[Kyle]

Hello all,

I recently have been offered a job at another firm. Currently I work for a regional firm of 900 or so employees and would be moving down to a firm of 100 or so.

The offer is for a position of the same title, but would be about a 13% raise. I currently am a staff but would expect to be promoted at either firm by mid 2020. The new firm offer’s a lot less travel which is appealing to me, there are several other small things that have went into me wanting to switch, but ultimately money and travel are the bulk of it.

I know sometimes when an employee leaves for one firm to another, their 2 weeks is ultimately cut short and they are let go. I am currently on a client that will struggle to issue by 12/31 and dont want to leave my team hanging. My new firm wants me to start 12/16 (but could be flexible).

My question is, should i give three weeks notice to give them a little more time to plan for me leaving? or should I just give two? I want to give them ample time to plan, but I am afraid if I give 3 weeks they will cut me early and screw the audit team over on my current client.

Another question is, I have already accepted my offer at the new firm, but what if my current firm tries to get me to stay and ultimately accommodates the reasons I am looking to leave, how would I reject an already accepted offer?

The timing was really hard because I needed to accept the offer before I would put my two weeks in, so i couldn’t wait to accept until I talked to my boss, which made it a little more difficult. Anyway, I am looking for any advice. Thanks!

[bigstakk]

Rule no. 1 -never leave a firm for a lateral move. You need to leverage your experience at a larger company to secure a better title and pay (senior accountant) if you move to a smaller shop. I’d recommend staying with your current firm until after your promotion though. It looks better on your resume to have promotions within a company, but if you are going to hop it better be for a better title and significant pay increase. At your level 13% is decent but not life changing. I’d say pass unless you get the title bump and a bit more pay .

[aaronmo]

I was in this situation earlier this year…I was at a smaller regional (60 CPAs) and was extremely unhappy, and somewhat irritated over a few things. I decided to wait it out until after tax season, and I thought I was being respectful/appropriate. My plan was to give two weeks to mitigate some of the risk you mentioned above…

About a week before I was planning on giving notice, my direct supervisor, who I liked, mentioned having a project and that she'd be out of pocket. I knew that waiting that extra week could hurt some of my old co-workers, and I didn't want to be an arse…so I gave three weeks vs. two. I was kept for the three weeks, and I think it was the right thing to do, risk or not.

In the long run, you won't remember that week of pay, but you will remember your actions and honor.

[Kyle]

@Bigstakk that makes sense, my question is though, how would I reject my already accepted job offer? Thoughts?

@aaronmo thanks! Completely agree.

[Anthony]

Just tell them the truth that you're no longer interested in it the offer you accepted. This happens all the time with people who go through multiple job interviews for many companies.

Honestly I would personally say screw it. Put in your 2 weeks and bounce. Even if they give you a counter offer, leave because now they know you're a flight risk and wouldn't think twice of finding a replacement and canning you.

You don't own anybody anything. The two weeks is nothing more than good courtesy for the employer to find a replacement.

[aaronmo]

I have heard stories where the counter offer worked out for everyone involved, but it's not common. Usually it pegs you as “different and looking”. If I wanted to go that route, I'd probably ask for the promotion/raise now, knowing you have the other offer in your back pocket. If they say no, you have your answer, if they say yes, they don't know you were potentially out the door.

[Kyle]

@bigstakk I took your advice and decided not to leave for a lateral move. I went to put in my three weeks notice and my boss was pretty sad and disappointed and ran it up the ladder and ultimately they matched what I Was being offered elsewhere and offered some accommodations to keep me happy. I believe I made the right choice. Sending the “I don't accept” email after already accepting was a little difficult but life goes on.

[Author]

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