[benjo768]

Ok looking for some opinions on what you would do here. To make a long story short, I started working for a mid-tier firm in January this year, and recently got an offer from a different mid-tier in another state that I am going to take.

I just found out on this last release date that I passed my fourth test. Normally, the firm will reimburse your testing costs/NTS fee, and then give you a CPA bonus on top of that. I’m putting my two weeks in here today though, and therein lies my question. I’m not sure if I should try pushing all of that through in my last two weeks here, or wait til i get to my new company. If it makes a difference, I’m starting as a new hire at the new company so I’m eligible for the CPA bonus there too. I’m not 100% sure about test reimbursement though, but i’m assuming this is probably standard for all of the bigger firms. Correct me if i’m wrong.

For those of you working for firms that are already done, how quickly did you get reimbursed and how long did it take your bonus to process? Did you need your actual license or just pass the 4 tests before they will give it to you? I’m definitely not going to have the application ready to go by the time I’m done here as I’m also coordinating a cross country move currently.

What would you do in this scenario? Technically I’ve earned the bonus here and should also be reimbursed for the tests, but am i an A-hole for trying to get that since I’m quitting?

[GAPilot715]

A lot of firms have a policy that states you will have to pay back your bonus/reimbursement if you leave the firm within a certain amount of time. Typically one or two years.

I doubt they are going to give you anything since you are leaving. Do you have a contract that says they will pay for your exam fees and give you a bonus even if you decide to leave? If not, then don't bring it up.

What you can do is talk to the new firm once you start and politely say you were looking to see if it was a possibility to get reimbursed for exam fees and that you have passed the exam since the interview and the offer was accepted. Something along those lines is a much better option in my opinion.

[benjo768]

@GAPilot715

Oh thanks! I hadn't even thought of that. I think you're right, they do require it to be paid back since i'm leaving. I'll double check in the handbook, but no you're correct I don't have a contract that says I get it even if I leave.

Excellent idea on asking the new firm about reimbursement, I know I'll at least get a bonus from them, so i guess if I end up being out the testing fees, that's my own fault for switching companies. I'll go in not expecting to get the testing fees reimbursed, and if they do it'll be a pleasant surprise and a nice little dent in my student loans!

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