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CPA Certification

What is the appropriate amount of money that can be asked for in a raise once you have the CPA certification? Obviously, it depends on work experience, industry and company size (and othe rfactors). I have two years work experience, and work for a small company (25 employees) in the insurance industry. Anyone have an idea?

Nicholas Jenior, Accountant, Indiana

raise

Unfortunately a small company of only 25 probably does not value a CPA as much as a public or a mid-sized company. It has been my experience that small companies sometimes don't even care if the person has an accounting degree.

It does not sound like you needed public accounting experience to obtain a CPA license in Indiana but public accounting experience is invaluable. Depending on what your career goals are and the amount of money you make now, you might want to consider changing jobs to a public accounting firm. The hours might be more but the experience will get you more in the future. The public firms value work experience also and pay will probably be more than you are making now with only two years experience.

Otherwise, the amount of a raise to ask for at your current position will depend on the raises you have historically gotten, your title and promotion opportunities, the financial situation the company is currently in and the amount you currently make. I would ask for up to 10% depending on these factors.

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