[Anonymous]

I am from another country, worked for Big4 in my country then came to US, studied by myself and completed CPA. I worked for a small CPA firm (4 people) in CA for nearly 2 years and got my license. I moved to Lincoln, NE because my husband got a job here and I worked for a small (10 people) accounting firm for 1.5y. The firm is shutting down and I was referred by my supervisor to another CPA firm in town. This firm is a top local firm with about 60 people. I have an interview with them next week. I talked with one current employee and he said they most likely will ask about my desired salary without offering me first. I did some research but still find it’s difficult to have an idea about salary range to talk with them. Can anyone help? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Id say probably atleast 50k..It will be based on your negotiating skills as well as personality though. So bring your A game.

Most firms are sourced throughout the country so they are doing work nationwide or atleast through the region..

50-55k more then 5+ years youre getting closer to 70k as a manager. if you have several years experience..I'm just sourcing it off some of the firms in Iowa I spoke with.

[Anonymous]

Thank you amohr23cubs! I have to admit that I'm not good at negotiating. I was unhappy with my previous jobs because of that even though I still did my best and got good performance review. Probably it partly comes from the fact that I really want (and need) to get the jobs so I feel like I'm in a weak position. Do you have any tips to improve negotiating skills? Thank you!

[Spartans92]

Firms will always offer you the lowest to begin with and expect you to negotiate. Don't let them low-ball you. Ask for high and then negotiate, given you have few years and the certification under your belt. 50-55k nowadays is the starting salary for many fresh grads so if I were you I would go for 60k it doesn't hurt to ask if they see you fit they would counter somewhere between 55-60. My cousin who's an engineer (mechanical) working for the largest auto company (hint-hint) was offer 67k she negotiated they counter offer 72k. That is for a fresh grad too but engineers are different than accountants but again with the CPA you should be making no less than 55k.

BEC- PASS

[Anonymous]

Thank you Spartans92! Your cousin must be very good at negotiating. I want to ask what I should do if my employer ask about my current/previous job salary? I was asked when interviewing for my current job. I was unprepared and honestly answered, then he made an offer based on that. I was shocked but I was ridiculous enough to take it without negotiating, It's far below 50k :(.

[Spartans92]

IzChi I cannot answer that question since I did not negotiate my salary either lol. My cousin did say that I am stupid enough not to. She had help from our older cousin who is a recruiter for many years! And I credit her for helping me getting my first job too. But if they do ask, guess you should tell them? I have very limited experience in terms of jobs so I can't offer any advice. For me personally I would not lie about anything but would negotiate if they offer the same range. I don't know how the market is like in Nebraska but I honestly don't think it will be too hard to find jobs with the CPA. Good Luck!

BEC- PASS

[Anonymous]

dont ever disclose prior salary or a concrete number you are looking to get paid at the new firm. give a range . something like im entertaining positions that promise to pay in the 55-75K range. and if they say well gee its a pretty big range, then say lets negotiate and list all the value that you bring, aka multiple years of experience, CPA license etc etc.

odds are by the time you're talking about salary – which is 2nd 3rd interview nowadays (NEVER bring salary up- let them bring it up) theyll be willing to budge a little to hrie you cuz they already want you.

[Anonymous]

@Spartans92: Thank you!
@eesti: Thank you for your advice! I think I shouldn't and I feel uncomfortable to tell too but did not know what to say.

[monikernc]

start here with state of nebraska occupational employment survey data from the state's labor market information group

https://tinyurl.com/zq4k3v7

i got back to my desk and the link above may have expired so try here and go to occupational data, follow the links to accountant 13000:

https://tinyurl.com/zn5jm7f

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Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
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[Skynet]

A Bushel of Corn, maybe? : )

[Anonymous]

fuck a bushnell in the midwest your have to hold out for atleast 2 03 three and there first borns cousing sister if shes cute..

But seriously when it comes to neogtiating it helps if the ball is in your court..

You either are employed and not in need of instant cash..or have a good amount of money saved up..

If youre needy its harder..

I think everyone has covered the basics with good advice..

always say a little bit higher then you want..because chances are if they are interested they will be willing to come close to it.

If not say you ask for 60 and they counter with 50 and youre okay with that..then its a done deal..

and 50k in nebraska is doing okay..I love the midwest..good people..affordable and easy lifestyle..

No beaches in a bummer though..but its pretty nice..omaha and lincoln arent bad ive been to both..

[Author]

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