Requesting salary negotiation advice. 9 years as a CPA in Big 4, past 2 of which at SM level. Currently making $200k and prepared to take a cut looking at most of these industry jobs. I got a written offer with salary of $145k (the original job posting had a range of $107k-$145k so this is the max end). It is an attractive role but I would be taking a massive pay cut from my current Big 4 consulting role. Do I ask for more than $145k? How much? How would you approach the negotiation?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Why would you even consider it…

like

I feel like 200k for SM is low?

like

200k for a big 4 SM in a HCOL is not low if they are talking about base (reality check for you friend); this is especially if the OP has stayed at their B4 company for all or most of the 9 years - There's a cost to the comfort of loyalty (e.g. the cost being comfortable and knowing the ins & outs of an organization).

It is low if 200k includes bonus compensation.

OP, only you can determine how much of a paycut you can afford.

likehelpful

Care to expound?

Or will you continue to be immature?

To clarify, I’m also not looking for the consulting lifestyle, looking for work/life balance. I’d been seeing such a wide range in salaries in my 8 month search that I was preparing myself for a cut of some magnitude and thought that I could potentially work with this $150k if it meant less daily stress

like

I got a strategy job after being in big 4 that took me from 200k base to 230+30RSU. Hold out until you find a good role, took me a year, patience is key

like

OP don’t do it. Wait until the right role comes along where you don’t take a massive pay cut.200k is attainable for someone with 9 years of experience.

like

It took me 2 years to find the right role. I was a heavy senior manager in a specified industry at DT. I wasn’t actively looking but my LinkedIn was up to date with my current info so recruiters would reach out to me. Most of the roles offered by recruiters were lower pay so I didn’t even interview but the right role came along and I snagged it.

like

145k for SM is low. Is it a LCOL?

like

I had 9 YOE at big 4 audit. Had base at $160k. Moved to industry with base of $170k. Been at the same company for two years now and a base of $200k + bonus and equity. LCOL. Taking a pay cut to move to industry is an odd concept to me.

like

Don’t do it, the right opportunity will come along. In the meantime, you’ve got nothing to lose at your current job, no need to kill yourself for it. If you don’t plan on sticking around, no need to be a high performer.

like

Option 1 - negotiate another 20k or whatever you’re comfortable with. If it really is outside the budget, then you need to decide if 145k is right for you.

2 - wait for a better role. Just gotta be patient

Sounds like WLB is most important to you. If you’re already ok with 145k, no harm in trying for 1. But if you want more, 2.

like

Related Posts

What is the max salary offered by Wipro for B2 band?.....

like

Hi Friends, I have 10+ experience in F&A BPO and recently moved from Wipro bps to Wipro technologies for business analyst role, Am in B2 band currently getting 12 PA , Am i getting paid as per market standards? Pls suggest

like

Is it SAFE joining Wipro as technical lead (B3) with 37LPA? Knowing that package is pretty high as compared to collogues in same band. HR is not ready to give project manager(C1) position.

Appreciate your suggestions/input.

Would there be any scope of increment going forward?

YOE 8.7

Tech SF DevOps

Wipro Infosys HCL Technologies Tata Consultancy Cognizant

like

What kind of exit ops are you seeing in accounting advisory? I’m in CMAAS and not sure what my options are other than traditional accounting roles. Also, salary expectations with 3 years of experience in HCOL? Thinking it might be really tough to beat current public accounting salaries.

like

What is the salary range for application development senior analyst in Accenture.

Hi Fishes, how is variable pay calculated in Genpact? And how much can I expect every month or year from this? Variable is 1.5lpa

like

All compensation-related post should follow the below template.

Years of Experience:
Current Organization:
Company:
Title/Level:
Salary:
Bonus:
Stock:
Total comp (Salary + Bonus + Stock):
Benefits:

like

Can anyone tell, how is the sumit sir from trendytech data engineer course. is it worty paying rs 42000 for that course?
#dataengineer #bigdata

like

Can anyone give me reviews of epam anywhere. I am currently interviewing but not sure if is worth to join considering 50k fix while on bench.

like

Does Tata Consultancy re-negotiate the salary after releasing the offer letter or if we do not join will they block me ?

like

What's the total comp packages look like for big pharma for Sr. Manager or AD?

