[GumboCPA]

So I graduated almost 5 years ago and had a tough time getting a job because my resume included restaurants and not the best GPA. I also had a misdemeanor possession charge stuck on my record from when I was 19. I worked until I could have money for my CPA review material. I ended up financing half of it because I finally built up my credit enough to get a personal loan. I was in contact with a few placement agencies throughout the year, but the lady basically told me it was near impossible with no experience. I had also been applying for jobs on the state’s civil service website since I graduated. Last summer I finally got a call from the state about an auditor position. I worked there for a couple months but had my updated resume available with Robert Half. They called me soon after and told me they had a position for me with another company. I wasn’t able to negotiate the salary due to them placing me and I started at $40k. I was there for 3 months by the time the annual review came around in December and was given a $1k raise. I finished 2 sections of the test by the time I started. I had the other 2 scheduled before the end of the year but they expired due to a dense work schedule at the beginning. I paid for all of the fees and review materials previously. I explained to them that 2 of the applications had expired and they ended up paying for those in addition to the bonus ($400). Fast forward to today and I just took my last section a week ago. I was 3/3 heading in and it was BEC so I’m fairly confident I passed. I may be getting ahead of myself, but with the wait for the test results and the amount of times I check the debt I’ve accumulated, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to think ahead. I’m not quite sure how long licensing takes but after receiving my score I will be eligible for licensure within a few weeks (mid-September). I wanted some advice on what I should do or expect from a raise standpoint come the next annual review in December. My current title is “Associate,” and I currently deal with sales/use tax. It seems like I have been getting more responsibilities (another individual project, preparing direct communication with clients), but I’m not sure if that is expectations for vertical movement or just natural progression. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[bhunt815]

I was offered a 15% raise when I passed but I didn't accept it. I left for more money and fewer hours. Some people will likely post that you aren't worth more money just because you have a CPA but you should ignore them because they are wrong. You worked for it and you deserve it, so go get it.

I don't know any CPA's making anywhere close to your salary. You will likely make much more very soon.

FAR 04/11/2016 - 84
AUD 05/12/2016 - 79
BEC 07/06/2016 - 81
REG 08/29/2016

[GumboCPA]

I could kiss you. Thank you for the encouragement.

By the way, also will be getting my license in Louisiana! Even better hearing kind words from you.

[Missy]

I'd take a look at either salary.com (not ENTIRELY accurate but decent ballpark) or robert half's annual salary guide adjusted for your location.

My best guess is that you're just under a year of experience based on your eligibility for licensing in September.

That said you should be at or maybe slightly under the average compensation (remember the average includes people doing the same position for 5 or more years, they are going to be the other side of average.)

Things to keep in mind though is salary is only a PORTION of compensation. If you make 41k but your employer pays 100% of insurance, you'd likely have less take home than if you made 44k and the employer paid 50% of insurance.

Best way to see what you're WORTH is to get your resume out there and get some offers. If you're being underpaid before your license, I wouldn't trust the employer to pay adequately once you are licensed. But at least start by knowing what other newly licensed cpa's in your area with 1 year experience are making.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[GumboCPA]

Thanks for the advice. We have insurance included in our salary, but I pay for the higher option because I have prescriptions I get every month and a decent number of doctor's visits.

[fuzyfro89]

Some employers clearly value passing the exams (Big 4, for example, used to offer a $5k bonus once you passed all 4… before you got a license), while others value it, but in a less direct way.

If you have not had the “career” and credential conversation with your team leader, then it's important to do that. Responsibilities, title, and potential for salary increases as you progress… and how the CPA license plays into that mix. Depending on the employer, best to tread carefully. Some just want an invoice approver clerk, and don't care if you have a CPA… or a Medical Degree! Others want to grow their people and will reward people who become more valuable simply due to market dynamics in the local community.

I don't know your employer, skill set, or opportunities to advance, but consider those before you go asking for a raise. Don't expect a 1-for-1 every time you do something to get a raise… but also don't sell yourself short by not making your goals clear.

If you find out through your conversations with leader (and other mentors in the company) that your goals are unlikely to be met (salary, title, responsibility, whatever other goals you have), then you owe it to yourself and your career to consider moving elsewhere once you make the effort if they cannot offer a path that aligns with your goals.

[AGI]

Also graduated somewhat 4 years ago, but never get my CPA license. My boss never value my “passing the CPA exam” experience, even thou I am indeed working in the Finance Department. Our office outsourced all of the CPA jobs (audits, reviews, etc) so no one in the office is a CPA. To keep it simple, my boss only value actual work experience.

I won't say restaurant experience is negative if it is on the resume. But if you are working with a CPA firm, it might not be the best experience. Also, it depends on how you describe the job duties. I usually related them to cash handling, POS, customer service or food / management / hospitality / production line. Restaurant experience are particular important if you by chance work in the food or hotel industry. (Keep in mind that probably less than 10% of accountants work in a CPA firm or even something related to Wall Street.)

I by chance do work in the food industry. We get pay way above $40k (with less experience), AND ALWAYS FREE FOOD!

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Author]

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