How to ask for a raise?

[Triforceofcourage]

I have been currently with my company for 1 year and it is time for my annual review. I will be getting a raise but I don't think it will be enough. I believe I am currently being paid under the market value for someone with my skills.

When my boss offers me a raise how do I say that is not enough without looking greedy or ungreatful?

 

[SirChadwick]

Where do you live, what do you do, and how much do you feel your underpaid?

 

[Triforceofcourage]

Originally posted by: SirChadwick
Where do you live, what do you do, and how much do you feel your underpaid?

I am an accountant and feel I am being underpaid about $10,000

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

tell him what the average for your skill and experience is in your area, and say you think you deserve a more competative wage

 

[SirChadwick]

$10,000? I wouldn't even bother asking for a raise - I'd just take the norm they give you and start looking for another job. There is no way they'll give you that much $.

 

[tfinch2]

sup? raise?

 

[LanceM]

Yeah, good luck seeing that anytime in the next couple of years.

 

[Pacemaker]

Sadly, companies will not understand what you were worth until you are gone. Look for another job and then its up to you whether or not to give them the chance to match the offer.

 

[mcvickj]

I don't think it is possible to ask for a $10k raise and not look greedy. Good luck.

 

[SirChadwick]

Originally posted by: mcvickj
I don't think it is possible to ask for a $10k raise and not look greedy. Good luck.

Exactly, I could understand 2-3k and it being honored but for 10k you better be bangin your boss.

 

[Ika]

"gimme my money, biatch!"

 

[chusteczka]

Tax accountants with Master's degrees on track to obtain a CPA receive starting pay in the mid $50's. This is obviously the high end and these people work 10-12 hour days. A general accountant with a bachelor's degree and little further training will probably earn just below $40k.

You are probably not in a position to bargain unless you have a master's degree. If you do have the master's degree and you think you can handle the pace, then apply to one of the top 4 accounting firms. They currently have a shortage of qualified accountants at the upper end.

 

[orton]

I asked for 10k once and I got it. It helped that I had another company recruiting me however and I don?t know how (innocent look) but my current employer found out and bumped me up. Just always remember this its the employers job to pay you as little as he can get away with and its your job to get him to pay you as much as you can get away with. it all comes down to who is better at their jobs.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

bump

 

[HN]

i think there's also something about a green shirt. either your chances are really good or really bad if you wear one.

oh, same goes for asking on a Thursday.

 

[amddude]

My dad told me a nice little trick. Let's say they give you a number that is too low. You can respond back by saying something like, "I appreciate you taking the time to get me that offer. Tell me, what would it take for me to get to <amount of money you want raised> within <period of time after which you want the raise>.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: chusteczka
Tax accountants with Master's degrees on track to obtain a CPA receive starting pay in the mid $50's. This is obviously the high end and these people work 10-12 hour days. A general accountant with a bachelor's degree and little further training will probably earn just below $40k.

You are probably not in a position to bargain unless you have a master's degree. If you do have the master's degree and you think you can handle the pace, then apply to one of the top 4 accounting firms. They currently have a shortage of qualified accountants at the upper end.

Errrrr wrong.

 

[angrymaxx]

It's unlikely they will bump you up enough to make you happy if you are underpaid by that much. From my experience, companies give you a raise based on what you currently make rather than your actual market value. From their perspective, they've already been paying you for so cheap, why should they pay your what the market says you are worth. Sadly, I've found that the best way to get a good raise is to switch companies. Best of luck to you.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: Triforceofcourage

Originally posted by: SirChadwick
Where do you live, what do you do, and how much do you feel your underpaid?

I am an accountant and feel I am being underpaid about $10,000

First you have to know what your raise is. If it's not enough, set up a meeting later saying you'd like to discuss negotiation on your salary. Then present to them what the market is for this and that, and that you bring value to the company blah blah cost of finding another accountant paying a headhunter $15k blah blah.

Worst case, go find another job that'll pay market. Accountants are in high demand.

Curiously, are you in public accounting or private?

