salary expectation

System
System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
edited 10:32AM in AAT student discussion
Can I just ask what other people having done Foundation and working in an accounts pratice are earning? I have been asked by an employer my salary expectation and I don't really know what would be a sensible suggestion. Any ideas?
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Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Hi lyagirl,

    If you take a look at this link it is a salary survey, so it should give you some idea of what you can ask for.

    http://www.hays.com/common/salary-survey.aspx

    Vicki.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Thanks, I looked at that from another thread. Just wondered if other people really did get that as it says the AAT Foundation passed and 6 months+ experience averages at ร‚ยฃ13500 in the devon and somerset area. Just wondered if people really do get that?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Well, I haven't done the Foundation stage, but i'm doing the intermediate stage now. I have been working here for about 9 months, and I get a LOT less than that!!!! Hoping it will go up when I get MORE qualified!!! :)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Good Luck!!! ha ha ha
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    I went straight into my job with only a IAB Diploma in Book Keeping and got 12k but went straight into AAT Intermediate and my wage has only increased with the annual inflation. I do get study support though ..

    I just came back from a recruitment agency this morning and had a chat about where I want to move to and what salary I should be earning. I should be able to at least go upto 14k min. But I said I would be happy to go to 13.5k if it had study support and looked like a great company. I mostly want experience in a few areas before I start wanting to get about 18-20k.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    You've had some good luck then. I've passed foundation and they're still keeping me on what I was on when I started a year ago having never even looked at a set of accounts before! I work full time and study in my own time so I think I deserve a rise now!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    I think it's really hard to tell how much salary you should be on - these salary checkers can give you a rough guide, but it can depend on many factors - your qualifications, years in accountancy, what your experience has covered, what the employer is looking for, industry or practice, part of country you work in etc.

    What you do in your job will count too - if you're simply doing purchase ledger then it won't be loads, but if what you do is more advanced and complex, it will be paying more.

    For example, you're saying ร‚ยฃ13.5k for 6mths exp and AAT foundation - I started with no quals or exp on ร‚ยฃ15.5k with full study support, although that was in industry. I am in the south west.

    Now I have just over 3 yrs exp. and am AAT intermediate, yet earn ร‚ยฃ23k with full study support! That's almost double what Ruskii said. I believe I have got where I have through experience, performance in the work place and by moving companies (only twice though). You won't get a huge jump in salary by staying with the same company.

    It's hard to say what you should be expecting - take a look at local job ads - what they are looking for and what they are paying. That might help give you more of an idea.

    Remember, employers will also take into consideration what you were previously getting paid - they won't give someone on ร‚ยฃ12k in their current job, ร‚ยฃ20k in their new job! More like ร‚ยฃ2-3k more.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation
    It's hard to say what you should be expecting - take a look at local job ads - what they are looking for and what they are paying. That might help give you more of an idea.

    Remember, employers will also take into consideration what you were previously getting paid - they won't give someone on ร‚ยฃ12k in their current job, ร‚ยฃ20k in their new job! More like ร‚ยฃ2-3k more.

    This is exactly the advice I was given before I started looking, I've only got 2 years experience behind me, I passed all my exams first time for ECR and FRA but I have very little 'hands-on' experience, I mostly do the purchase ledger and process payroll. In essense I suppose my job is data entry, so I know that someone in my position wouldnt probably get 16-18k if I moved up straight from my job if I did then that would be fantastic ! :lol:

    I want to change basically because I want to put to use what I've been learning and there's going to be no change in my workload even though I've been studying so I think it's in my best interests to change.

    Phunky : You sound like you landed a fab job !! Can you get me one like that ? :lol:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    That sounds like u was being paid loads. I'm on less than I was in my previous job as I moved to get the job with training and THOUGHT it was a good compromise. Was also told it would be reviewed as I progress. Think its time to look for another job!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    He must have been doing extras :wink:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Extras!!! :shock: Ha ha! Believe me - if I was doing extras, I'd charge a hell of a lot more. Ha ha!! Kidding! :-)

    I'm also a she not a he!

    In all honesty, I do feel lucky to be where I am and know that others at same level of AAT don't get as much as I do - before I got my first accountancy role I was earning 13.5k in an invoicing/query resolution role in a finance department and a job agency told me without any exp. or quals. I'd prob have to drop to about 10k. Luckily I got an internal role as an assistant accountant, taking a ร‚ยฃ2k payrise to ร‚ยฃ15.5k. If it hadn't been for that, I could have ended up on less by all means.

    Like I said - it all depends on what your job is. I've always been in the situation where what I do in my job is far more complex than what I have been studying at AAT.

    The role I have just taken is an I.T. Finance Analyst for a large financial services firm, so that's why I get paid as much as I do. I think I deserve it though - it's bl**dy hard work! :-)



  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    hmm still think u must be doing extras lol :lol:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Ha ha! :D You haven't seen my boss!! No thanks!

    Extra hours maybe, but that's about as far as it goes with extras and I get paid overtime for those, so can't complain!

    Anyways, I'd take a look around and see what is out there if you're not happy. The only way you'll get a big jump in salary is by moving jobs.

