[Anonymous]

I worked for a Big4 for 7 months in a different country before moving to CA. I got an offer from a tiny CPA firm. There are only the owner and me and I’m the first employee. I was paid hourly, totaled about $32k per year without any benefit (no insurance, nothing!). I took it because I was desperate to get an auditing position given that I had just come and do not have US degree. When I started with the firm, I passed AUD. Within 8 months, I passes all 4 parts. I paid for CPA exams by myself. (It was a big disappointment for me when there is neither bonus nor raise for passing the exams :(). After a year, I was given a raise to roughly $35k, still no insurance. Given the Affordable Healthcare Act which means I cannot NOT have an insurance anymore without paying a penalty, the raise is none in net. I’m always unhappy with the rate

but hesitate to change job. One reason is because it does not look good to switch job after a short period of time. Secondly, with little experience in US I still think it’s hard to find another job. Thirdly, there are several pros of the current firm: the boss is very nice, not long hours even during busy season.

Beside the paycheck, I also want to switch to another bigger firm because at the current one we just have fews audit clients and they are all small. I want to get more challenges and experience in diversified industries.

Another thing, I will need to reallocate in next Aug meaning that if I start a new job, I will only work for 8 months.

I would really appreciate if anyone can give me some advices what I should do in this situation! Thanks a lot in advance!!!

[mla1169]

It certainly can't hurt to look for another job. If you know the area you'll be relocating to maybe you could find a job where a transfer will be possible at the time you are looking to move.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

It certainly can't hurt to look for another job. If you know the area you'll be relocating to maybe you could find a job where a transfer will be possible at the time you are looking to move.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[teeteenounouche]

I agree with mla1169, you should search for a new job in the new area you will be relocating to…it will take a while to find a new job so 8 months will fly by very fast…also since you don't have long hours at the small firm, it will give you plenty of time for interviewing.

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]

I agree with mla1169, you should search for a new job in the new area you will be relocating to…it will take a while to find a new job so 8 months will fly by very fast…also since you don't have long hours at the small firm, it will give you plenty of time for interviewing.

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]

Thank you mla1169 and teeteenounouche!

The problem is that I don't know where I will relocate to because it depends on where my husband will get an offer. However, it's most likely that there are less available opportunities for me at the new location (I'm currently at the North CA, Bay area). That's why I want to make use of the time I have at current place.

[Anonymous]

Thank you mla1169 and teeteenounouche!

The problem is that I don't know where I will relocate to because it depends on where my husband will get an offer. However, it's most likely that there are less available opportunities for me at the new location (I'm currently at the North CA, Bay area). That's why I want to make use of the time I have at current place.

[teeteenounouche]

OK, then go for it and see what happens where live, maybe you will get an opportunity with a large firm that will let you transfer to another office when you have to move…it doesn't hurt to apply and interview 🙂

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]

OK, then go for it and see what happens where live, maybe you will get an opportunity with a large firm that will let you transfer to another office when you have to move…it doesn't hurt to apply and interview 🙂

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]

If you are going to stay in the area (Bay Area) you should start applying for other jobs right now. I'm in the Bay Area and have seen MANY positions open that require 0-1 years experience. I use Indeed.com to job search and how I got my current position which is a top 10 firm according to vault.

I worked at a small firm prior and while i loved how little the overtime was, I hated how little the pay checks were. Logically, with small clients how much can they really pay you? Especially if the fees aren't that high.

[Anonymous]

If you are going to stay in the area (Bay Area) you should start applying for other jobs right now. I'm in the Bay Area and have seen MANY positions open that require 0-1 years experience. I use Indeed.com to job search and how I got my current position which is a top 10 firm according to vault.

I worked at a small firm prior and while i loved how little the overtime was, I hated how little the pay checks were. Logically, with small clients how much can they really pay you? Especially if the fees aren't that high.

[acamp]

Yikes, $35K in the Bay Area, don't just leave, RUN! I think entry level Big4 in SF is around $53K.

You might even hit up your recruiters from the country you worked in to see if they can get you in contact with recruiters here. From there, you can always transfer 🙂

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

Yikes, $35K in the Bay Area, don't just leave, RUN! I think entry level Big4 in SF is around $53K.

You might even hit up your recruiters from the country you worked in to see if they can get you in contact with recruiters here. From there, you can always transfer 🙂

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[tough_kitty]

I was going to say the same thing – $35K in BAY AREA?!? That guy is taking advantage of you!!!!!!!

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

I was going to say the same thing – $35K in BAY AREA?!? That guy is taking advantage of you!!!!!!!

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Kenada]

I am in the bay area too. I would suggest you start looking for another job as if you can get into the big four you can transfer to the location your husband ends up getting an offer at.

Either way, 35K in the Bay area is seriously too little. You are better off looking for a job that will pay you better and provide you health insurance. Also employers understand. Life happens, your spouse gets a job in a different city of course you have to move. So that in is an easily explained situation when an interview asks you why you left the job after such a short time.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Author]

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