Usually Public accounting pay structure:

Public:
Year1 - $45k
Year2 - $55k
Year3 - $60-65k
Year4 - $65-70k
Year5 - $70-80k
Year6 - $90-100k
Year7 - $95-150k
Year8 - $110-$180k
Year9 - $140-$200k
Year10 - $200-250k
Partner - $250k - $1 million

Private (with 2-3 years public experience):
Year1-3 as Staff/Senior Accountant/Analyst - $50-85k
Accounting manager - $55-95k
Assistant Controller - $75-125k
Controller - $80-185k
VP/Director Finance - $100-250k
CFO - $120-300k

 

[Triforceofcourage]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: Triforceofcourage

Originally posted by: SirChadwick
Where do you live, what do you do, and how much do you feel your underpaid?

I am an accountant and feel I am being underpaid about $10,000

First you have to know what your raise is. If it's not enough, set up a meeting later saying you'd like to discuss negotiation on your salary. Then present to them what the market is for this and that, and that you bring value to the company blah blah cost of finding another accountant paying a headhunter $15k blah blah.

Worst case, go find another job that'll pay market. Accountants are in high demand.

Curiously, are you in public accounting or private?

Usually Public accounting pay structure:

Public:
Year1 - $45k
Year2 - $55k
Year3 - $60-65k
Year4 - $65-70k
Year5 - $70-80k
Year6 - $90-100k
Year7 - $95-150k
Year8 - $110-$180k
Year9 - $140-$200k
Year10 - $200-250k
Partner - $250k - $1 million

Private (with 2-3 years public experience):
Year1-3 as Staff/Senior Accountant/Analyst - $50-85k
Accounting manager - $55-95k
Assistant Controller - $75-125k
Controller - $80-185k
VP/Director Finance - $100-250k
CFO - $120-300k

I am in private accounting.

 

[Blazin Trav]

You could try:

"Hello. After in depth research and analysis of the current market value for my services to your company I have come to the conclusion that the salary your company is offering me is significantly lower than market value. I would like to propose a negotiation with the appropriate parties in order to facilitate a raise."

 

[D1gger]

Originally posted by: Triforceofcourage
I have been currently with my company for 1 year and it is time for my annual review. I will be getting a raise but I don't think it will be enough. I believe I am currently being paid under the market value for someone with my skills.

When my boss offers me a raise how do I say that is not enough without looking greedy or ungreatful?

I wouldn't wait for the boss to tell you what the offer is to let him know what your expectations are. It is very difficult for many managers to change a position that they have taken. ie. he would lose face if he offers you $5k, you say you want $10k he may not feel he is able to change his position and give you the $10k. On the other hand, if you let him know that you feel that you are currently working at $10k under the market for your position and that you want him to take that into consideration when completing your annual review, you are giving him the chance to do some evaluation of his own, and then present the raise as his idea, not your ultimatum.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: Triforceofcourage

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: Triforceofcourage

Originally posted by: SirChadwick
Where do you live, what do you do, and how much do you feel your underpaid?

I am an accountant and feel I am being underpaid about $10,000

First you have to know what your raise is. If it's not enough, set up a meeting later saying you'd like to discuss negotiation on your salary. Then present to them what the market is for this and that, and that you bring value to the company blah blah cost of finding another accountant paying a headhunter $15k blah blah.

Worst case, go find another job that'll pay market. Accountants are in high demand.

Curiously, are you in public accounting or private?

Usually Public accounting pay structure:

Public:
Year1 - $45k
Year2 - $55k
Year3 - $60-65k
Year4 - $65-70k
Year5 - $70-80k
Year6 - $90-100k
Year7 - $95-150k
Year8 - $110-$180k
Year9 - $140-$200k
Year10 - $200-250k
Partner - $250k - $1 million

Private (with 2-3 years public experience):
Year1-3 as Staff/Senior Accountant/Analyst - $50-85k
Accounting manager - $55-95k
Assistant Controller - $75-125k
Controller - $80-185k
VP/Director Finance - $100-250k
CFO - $120-300k

I am in private accounting.

What's your:

Current Title
Current Salary (range is cool if you don't want to give out)
How many employees at your company
What's your company's revenue range
Who do you report to (and how much does he make)
What are your responsiblities
What programs are you proficient in
Are you an advanced Excel user (pivot tables, macros)?

These will help to justify your raise or help you realize you should leave for greener pastures.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

bump

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
You could try:

"Hello. After in depth research and analysis of the current market value for my services to your company I have come to the conclusion that the salary your company is offering me is significantly lower than market value. I would like to propose a negotiation with the appropriate parties in order to facilitate a raise."

Does anyone really talk like this?