[jhd7]

For those who have passed, how and when did you ask for a raise once you passed the exam? I just found out I passed on Friday. Currently, I have 139 credits. I plan to finish my 150 in the fall or next spring. I have already met the work exp requirement. I work at a small firm in NJ. The only cpa’s there are the partners basically. All other staff aren’t even studying yet for their cpa, so I feel I have good leverage in that respect. What do you guys think? Also, for those in the area, what kind of salary should I expect as a cpa in my situation? I’ve been out of undergrad for 2 years, I will have my masters in tax very soon, and I have two tax seasons under my belt. Currently, after tax season bonus, I make in the mid 40’s which I feel is too low. Thanks in advance.

AUD- 78
BEC- 79
REG- 91
FAR- 83

Licensed NJ CPA

DONE

[nicole2035]

i'd assume you would wait until you are done with credits. maybe negotiate a tuition reimbursement plan that is more favorable since you have passed?

i just don't see how it'd be favorable for a company to give a raise now when you can't practice as a CPA yet

[Java230]

Once you prove to your bosses why a CPA is worth an extra dollar, until then, I agree with the post above! Work on school (getting credit), maybe ask them to pay for some credits (after you tell them how it will benefit the firm). Then after you TELL them how you will benefit (and finish your credits), SHOW them that you are worth a penny more, THEN ask for raise. If I was a boss, I wouldn't give an employee a single penny on just the fact they passed. Passing a CPA exam is worthless unless you can show the firm how it will benefit them. I passed the CPA exam on Friday as well. As a non-CPA I get paid $90 thousand, once I am a CPA and show them my worth, I would want a raise to $110 thousand. But that is only AFTER I show the firm my extra value! As a mother, I wouldn't take the risk of asking my boss for a raise prematurely, if they don't give me a raise, I will respect the choice not to give me a raise and work harder. I will not ask my boss for a raise until I deserve it! I have never asked my boss for a raise, they give me a raise when I prove myself. A CPA exam does not equal extra MONEY (school and review course will falsely make you believe that— NOT TRUE). Becker often adds the “extra money” into the course, so silly. A CPA exam does not mean you deserve an extra penny, it is just a test (no different then a driving test). In fact, driving test was MUCH harder for me. Anyway, don't think of it as anything more then a test.

Licensed WA CPA 2/2015
Government Auditor Since 2007

[fuzyfro89]

Jhd7:

I'll offer a different perspective. Find a new job. You mentioned none of the other staff at your current firm are working toward the CPA? Doesn't this sound like a problem to you?

I know this is an extreme example, but I think it makes my point. What if you went and got your Medical Degree, could you then ask your current employer for a raise? No, because they have no value for it.

My silly example exists to describe that your firm may not have many CPAs because they don't NEED many CPAs… i.e. they don't want to pay a premium for someone who has a CPA. It's not a personal thing, since getting the license is obviously a big accomplishment.

Did your supervisor(s) support you through taking the exam? Has there been any discussion of what it means before now (either pay, responsibility, or both)?

I saw you don't yet have the requirements to get licensed, so maybe that's something to consider as well?

[mla1169]

A couple of thoughts. Is it time or close to time for your annual review? If it is, do some research into average staff account aalaries in your area. If you're right at the average, don't expect a big bump until you're licensed. Like mentioned above you may now be overqualified for your position but that doesn't mean you'll make more than the avg staff accountant, there's a pay scale for every position.

Think about what value you've added to the firm and how you've gone above and beyond your job description. That's where a bump in salary comes from. If you just do your job and punch out, passing the exams won't compensate.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[jhd7]

Thanks for all the input guys!

@fuzyfro89 I never thought about it like that. My two direct supervisors don't have any extra credentials aside from their bachelors. I never really discussed the exam with them because I always felt awkward that they didn't have their cpa and I was continuing to make strides towards passing the exam and then I finally did pass. As far as discussing what happens next after I passed with the partners, I haven't done that either because I always wanted to remain humble and not assume I was going to pass just in case I didn't for some reason. Hopefully once I let them know I passed it'll naturally come up (I found out Friday at 4pm and they were already gone for the weekend)

AUD- 78
BEC- 79
REG- 91
FAR- 83

Licensed NJ CPA

DONE

[jhd7]

Thanks for all the input guys!

@fuzyfro89 I never thought about it like that. My two direct supervisors don't have any extra credentials aside from their bachelors. I never really discussed the exam with them because I always felt awkward that they didn't have their cpa and I was continuing to make strides towards passing the exam and then I finally did pass. As far as discussing what happens next after I passed with the partners, I haven't done that either because I always wanted to remain humble and not assume I was going to pass just in case I didn't for some reason. Hopefully once I let them know I passed it'll naturally come up (I found out Friday at 4pm and they were already gone for the weekend)

AUD- 78
BEC- 79
REG- 91
FAR- 83

Licensed NJ CPA

DONE

[GSU-CPA]

It doesnt hurt to try. I say approach the situation by telling them you enjoy working there and you just passed your CPA exam what kind of plans do they have for you.

How much money do you make right now? Thats another thing that is important to know in this situation.

Looks like you took the test 11 times which is about $2500 just for test fees that you paid. On top of that include the study material and i am sure it went to about $5000 so you should get something in return.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[Anonymous]

With my office, I negotiated a reimbursement for my exam costs (study materials, ect) payable upon completion of the exam. Since my position already has a requirement of CPA license (or in progress), there wasn't going to be a bump in pay.

A couple questions come to mind regarding your compensation. What's the size of your firm? What's your geographical location? All these items play a part in determination of competitive pay. (A CPA license should help with leverage)

Also, if you're planning on jumping ship for more pay, research and see what positions you would qualify for elsewhere (because some better paying positions require more experience in the accounting field & managing other employees before you can really capitalize on your CPA license). It may be a smart decision to use your exam and degree to ask your employer for more responsibilities so that you can make your resume even more impressive if you plan on leaving.

[Author]

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