Am I likely to be paid what I believe is owed to me?

Hi guys,

I recently qualified as an accountant and I have a query:

I qualified on 20th February and I'm still on trainee wages. The staff had a meeting 4 or 5 weeks back when we were told by the partner that reviews should be in a month or so and that some of us were due increases. We haven't had them yet.

Between the time of the staff meeting I looked for and accepted another job for which I gave my notice 2 weeks ago - I'm finishing up at the end of april.

So basically I want to know if anyone thinks I'm likely to be paid the difference between my trainee salary and the qualified salary for any of the 7 weeks that have elapsed since then and the further 3 weeks until I leave the job.

BarryAsh.

BarryAsh said:

we were told by the partner that reviews should be in a month or so and that some of us were due increases.

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From the sound of things, I wouldn't be too hopeful, given that you've since handed in your notice...

not even the time between my qualification date and the date of the meeting?

BarryAsh said:

...some of us were due increases.

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Do you think the firm have any motivation to pay you money, that they've never agreed (in writing or a verbal agreement) to pay you, as your about to leave?
I can't see any business in the world paying money they are under no obligation to pay in a situation like this. Though it would be the ultimate good will gesture if they did, I wouldn't hold my breath.

suppose it would be only a goodwill gesture. but a qualified accountant working for ten weeks on a trainees salary, hmmmm.

thanks guys, I was really under no illusion that I'd get it but it's good to hear your thoughts.

I agree, don't think you'll get anything other than you normal salary, but you neven know.

Having worked in about 6 different practices, I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you. In my first job I was given my annual increase in January. I handed in my notice in February and in my February wage my salary had been dropped back to the old pay. When I queried it I was told I was only give the increase on the basis that I was staying there Accountants in practice are not known for their generosity

I know of one case where a guy who was paying 100% of course and exams fees qualified.

He was called up to the boss and was told that the boss was claiming a £500 training allowance and he was going to reduce the guys wages by £8 per week.

Accountancy Practices are mean places to work.

Long hours, poor wages, deadlines and mad levels of responsibility.

This is a difficult one. You study like crazy for a professional qualification and there has to be at least a decent job at the end of it.

The hours in accountacy practices are long and pay is bad.

The Irish economy is doing well in construction - but decent accountacy jobs are scarce.

Obtaining additional qualifications is good - but you still need to obtain experience.

So - Should you travel to Oz, US, etc to try and get experience?

write it off