[AccJGarcia]

I apologize for the long read, but I am looking for some suggestions to hopefully calm my emotional/passionate side and find a professional solution to a dilemma.

Background: My CPA progress has moved a bit unconventionally. Initially, because I really don’t see myself going into public accounting, I was only interested in obtaining the CMA. Last year, after taking those exams (and even before getting my results) I decided that, since I was already in “testing mode” I should move forward and get my CPA. I made this decision late last summer. I was already registered for 9 graduate level credit hours in the fall to finish a graduate certificate in forensic accounting so, I waited to start studying for the CPA.

A plot twist took place in September when I received a job offer which I couldn’t refuse. The employer approached me after knowing me for some time and having had hard of my work. *Important* In the job offer it states “Increases in pay: . . . Other factors may include additional applicable certifications.”

In November, I learned about Becker’s Fast Pass Plus (insane 6-week review for all 4 parts) and, because I’m clearly insane and tired of missing out of life because of studying, I signed up. I explained it to my kids (I’m a single mom of two teenagers) and we started the crazy ride on November 28th (the first day of class). I took BEC in December and passed. Took a break for Christmas which stretched the process, but I took FAR on Feb. 3rd, REG on Feb. 18 and am scheduled for AUD before this quarter ends.

After some stressing last night waiting for my FAR score (we don’t call it The Beast for nothing) I was elated to find out that I had passed it. *that’s the HIGH*

I came to work this morning and told my employer about it. While I’m sure he’s happy for me, I don’t think that he was ready for me to tackle this so quickly. *here comes the low* Now, it seems he is trying to back out of the wording in the job offer and wants to, instead of give me a pay increase, pay for my CPEs to maintain my certifications. . . NOT RIGHT!!

I already get those fairly cheap by finding free/low-cost webinars and meetings and volunteering in the board of a local conference to get 16 free CPEs at said conference. Bottom line, the cost of my CPEs is negligible and I feel that my 10+ years experience, CMA, CPA, MAcc, and Graduate Certificate are worth a LOT more than a few hundred dollars per year (if that) for CPE’s.

Needless to say, this put a damper on my “I PASSED FAR” celebration!
Am I being ridiculous!?! Or am I right to feel like I’m getting screwed?!
Should I look for another job? I’ve only been here 5 months but have a steady prior work history.

Advice? Suggestions?

AUD: TBD
BEC: 86 (12/10/2016) (12)
FAR: 80 (02/03/2017) (31)
REG: 77 *too close for comfort 0_0* (02/18/2017) (23)

Score (Test Date) (Days Studied - average of 3 hrs/day)

[benboccio]

Is the pay raise based on getting your CPA?

AUD - 90
BEC - 83
FAR - 87
REG - 87

NINJA 4EVER

[AccJGarcia]

Yes, the written Job Offer states that “Other factors [for increase in pay] may include additional applicable certifications.”
We had understood it all along and that's why he brought up that he's thinking of paying for my CPEs instead of giving me a pay raise. I hadn't brought it up because I didn't want to count it in-the-bag until I am done with the exams so it surprised me that he said anything. He also said a comment that rubbed me the wrong way about the whole situation, but I'm trying to keep this factual only so that I am level headed.

AUD: TBD
BEC: 86 (12/10/2016) (12)
FAR: 80 (02/03/2017) (31)
REG: 77 *too close for comfort 0_0* (02/18/2017) (23)

Score (Test Date) (Days Studied - average of 3 hrs/day)

[Chasta]

I would say, finish up your last exam and see what happens in the way of a pay raise/conversation about it. Don't let the words bring you down, they may have come out wrong on his end. When you've got it in the bag and if you don't get a raise that's when I would start looking.

AUD - 87
BEC - 75
FAR - 75
REG - 79

AUD 79, Jan 2015 Expired, 63, 87 April 2017

REG 63, 73, 79 October 2015

BEC 58, 75, November 2015

FAR 57, 63, 75, December 2016

[ruggercpa2b]

I think the word “May” could end up being the loophole. You may get a raise based on getting a certification but not guaranteed.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD - 1/6/18
FAR - TBD
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[saltysig]

It would be reasonable for your employer to pass on a raise and instead reimburse the costs related to studying for and taking the CPA exam. Are you sure he or she did mean CPE courses? It is already very typical for employers to pay for continuing education, so it would be strange if that was intended to be viewed as a benefit/compensatory. However, you low-balled the cost at a few hundred dollars per year. Perhaps one might be able to hit that budget with some creativity, but a more reasonable benchmark for 120 hours every 3 years is $4k/year ($100 average per credit).

I also want to respond directly to your question about whether to begin another job search. Five months is an incredibly short period of time to be starting a conversation about a raise. Give it some time. Get the credential and demonstrate the value you bring to the role as a result. The money will follow. Your annual review/one-year work anniversary would be an appropriate time.

Licensed CPA. Tax Senior Manager.

[Missy]

Honestly just finish up first. Do you meet the experience requirements or is that job going to help you meet them? You were neither promised a raise (that word “may” in the wording) nor denied one. Either way you're not Certified yet, so the discussion is premature at best not to mention it's exceptionally rare for an employer to even discuss raised five months in. Get your license, look around and see what's out there. You may find you're well compensated or that you can get more elsewhere. Just focus on passing the last two and don't anticipate anything.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[AccJGarcia]

@Saltysig, I've never paid that much for CPEs. Nowhere close! For example, I just signed up for a seminar which renews my yearly membership in an accounting association AND includes 8 hrs of CPE. The cost was $175 (that's with breakfast, lunch, and snacks). The conference which I mentioned above offers up to 16 CPEs and the cost is $365, but because I volunteer as a planning committee member I don't have to pay for the conference (just “time served” haha). Also, with my IMA membership, I get access to periodic webinars that offer CPEs at no additional cost.

Thank you all for the advice. My intentions were always to wait until AFTER I'm actually licensed to even bring it up. This just came as a shock. I do think that the reason he mentioned it is because he didn't expect me to get to it so quickly. But, come on, we know how the time value of money works. You tell us we can make money faster now if we do something. . . We're gonna do it ASAP!

AUD: TBD
BEC: 86 (12/10/2016) (12)
FAR: 80 (02/03/2017) (31)
REG: 77 *too close for comfort 0_0* (02/18/2017) (23)

Score (Test Date) (Days Studied - average of 3 hrs/day)

[Author]

Replies