[Anonymous]

I haven’t worked in 5+ years, and accepted a $30,000 position at a small CPA firm. I then canceled an interview (which I am 95% sure I would have got) that pays almost double that amount (I later found out).

Should I take this job and keep looking, or reneg and keep looking? I would prefer to hand deliver my resume as I did this for the job I canceled an interview with and I think it made a huge difference (but maybe it’s even better to look while having a current job on my resume).

I think I would find something pretty quickly as firms are gearing up for the season. It also only took me about a month of real search to land this one.

[Anonymous]

Given that you need the 1 year of work experience, presuming that this position would fulfill that, I would follow through with the currently-accepted position but still keep my eyes and ears open. This also allows you to be more selective with the next position (like, the 2nd interview that you canceled might still not be as good as you can get, so having a paycheck while looking for a better paycheck may allow you to be more selective). Just be cautious with sharing how much you make with future employers, so that they don't think that the fact that you make $30k now means that $32k is all it will take for you to switch to them.

But…I prefer to be working, even though it makes the job-search harder, rather than be out of work looking for the best opportunity…I know not everyone agrees with that philosophy, though.

[Anonymous]

Given that you need the 1 year of work experience, presuming that this position would fulfill that, I would follow through with the currently-accepted position but still keep my eyes and ears open. This also allows you to be more selective with the next position (like, the 2nd interview that you canceled might still not be as good as you can get, so having a paycheck while looking for a better paycheck may allow you to be more selective). Just be cautious with sharing how much you make with future employers, so that they don't think that the fact that you make $30k now means that $32k is all it will take for you to switch to them.

But…I prefer to be working, even though it makes the job-search harder, rather than be out of work looking for the best opportunity…I know not everyone agrees with that philosophy, though.

[mla1169]

I'd take it at this point. Most of the gearing up for busy season was done 2-3 months ago. It's possible someplace may still be shorthanded at this point but not as ample opportunities as in the fall.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I'd take it at this point. Most of the gearing up for busy season was done 2-3 months ago. It's possible someplace may still be shorthanded at this point but not as ample opportunities as in the fall.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

Well, I think I'm going to try to negotiate a higher number soon before I start.

[Anonymous]

Well, I think I'm going to try to negotiate a higher number soon before I start.

[ItsStudyTime]

If you already accepted the offer, it's too late to negotiate.

BEC - 10/01/2013 - 80 - Wiley books and test bank
AUD - 10/21/2013 - 78 - Wiley books and test bank
REG - 11/27/2013 - 78 - Wiley books and test bank
FAR - 01/13/2014 - 79 - Wiley books and test bank, Ninja Blitz

License Issued 03/17/2014

[ItsStudyTime]

If you already accepted the offer, it's too late to negotiate.

BEC - 10/01/2013 - 80 - Wiley books and test bank
AUD - 10/21/2013 - 78 - Wiley books and test bank
REG - 11/27/2013 - 78 - Wiley books and test bank
FAR - 01/13/2014 - 79 - Wiley books and test bank, Ninja Blitz

License Issued 03/17/2014

[Anonymous]

I think in this economy it's good to take any position to get the experience. I think you may have goofed in declining an interview that pays double the $30K though. It does indeed sound like you've already accepted the $30K offer so I suggest just biting the bullet and going through with it. Hell, if I was offered a $20K accounting-related position I'd jump on it like there was no tomorrow.

I am curious though, how did you manage to find a position in your month of searching? Recently graduated here and have begun the process of trying to find something but have not had much luck.

[Anonymous]

I think in this economy it's good to take any position to get the experience. I think you may have goofed in declining an interview that pays double the $30K though. It does indeed sound like you've already accepted the $30K offer so I suggest just biting the bullet and going through with it. Hell, if I was offered a $20K accounting-related position I'd jump on it like there was no tomorrow.

I am curious though, how did you manage to find a position in your month of searching? Recently graduated here and have begun the process of trying to find something but have not had much luck.

[barelystayingsane]

Will you get a significant (i.e., over $10,000) pay increase once you become licensed? I didn't realize that CPA firms (even small ones) paid that low. Based on the fact that none of the other responses have been overly shocked by this, I guess maybe I am just clueless. May I ask what area of the country you live in?

[barelystayingsane]

Will you get a significant (i.e., over $10,000) pay increase once you become licensed? I didn't realize that CPA firms (even small ones) paid that low. Based on the fact that none of the other responses have been overly shocked by this, I guess maybe I am just clueless. May I ask what area of the country you live in?

[barelystayingsane]

My apologies if that previous post comes across as rude. I didn't intend for that. A $30k salary for an accountant just doesn't seem fair to me.

[barelystayingsane]

My apologies if that previous post comes across as rude. I didn't intend for that. A $30k salary for an accountant just doesn't seem fair to me.

[Anonymous]

Dude, not at all. Freaking intern students (no degree) make $42k lol. I'm in Texas.

No, this is not fair at all. I'm walking if they pay less than a certain amount. Gonna try for $55k. Gonna walk if it's less than $43, maybe $47.

Only took a few weeks of real searching to get this anyway, and during off-season, after the real hiring. Think more hiring will occur Jan. & Feb. too.

So, at least now I know what to ask for.

other posters:

It's never too late to ask for more.

Don't sell yourself short.

[Author]

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