New job, what salary & how to leave?

Hi,
I started a new job about 3 months ago (accountant's practice). All was going well until a few weeks ago when my supervisor just decided to start hating me for no reason, all other colleagues agree and don't know what i've done wrong. She doesn't speak to me which is a bit awkard considering there is only 5 people in the office.

Out of the blue i got a call yesterday about another job, i went for an interview last night and the job is mine. I have to get back to her with what salary i'm expecting. I've just passed (in April) all my accountancy exams, and have two years experience, what kind of salary should i be looking for (this is in the midlands)?

How do i leave this job without falling out with my boss, he's lovely so i'd rather try leave on good terms.

Re. salary, the latest LSCA survey (from May this year) can be found [broken link removed].

Re. leaving, tell your boss the truth and that you are sorry to be leaving.

Jeepers...from that survey I see those guys get paid big bucks....I'm in the worng profession!

Thanks, my current salary is no where near anything on that survey, unfortunately!

May be worth contacting the ICAI and see if they have salary details for those employed in smaller country practices.

(Is the new job in practice?)

Yes its in a practice in the same town

Re your salary, I'd call a recruitment company near to where you're based and ask them what the going rate is for someone of your experience. That way you'll end up with an expectation that's realistic taking into account the local market.

Re how you handle it, a bit whacky maybe, but have you thought about taking your superivor out to lunch and talking it through with them? If they're horrible about it, you know you can tell your boss why you're leaving with a clear conscience. If not, they can work out how best to spin it to your boss.

Even if you don't tell them first, I really think you should see if you can talk to this person before you leave. Its always good to clear the air with someone and you might find that you have more confidence to do so when you know you're leaving in any event.

Concentrate on nailing down the new job first of course!!

I would take the salary appropriate to you from the survey and ask for that. You can cite the survey as a reference point! Say nothing about your current salary!

And if you get what you are asking for (or close to it!) you can tell your current boss that you are leaving because you have an offer you can't refuse AND that your supervisor seems incapable of having a normal working relationship with you!