Is 130-150, 15% bonus, 15k rsu in line?

like

Hi fishes, Had discussion with TCS HR and he told he need to take approval for 21.5LPA as my current CTC is already on an higher level, My YOE is 7+ now , Will they offer me 21.5 lpa? Does the approval take place in TCS or just HR is ghosting me ?

like

What are the opportunities in DI or D USI for Semi Qualified CA in Risk advisory or Internal Audit department? Also what is the range of pay scale. Please suggest whether I should apply for the job in deloitte?

like

Is it ok to get 25 LPA fixed with 10 years of experience? Am I behind the salary bracket?

like

Hi all,
Recently gone through ICICI bank debt manager DSMG interview, HR told will provide non industry matching hike because my last switch was just 6 months ago. What should be the expected CTC? Currently working as collection manager at HDB financial services Ltd, CTC-5.1, Work exp-4.9Y.

Hello Fishes
What should be the expected salary hike when someone is doing tablue course from well known agency??
Current Industry: Market Research (Renewable Energy & Power sector)
YOE: 4.5
Preferred Relocation: Bangalore, Other IT Hubs

like

Would your salary be adjusted if you jumped from consulting to strategy?

like

Looking for some insights on compensation range (base and bonus) for 3rd year Manager in Deloitte US, Customer Strategy and Applied Design practice (C&M). Would location influence the pay (for example New York vs So Cal)? Currently in Deloitte at another geographic and weighing joining Deloitte US or going freelance as an Innovation and Strategic Design consultant. Also if there’s anyone that went the Big4 to freelancing route, would appreciate if I can DM for a few questions! Thanks!

like

Guys ,
I have offer from Volkswagen It services .How's this company for wlb, growth and hike perspective.

like

Senior Business Development Role at 360Learning:

Anyone have tips for cover letter/resume to stand out?

They are huge on not negotiating salary there based on their blog.

Anyone know the base salary/expected commission? - It requires you to answer on the application. I would be so thrilled to work at the company I just want to put what they start out at.

like

More Posts

Good questions to ask interviewees to see if you will get along with them? Or just any questions in general to ask as the interviewer... besides where do you see yourself in 5 years 🙄

like

Hi, can you tell me how many rounds takes place in for automation testing round. I have got a link for an online test and what is the difficulty level should we expect from this test v

like

I work in deals and am frankly frustrated that those with 9-5s can get better GMAT scores with their schedules while I have to work around an unpredictable schedule at 80 hrs/week.

likefunnysmart
like
like

AMERICAN EXPRESS India is hiring for below role:
1. Business Analyst/ Assistant Manager – Enterprise Data Strategy, Credit & Fraud Risk (Req ID -21030910)
2. Manager / Senior Manager : Product Development, Risk Products & Data Strategy (CFR) (Req ID -21030284 / 21030287)
3. Business Analyst / Assistant Manager – Digital Analytics
(Req ID - 21029077)

JD screenshot is attached.
Kindly DM me job title, req id and your email id for referral

Post Photo
like

Any Accounting firms that are still remote? Dreading busy season travel

like

If you contribute partially to traditional 401k & partially to Roth 401k at your company, does it get confusing at all when it comes time to withdraw? Is it better to (cont.)

like

Anyone working in thoughtworks as Devops/infra ? Please let me know,need one help.

like

What were some effective tips or resources that helped you to learn the systems of your first firm? We feel like our firm admin/paralegal is not getting acclimated and not assisting the firm as we hoped. So we want to make sure we’re effectively training her and providing the best resources/tools for success.

like

How many locations does Tiger Analytics have?

like

What is the industry average and highest Salary a Manager Management Consultant can earn today, with an MBA degree and 6 years of work experience?

