[Chris]

Hi all,

I’m not trying to count my chickens, before they hatch, but I’m curious what other CPA’s got for a percentage increase right after earning their designation? I currently work in Greater Boston at a small accounting firm. Started at $52k and last December I was bumped to $54k after year 1 for a 3.8% increase. I plan on getting fully licensed by December and would love to earn up to $65k. I doubt that will happen. But could I expect a 10-12% bump? Just curious to hear some other experiences. The survival of Sallie Mae depends on my future income.

Thanks!

NH CPA
REG: 07/03/2014 - 88
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FAR: 08/08/2015 - 64 - Retake 11/23/15 - 77

Becker*NINJA Notes/MCQ*

Now I could let these dream killers kill my self-esteem
Or use my arrogance as the steam to power my dreams ~ Kanye West

[Anonymous]

It depends on your region, what's typical for your market, and the policy at your firm. In my area, it's unrealistic to expect that kind of bump just for getting your license. I work in the banking industry in the Pittsburgh area, and I got a 13% bump when I passed, but that's also because I got promoted at the same time.

I think that often, big increases only happen with changing jobs and getting promotions. Not to say it doesn't ever happen, but it's more the excepton than the rule, at least in my area.

[GotCPA]

Srry to break it to you but you're not going to get a $11k increase for passing your cpa. Those kind of raises are from promotions. Also, it doesn't seem like your company gives great raises considering it's a public accounting firm that gives below 5%. If you get promoted at the same time, I wouldn't expect much more than $5k all together, or they may give you 1-2k bonus for passing the CPA. It all depends on your firm

[y_u_no_pass]

I got promoted after mine for a total bump of just over $11k. But I was also making much less than you I think my raise was about 15%.

Florida CPA!
Took final exam 2/25/15.
Sent in Application 3/12/15.
Issued License 3/20/15.
Used CPA Excel solely for all exams.

[Anonymous]

More likely than not, you will not see a bump of any kind after getting designated. Accounting firms dont care if you are Licensed until you are higher up on the ladder. What it may do, is at year end, your raise will be 7% instead of 6%. Please do not expect $65k anytime soon – you are only setting yourself up for disappointment with that outlook.

[Author]

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