPosted]

Thanks for the input everyone! You have all given me quite a bit to think about. I am starting to gain a much better perspective.

Dingo, thanks for the honest advice – I think the main reason I believe(d) the CPA would help was the fact that it showed dedication. The others who were promoted started studying for the CPA exam at the same time that I did. However, they have made very little progress, if any at all towards that goal. I also took initiative to find ways improve our existing accounting processes. I guess I just wanted to believe that my extra work would go noticed, and show that I was willing to go above and beyond (as I always have been)….but maybe I had it all wrong. I do also think that one of the peers just has a lot more in common with my immediate manager, and therefore naturally has a better relationship (nothing wrong with that at all).

I have decided that I will not actively look for another job now…but I will keep my ears open. I'll set my LinkedIn to allow others to contact me regarding career opportunities, and I'll start trying to form a relationship with a specific other company in the area (I have a friend working there, and know for a fact I would enjoy working for that company just as much). If a Senior position involving more advanced tasks (ie: supervision) does come my way….I'll seriously consider it.

[Author]

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