    Also as far as I am aware, until you are fully qualified, practice pays less than industry in most instances. Money isn't everything though - job satisfaction plays a big part! I couldn't go to a job everyday which I hated just because it pays more.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Yeah I've started to look for a new job now because my salary is so low. And because I have several other duties as well as accountancy I'm finding I don't have time to do my accounts work so I'm not getting the experience I should be. My other duties require me to stay at work til 9pm tonight and I won't be getting overtime!

    I hate PP :P Sounds like you have a fantastic job! I've always been told accountants are happier in industry and now I know why!! :)

    Gem
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    My boss always says he use to have to pay a company when he was training :-o

    seems to think the same applies to me, i work in Surrey and my salary is nowhere near as low as yours i am training as the FC and i only need to pass unit 18 or 19 (business or personnal tax) + a final project (unit 10) to complete my AAT.

    A friend of mine is about to finish ACCA and works in practise and is on around the 25k mark

    Seems i have it easy! :D
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    I recently started an accounts (and some marketing) assistant job which is 14.5k, I've just passed my foundation and studying my intermediate. I'm in the south east but most of the jobs I was offered were 13k but I was just lucky with this company! they don't offer study support but its a nice atmosphere to work in and theres probably room to progress. I think if I was a few years older I would probably have gotten a higher paid job though.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    hmm try ร‚ยฃ10,500!! Me thinks it is time to ditch these and find someone who will pay what I'm worth! Or I could go it alone!! :D Now theres a thought...
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Hi,

    I have read your posts with interest as many people take on a job with a set salary and then expect pay rises because they pass exams - the only time that a payrise should be linked to passing exams is if it is a training position. (Promotion is different)

    I obtained my technician in 2003 and I was earning ร‚ยฃ15K by the time I completed my technician I was earning ร‚ยฃ18k due to increments and promotion. The AAT has now assisted me in obtaining a job earning ร‚ยฃ28k+ in the South West.

    My salary would have stayed between ร‚ยฃ15-ร‚ยฃ20k without the AAT. It was my choice to study the AAT and then I looked for promotion and job changes as I have gone along - it is not easy but there are opportunities out there. The AAt has helped my move forward as has the experience.

    Keep looking and don't expect is my advice
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    but I do expect when Im on an apprenticeship scheme and at my interview was told that my pay would increase with qualifications and as I progress :?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Lyagirl,

    Which is what I have stated in my post - "traning position"

    If you have it written in your contract then go and see HR or question your manager further. I am afraid that if you have nothing in writing you are best looking for another position.

    Em
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Will do :D Sorry about the confusion!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    No worries and good luck :D
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    No worries and good luck
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    hi my first post... :roll:

    i started working at a local firm in tamworth (which for those who don't know it is near birmingham ish) at 16 and started at Foundation, this is my 15th Month at the same firm, i work as a "Junior Accountant" i only get paid ร‚ยฃ7800, which in comparison with that chart i get paid well low, is this an average amount for my age? I left school with 9 GCSE's and went straight to AAT foundation, and im 17 years old. Or do you think id get paid a higher amount at another jobm with better prospects? p.s. i dont get any bonuses... :x
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    Haha try ร‚ยฃ9250pa! Bloody awful.

    jko I've asked my cousin (he's in that area) and he says your salary is ok for a Starter doing foundation but is quite poor if youre above that.

    Gem
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    OK people, there is one VERY good idea here!!

    We should all join forces and start our own national Accounting Technicians firm!!! Rake it all in for ourselves!

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    jko, you should maybe bear in mind that as a worker under the age of 18, your employer is entitled to only pay you the minimum wage for your age group which is currently ร‚ยฃ3.30 per hour. Multiply this up by 37.5 hours a week, 52 weeks a year and you are earning quite a bit more than they are legally obliged to pay you.
    http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/nmw_abou.htm

    Plus if they also allow you day release - you didn't state whether they do or don't - then I think you are indeed in a very fortunate position for your age and experience although you may not think it.

    Greater salaries will come with greater experience and I'm afraid you can't expect either without putting in the hours first...

    Sorry, but someone has to stick up for 'bosses' on here!

    Regards,

    Robert
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation
    Gem7321 wrote:
    Haha try ร‚ยฃ9250pa! Bloody awful.

    jko I've asked my cousin (he's in that area) and he says your salary is ok for a Starter doing foundation but is quite poor if youre above that.

    Gem

    im doing intermediate, thanks all for the replies.. suppose when ive had 3 years experience and hopefully pass AAT then i should get a greater amount of money..

    Yep i do get day release
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    I used to think i was underpaid!!

    I'm 25 living in the midlands and Im studying Intermediate, I do 5 days a week 8:30 til 5 monday to friday with HALF day release and am on 16K. Mind I have had to work damn hard to get that kind of money!!!


    My advice is GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 ๐Ÿค– Admin ๐Ÿค–
    Re:salary expectation

    even if you are doing the same job as everyone else!!! Just because you're 18 not 48 doesn't mean you work any less harder, it takes the mick really

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