Honestly, I am happy with the current pay but still when I hear the unrealistic figures from my friends and friends of friends it feels as if I am settling for less in life.

Any suggestions on how to get Salary correction internally within the same organisation? Thanks!

likesmart

Anyone from VMware.urgent please

like

Can someone please help me in getting project description related to LWC (Salesforce) for 2-2.5 yr experience, so that I can take reference and add in my CV?

like

Hi guys currently I'm working in a project with very stringent timelines. Sometimes we need to put more than 13-14 hrs each day. There are 4 members in my team. Two are involved in database prt and me and my lead are involved in the front end and middle layer prt. Somehow my lead is not at all pleased with my work. And even if I try to talk to him for something he is completely rude. Sometimes it makes me that I m completely useless. Even the other team members are following the lead

likefunny

Can schools see I canceled a score? Is it frowned upon at M7/ Top 20?

like
like

It looks like PWC has the “worst” paternity leave policy out of all the big 4 with only 8 weeks off then another 4 weeks at 24hrs per week. Anyone think this might change soon? EY and Deloitte give 16 weeks and KPMG gives 12 weeks.

like

Hello fishes,

Please help i am Lead associate at 7 LPA CTC. Can I expect 10 LPA CTC in my next cycle progression/promotion.

Please help experience person.

Thank you

like

Let’s talk about spiders. They’re EVERYWHERE at my place. Same for you or nah?

likefunny

Additional Posts in Accounting Exit Opportunities

Is there a role for a CPA that wants to get into data analytics? Senior audit associate now that wants to exit to get experience with SQL, Python etc. but don’t want to start all over. What roles can I look at where I could leverage my CPA experience but still learn about analytics?

like

Any luck for US CPA in Canada?

like

Have my first call with a recruiter regarding a job they reached out to me about on LinkedIn. First call I’ve ever take regarding industry. Any helpful tips on what to ask? I don’t know the company

like

Has anyone heard of Lurie LLP I’m seriously interested in their private client service/wealth advisors

like

Should you discuss salary range with an internal company recruiter prior to setting up an interview? With external recruiters it’s pretty easy to talk about the expected range. I am trying to avoid wasting all of our time if i get to the last interview and they are expecting a salary that is too low for me.

like

Anyone gone from PA to CBRE ? Do you like it ?

like

Expecting an offer this week or early next week, but want to know when you start negotiating the salary? When you receive the call from the company or wait until receiving the formal offer letter? And how should the negotiation start? Through phone calls or emails? Didn’t use recruiter for this position, so I don’t know what is the process here.

like

What is IT Due Dilligence? Is it more IT Audit? Better? Worse?

like

Very new to being headhunted by recruiters on LinkedIn, should I be concerned with sending recruiters my resume or anything along those lines if they’ve messaged me?

like

What is the courtesy of withdrawing an offer you already accepted?

HCOL audit SM looking to leave big 4. What should be my comp expectation?

like

@ Kelly Grier

Post Photo
like

I’m in my 2nd year in audit. I want to pivot into management consulting within a big 4 or MBB. Has anyone seen someone make this lateral movement? I’m not sure how feasible that is and what steps to take. I’m also down to discuss further with whoever is comfortable in connecting.

like

What’s your experience with leaving a company every 2-3 years for more $$?

Post YOE and TC/year below

like

Thinking about enrolling into a JD program , I’m 26, CPA, in a lcol area, at at small firm. What is to be expected at a school level and bar level?

like

Has anyone made a pivot from PA to finance/IB? I’d like to hear your story if you’ll share. Thanks.

like

Hit me up if you want me to refer you for a pwc role 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

likefunny

If you’re working with 2 different recruiters in your job search, do you let them know you’re working with another one (just in case they have any overlapping opportunities) or do you act like they’re the only recruiter you’re working with?

like

Anyone have or know of any fully remote opportunities? Assurance/Advisory preferred. I’m an experienced staff in assurance for context. Would love to connect if you can help me out. TIA

like

CFGI offers anyone recently? Consultant level NYC what did you get offered

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal