Hello all,
Just to give some background. I have been working at a small Public accounting firm (2 staff, 1 manager (not a CPA, recently hired), 2 partners, 1 senior (me) and a secretary).
I have 4 years of public accounting experience (1 of which is in a big firm, the other 3 here at my current place of employment). When I originally took the position at this office, I did so knowing I would not get compensated as well as I would at any big company (like the one I left), however, I also knew that this firm would allow me the ability to study and live life in general.
It has been 3 years now and I have passed the CPA exam. Additionally, my role in the firm has expanded to where I am now a senior accountant, I also handle most of the IT related work in the office, and because of a set of circumstances related to the old manager that used to work here, my seniority is that I am third in the office behind both partners. While a manager has been hired, she is not a CPA and the partners have made it clear that her position is more to keep the office structure than it is that she is a true manager (sounds weird to me but I whatever).
For some time I have felt as though I was a bit underpaid, however, I didn't think much of it seeing that I didnt have my CPA and I work at a small firm.
However, having passed my CPA, as anyone else would do, I did my research on salaries and what not. Turns out that a person in my current position, with my experience, in a small firm (gross less than 25M a year) should be making on average, based on roberthalf research (as well as other sites I used for reference) 59,000-77,750. These amounts are without a CPA or a graduate degree.
The numbers go up 5-10% with the CPA/Grad degree, the above numbers are also without the inclusion of bonuses.
Before my CPA, my salary w/o bonuses = 52,500, now with the CPA, my salary w/o bonuses = 59,000.
I love the place i work for, however, I do also think I am a bit under compensated.
I have never asked for a raise, much less a better raise and I have no idea how to approach my bosses to discuss it, especially on the heels of having received one for the CPA, however, am I crazy to say it is a bit lower than it should be.
I do the job of a senior, plus admin stuff, plus IT stuff and then some.
How should I approach my boss? Should I even approach my boss. Any help is appreciated. And don't feel bad telling me I am being an ungrateful punk, that answer is ok.
Thanks in advance everyone.