[Fratty Redneck]

I currently work for a subsidiary of a law firm that was created basically to provide tax resolution services. I’m a CPA, and the only non-attorney that is employed by the subsidiary. The subsidiary was basically formed to provide these services at a lower rate than what the larger law firm could provide them. The work here is pretty unfulfilling, but it is likely the easiest job I will ever have. I work 37.5 hours per week and make in the lower 70s. My boss often says things like, “You’re going to be here for a long time and fund my retirement.” These things don’t really sit well with me because I know I’m already not being challenged much here and what’s in it for me to sit around and be his cash cow. When I was hired, it was portrayed that I would essentially be a non-equity shareholder and this start-up would be my baby, which has in fact, turned out to be false.

I’ve recently been offered a Tax Manager role with a small CPA firm in my area. The question is do I want to ride it out here a couple more years (I’ve only been here for a year and couple months), or do I want to jump at this Manager opportunity making mid 80s. Tax season hours don’t sound like a ton of fun, but it is about a 22% raise. I’d also be setting myself up better in the long run with a Manager title no matter how long I decide to stick around.

I’m just looking for some good feedback from others in the profession.

[Bourne]

Sorta in the same sitaution, sorta not lol. Sounds to me like you should take the manager position. Yeah, the hours will suck, but that'll look great on your resume. Think more long term. You said it yourself, your job is not very fulfilling, you may just be going through the motions. Go for the higher pay and a job that will challenge you. Your future self will thank you.

[Anonymous]

I have a brother who works from home and basically gets to spend the day watching Twitch and playing PUBG while getting paid. I'm often jealous of this to be honest. However, while it is nice for the short term i can't imagine it lasting. If you feel unchallenged, like you aren't learning and becoming a better accountant than it doesn't seem worth it, unless maybe you're close to retirement or something! In the long run, the things I want are job security, job satisfaction, and work/life balance. If I'm not getting better then I won't feel like I'm worth keeping around for a company and I definitely won't be happy with my job.

Obviously you know you're the only one that can make this decision, but from the sound of it and based on my limited experience, it seems like this manager opportunity could be good. Have you looked at other managerial positions in your area? If this new position is your first and only offer, it might be worth shopping around a bit to at least get an idea of what you're worth and to see if there are places with less grueling tax seasons (my least favorite part).

Best of luck!

[Recked]

Opportunity often comes disguised as a pair of overalls (hard work).
I'd attempt to negotiate some type of equity position, or else you are just wasting your time. Not only are you his cash cow now, but you're building him an asset that he will eventually sell to you, or someone else.
The comment about funding his retirement already sounds like he's either planning to keep working you, or selling it to you.
How much are you currently grossing for your boss now? If you're already grossing enough to cover your salary plus your share of overhead, then you can attempt to squeeze more money. If you can close the pay gap while keeping your cake job, that might be the best solution. Its one thing to make less than other opportunities, but to make less and also be taken advantage of is on another level.
If you're not currently grossing at least double your cost (including payroll taxes and health insurance, etc.) then you might not have too much negotiating power. Its all a numbers game.

[Fratty Redneck]

To answer the question about my worth, I'm already making more than I'm probably worth. I'm 5 years removed from undergrad and making in the low $70s for 37.5 hour weeks.

Right now, I'm definitely not grossing more than my cost because the subsidiary didn't technically launch until January 1 of this year. We have around 50 clients right now, so unfortunately, I don't think I have much leverage other than knowing they won't be able to hire someone in this role as qualified as I am.

[Fratty Redneck]

I should also add that I'm in the Southeast for reference on pay scale.

[Kat]

Do you know how heavy the offering firms tax season is?

[Fratty Redneck]

I think it's a 55 hour per week minimum. They said they aren't very strict about full 8 hour days on Saturday or anything. Overtime pay is offered or you can comp overtime hours as PTO so it doesn't seem bad. The firm also closes at noon on Fridays during the summer.

[Kat]

That sounds exactly like the firm that I am working at right now and I absolutely love it. Just wanted to be sure to ask how their tax season was though because I used to work for a tax heavy firm a few years ago and the hours were so bad that the higher salary did not make up for it. Your offering firm sounds like a good deal! I would say go for it.

[Author]

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