[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!!!

[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 !

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! I'll start looking for a company that has an office at the potential locations that we may move to.

@Boarderguy4288: can you please share experience how to get into your current company? I don't want to go back to Big4 but aim at top 30. Is it a big minus to be at a small firm prior? Thanks a lot!

I'm sorry for this silly question, what can be a reason to take a day off for an interview for a new position -.-? If I get one, it's most likely during the busy season and I think I should have a good reason to ask for a day off.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! I'll start looking for a company that has an office at the potential locations that we may move to.

@Boarderguy4288: can you please share experience how to get into your current company? I don't want to go back to Big4 but aim at top 30. Is it a big minus to be at a small firm prior? Thanks a lot!

I'm sorry for this silly question, what can be a reason to take a day off for an interview for a new position -.-? If I get one, it's most likely during the busy season and I think I should have a good reason to ask for a day off.

[Anonymous]

call in sick or take a personal day

[Anonymous]

call in sick or take a personal day

[Kenada]

If you are using a recruiter they can help set you interview times to be closer to the end of the day or at lunch time or early morning.

Most potential employers understand the “sensitivity” of coming out to be interviewed. So they generally will be flexible.

If you have too – call in sick or say you have a doctors appointment.

By the way some potential employers could do a phone interview with you before asking you to come meet them in person 🙂

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

[Kenada]

If you are using a recruiter they can help set you interview times to be closer to the end of the day or at lunch time or early morning.

Most potential employers understand the “sensitivity” of coming out to be interviewed. So they generally will be flexible.

If you have too – call in sick or say you have a doctors appointment.

By the way some potential employers could do a phone interview with you before asking you to come meet them in person 🙂

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

[Author]

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