[RandomAlt]

Graduated in August 2012. Couldn’t get a single interview during hiring season (of 2012). This year I got 3 interviews (1 full time position, and 2 internships). The full time position turned into an offer (The reason I mention it being full time is because it seems every office is only looking for interns or seniors. I couldn’t take an internship, and obviously I don’t have the experience to be a senior). Very good starting salary, what you would expect for a starting position.

I told my current boss and he offered me double my current salary to stay. $75,000. I work in an unrelated field, so I would not be doing tax work, and could not get my CPA license.

I know going into the accounting field & getting my CPA license is what I want to do, but it is so hard to turn down the additional money. I also know exactly what I am doing & what is required of me at my current job… not so much as a new starting associate.

I’ve accepted the position, and let my boss know I am leaving. I guess I am just looking for words of encouragement, advice, etc…

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[Anonymous]

The most important thing is that you are happy wherever it is that you work. The money will come. If you're happy where you're at and the money is obviously pretty good, I would recommend staying. Why can't you get your CPA where you are at now? What sort of work are you currently doing?

[Anonymous]

The most important thing is that you are happy wherever it is that you work. The money will come. If you're happy where you're at and the money is obviously pretty good, I would recommend staying. Why can't you get your CPA where you are at now? What sort of work are you currently doing?

[san4596]

This would be one of those “Fork in the road” life moments, and is not an easy decision to make. If you really want a CPA, then you just need to stick to your guns and make the hard decision to turn down the counter offer. Yes, the new job may not have as much money now, but you will get there sooner than you think with hard work.

At the same time, I would be a little concerned that my current boss was underpaying me by a significant amount. That would help me walk out of the door.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[san4596]

This would be one of those “Fork in the road” life moments, and is not an easy decision to make. If you really want a CPA, then you just need to stick to your guns and make the hard decision to turn down the counter offer. Yes, the new job may not have as much money now, but you will get there sooner than you think with hard work.

At the same time, I would be a little concerned that my current boss was underpaying me by a significant amount. That would help me walk out of the door.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[RandomAlt]

@DC – I do marketing and run the back office. No CPA on staff, and nothing related to CPA work is done here.

@san4596 – I've had a lot of people mention the “underpaying” thing, but truthfully, he would be significantly overpaying me for what the job entails. The problem is it is a really small firm, and I am in a key position. So most likely his revenues are going to be going down when I leave. I thought I was going to be able to transition over a longer period of time (I requested a month and a half till I started, but the new firm requires me to start right away, so I can only give 2 weeks notice)

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[RandomAlt]

@DC – I do marketing and run the back office. No CPA on staff, and nothing related to CPA work is done here.

@san4596 – I've had a lot of people mention the “underpaying” thing, but truthfully, he would be significantly overpaying me for what the job entails. The problem is it is a really small firm, and I am in a key position. So most likely his revenues are going to be going down when I leave. I thought I was going to be able to transition over a longer period of time (I requested a month and a half till I started, but the new firm requires me to start right away, so I can only give 2 weeks notice)

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[Texas CPA]

You have to consider the long term. In your current job, if something happened to your boss, would the business continue?

Reg - Passed 82 Nov 2012 - Becker
Aud - Passed 86 May 2013 - Becker
BEC - Passed 88 Aug 2013 - Becker
FAR - Passed 88 Nov 2013 - Becker

https://www.becker.com/cpa-review

Texas CPA

[Texas CPA]

You have to consider the long term. In your current job, if something happened to your boss, would the business continue?

Reg - Passed 82 Nov 2012 - Becker
Aud - Passed 86 May 2013 - Becker
BEC - Passed 88 Aug 2013 - Becker
FAR - Passed 88 Nov 2013 - Becker

https://www.becker.com/cpa-review

Texas CPA

[Anonymous]

Wow, RandomAlt, and congrats! You have a difficult decision between a field you are comfortable in and a career in accounting. Doubling your salary would be amazing, but consider the future positions with both alternatives. Landing a full-time offer in a firm is tough in this economy and your salary would reach $75k within a few years. If you switch back to industry later, the opportunities will really open up.

I would stay on really good terms with your current job so that you can come back if needed. Both paths sound like good choices. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Wow, RandomAlt, and congrats! You have a difficult decision between a field you are comfortable in and a career in accounting. Doubling your salary would be amazing, but consider the future positions with both alternatives. Landing a full-time offer in a firm is tough in this economy and your salary would reach $75k within a few years. If you switch back to industry later, the opportunities will really open up.

I would stay on really good terms with your current job so that you can come back if needed. Both paths sound like good choices. Good luck!

[vanadium3]

don't ever ever take a counter offer. ever.

CPA

[vanadium3]

don't ever ever take a counter offer. ever.

CPA

[jeff]

If you stay, they will always think of you as someone not there for the long haul.

You could get passed over for promotions, better assignments, etc.

Of course, we are all free agents, but once you cross that line in the sand and actually go look for greener pastures, there will be a stigma assigned to you.

Just saying…

[jeff]

If you stay, they will always think of you as someone not there for the long haul.

You could get passed over for promotions, better assignments, etc.

Of course, we are all free agents, but once you cross that line in the sand and actually go look for greener pastures, there will be a stigma assigned to you.

Just saying…

[RandomAlt]

@jgh1204 – No, the business would not continue, he is the business. And the continuation of the business is a concern of mine. If he ever decided he had enough, and just walked away, I would be out of a job.

@auslaf – I agree about getting the offer. Frankly, I was amazed. This was my second year of putting myself out there. Like I said, 1st year I got zero interviews. I am very lucky, and I'm not minimizing that factor. As my friend said when I was telling him about my dilemma, you couldn't ask for a better one to be in.

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[Author]

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