[CPA2BEE]

Hello you beautiful people,

So here’s the latest – I relocated AT MY OWN WILL to be closer to work this month, resulting in an increase in my monthly rent, and am trying to figure out if I should muster up the balls to present the idea of a COL raise to my boss or if that would just make me look like an idiot. What do you guys think? Also, what would a fair cost of living raise be? Here are a few details to consider for your advices:

– I relocated at my own will, although my boss has suggested over the last few years that I get a place closer to work. However, completely my decision.

– My rent is going up 50% (which seems really high but its only because my last rent was unbelievably low), do I convert what my rent increase would be as a % of my income when asking for the raise?

– My boss is honestly the man and I can talk to him about almost anything, we’re a smaller firm with total open-door policy. So even if this might be against big firm protocol – maybe its worth a shot with a boss who’s an actual human being?

Any advice is appreciated, trying to figure out if this is a legitimate request or if I should just forget about it. SHOW ME THE MONEY, PEOPLE

CA CPA - est. Dec 2016

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[julis728]

I'd be wary about asking for money just for moving, I'd at least throw in some stuff about how youre able to be at work earlier, stay later, get more accomplished, show them how you're making them money. just my opinion.

[Missy]

Always worth asking the question but your best chance of getting what you want is to show some added value to your employer. I guarantee the fact your living expenses increased won't justify them paying more money (imagine if you had a car mechanic who quoted $400 for brakes and then told you it would be more because he bought new tools, you'd say thats not your concern right? Same here) BUT if you can say over the last period of time you've increased your responsibilities, gone above and beyond what they asked of you provided more value to them than what they're paying for you MIGHT get lucky.

Honestly unless you're very close to annual review time I'd be surprised if it worked but there are some employers left that are that flexible.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[CPA2BEE]

Thanks guys, those were realistic and logical responses. I mean I have taken on a ton more work and worked more this tax season than I ever have, but at the same time a lot of that is just because it is tax season and this is my first tax season as a CPA. Basically the answer to this questions turns back to the answer of when you should ask any raise PERIOD – its not about moving, its about making the partners money (sadly).

As for my annual review, we usually do it in December/January but that is always when I initiate it. Basically it doesn't happen unless I initiate it lol. But having said that, I don't think I necessarily need to wait until the end of the year. We have the kind of relationship where I could just kind of bring these kinds of things up as I desire. At the same time, when we do my reviews I push hard and usually ask for more money than he wants to give me – so I also don't want to be that guy who is asking for more and more money every quarter or whatever.

Just trying to go about this without looking like an a**hole.

CA CPA - est. Dec 2016

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[Jdn9201]

Ditto others – I think your increased rent can be additional motivation to ask for a raise, but it can't be a reason – it has to be about you bringing your additional value. As far as your firm is concerned as long as you are there to do your job, where you live and how much you pay is irrevalent. I m glad you have a good relationship with your boss though – that always helps make difficult conversations go more smoothly. Good luck!

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Author]

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