Accountant and Bookkeeper Articles

Asking for a Promotion, Raise, or Additional Perks

In preparation for this article on career negotiations, last week we discussed the different perks you can request if a salary increase isn’t currently realistic.  This week we will help you prepare for that important meeting where you actually talk with your boss about that promotion, raise, or additional perks.

If you’ve reached the point in your career where you want to negotiate for better compensation, we’re guessing that in evaluating your contribution to your employer you’ve determined that you have indeed earned what you hope to request.  The last thing you should do is wake up one morning and decide to ask for a promotion simply because you’re in the mood for one.  You must first demonstrate that you have earned it.  Then, and only then, can you follow these seven steps:

1. Consider your employer’s needs

Your appeal for a promotion will go over better if you have considered your employer’s needs and how your contribution enables them to better accomplish their objectives.  The more integral you are to their mission, the more valuable you are as an employee, and the more likely you are to receive a promotion.  In communicating how much you’ve contributed to the company and how much more you’d like to contribute, your boss will be much more receptive to your requests.

2. Express yourself

Before that important sit-down meeting with your boss you want your employer to realize how valuable you are.  Take on additional assignments, express your enthusiasm for your position, and take the time to notify your boss when you have achieved anything notable.  This will enable management to recognize your contributions and how much you benefit the collaborative work environment.

3. Pick a good time.

Don’t go to your boss during the busiest time of the year.  Wait for a time when your boss is relaxed and ready to respond to you positively; this applies to the time of year and even the time of day.  It’s also a good idea to ride a wave of success into your boss’s office; it may be best to schedule “the talk” after you’ve made some significant contributions that are a good measure of your success.

4. Know what you want

Before you begin negotiations, share your achievements with your boss, measuring your success with tangible numbers.  When you do begin making requests, be sure you know what you want, and be specific.  How much of a raise are you expecting (be realistic)?  Or were you more interested in being promoted to a different position with more responsibility?  Perhaps, after last week’s article, you’ve decided to request different perks that would enable you to better enjoy your job.  Whatever you’re interested in, be sure to ask for it specifically.

5. Have a backup plan

This article is called “Creative Career Negotiations” for a reason.  When you talk with your boss about enhancing your employment, the discussion is likely to include give and take.  You probably won’t be handed your request on a silver platter.  In the case that you need to back off your request, be sure you come ready with a Plan B.  Try not to walk away empty-handed.  Is there something else you could request in the interim?  Perhaps permission to attend a high-profile conference or receive additional training may be more reasonable requests at this time.

6. Be graceful, whatever the response.

Remember that you shouldn’t end the discussion if your boss doesn’t offer you the promotion.  It is the perfect time to ask for feedback.  What more would you need to do to earn the promotion?  Is there a possibility of enhancing your compensation in the future?  Walking out of the office and slamming the door won’t do you or your boss any good.

7. Know when to leave

There are definitely times when you should stay in a job regardless of whether or not your employer is able and/or willing to enhance the compensation you receive for it.  But there may also come a time when you must evaluate your standing and determine how long you’re willing to work for your current pay and benefits.  There is such a thing as a dead-end job, and if you feel that describes your current position, there may come a time for you to leave and look for something better.

Enhance Your Promote-ability

You can increase your chances for receiving a promotion by enhancing your skills and earning professional certification.  The Professional Bookkeeper Program will teach you small-business accounting and train you to act as your employer’s Profit Expert, enabling you to help the company make informed business decisions that will increase profitability.  Does that sound like a skill that will increase your promote-ability?

When you enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program you learn the following:

• The key components of the accounting process including General Ledgers, Specialty Journals, and Subsidiary Ledgers.
• The various accounts used by specialty industries such as Flooring Payable, Contracts in Transit, and Bank Reserve Accounts.
• The assessment of a company’s financial position.
• The uses and methods of calculating depreciation and allowance for bad debts.
• Various collection techniques for slow-paying accounts that will improve success.
• How to master debits and credits through recording hundreds of daily and monthly transactions.

Once you pass the Professional Bookkeeper exam with a score of 90 percent of above, you will also be able to add the PB designation to your name and resume.  Don’t wait to enhance your chances of promotion.  Enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program today and begin enhancing your promote-ability.

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