[AJE]

I did an internship with a regional public firm last summer and received (and accepted) a full-time offer for XYZ starting date. Internship 2014, full-time starting date early 2016.

I will have finished my Master of Accountancy and all 4 parts of the CPA exam (hopefully) before I start working for my firm. They paid for the study course, will reimburse me for the test fees, and give me a bonus.

My question is: Should I (is it common to) renegotiate my starting salary? If so, when/how should I have that discussion?

FAR 91 - 04/16
BEC 87 - 05/15
REG 77 - 07/27
AUD 92 - 08/31

[Anonymous]

It is not common. Your bonus is considered your compensation for passing. You certainly have the right to ask for more, and they certainly have the right to deny that and look for other candidates who are willing to work at the starting salary.

[Anonymous]

sundizz-

Should I (is it common to) renegotiate my starting salary? No and no. I just wouldn't even bother. You have a better chance of having your offer rescinded than increased.

If so, when/how should I have that discussion? Leading up to your annual performance review.

[MaLoTu]

Is it ok to negotiate your starting salary when you are an entry level associate? I will have 2 Masters degrees and have been interviewing (for about a month!) with a larger size, non B4 firm. So, I have accumulated a lot of student debt. Would that be grounds to at least try to have an increased starting salary? Do IT auditors make more, less, or the same as your standard audit associate?

Sorry to hijack the thread!

Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

All 4 passed - 2016

CA CPA

[Missy]

MaLo, please don't ever talk about your student debt in relation to salary, its kind of a turn off to employers. If you bring more to the table than other candidates because of your experience, education, etc then sure use that angle to negotiate a higher salary.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[acamp]

If you are starting as a first year associate you will get paid as such. If passing the CPA, having extra degrees or having piles of student equate to you being qualified for a more senior position, than yes, you could ask for a raise (side note: none of those qualify you for a more senior position).

Remember, public does regard the CPA the way industry does. Its just a requirement in public and getting it done ASAP is awesome and they reward you for it, but it does not change your responsibilities.

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

[AJE]

Okay, thanks. That's what I thought but always better to know more. They are offering me slightly more than others because of the master's so I didn't know if there were any similar expectations to coming in with the CPA exam finished.

FAR 91 - 04/16
BEC 87 - 05/15
REG 77 - 07/27
AUD 92 - 08/31

[thechapman]

Don't try it. The biggest thing is that you get that out of the way for yourself and will never have to worry about it again like so many others do.

Passed - 2014

[acamp]

Oh yeah, that is true they do give a bump for having a masters; I figured (for the guy with two masters) that his firm knew about his educational plans during the offer process.

If the firm is not aware of you having a masters it wouldn't hurt to ask if now having a masters changes your offer.

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

[Author]

Replies