[Weallmustbecrazy]

So quick question! I work at a Big 4 (but I assume this could be questioned by other people in PA) and we get a bonus when we pass our CPA within the first year. However, because of my husbands job, we might be moving to a different state soon and the city where we would be living doesn’t have my firm there. Hence, I will have to go somewhere else. However, if I pass my CPA in August and leave in September but the bonus takes “60 days to process”, will I not receive my bonus because I have left before the 60 days? Also, does your firm require you to stay a certain amount of time after you pass so you can’t just take the bonus and leave? What is your experience?

FAR:82
BEC:75
REG:77
AUD:89

[Anonymous]

I'm not in PA, but from what I've seen bonuses like that typically require you to stay a year to keep the money. A friend of mine who I worked with at one of the Big 4 left the company within a year of receiving her CPA bonus. She had to pay it back when she left.

[acamp]

Check your offer letter. I don't recall any mention of having to stay for X amount of time after receiving the bonus.

Assuming no after the fact retention requirement, it sounds like you'll be at the mercy of the processing time. If you submit everything and are gone before they pay you, I'd be very surprised if they mail out a bonus checks to former employees LOL

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[fuzyfro89]

I didn't have a vesting period for the CPA pass bonus, but you might. Like above mentioned, check your offer letter where the bonus is detailed and it should say.

Stinks that you're cutting it so close though. I'm rooting for quick processing!

[lude4life13]

At my firm (Big4) people “say” we have to stay a year after the bonus. However, I have seen people leave right after getting it and never had to pay it back.

[tomq04]

You could stay behind an extra month or 2 to get that check to clear, easier if you are in a rental situation…might be worth the money.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Author]

Replies