I have a question.

Sabrina Rahman

October 14,2021 at 6:00PM UTC

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I have a question. You know how big businesses will overpay in order to retain an employee? That way you won’t be able to find a better paying job if you leave?

Well I have a situation where I was given the title of Management Accountant at my soon to be former job.

And on searching for a role of Management Accountant, I find my experience is not up to par, as my work is that of an Assistant Management Accountant.

So my salary could be higher, but my rank would need to change on my next job.

Have you had this happen to you?

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AnonymousOctober 14,2021 at 6:12PM UTC
Can’t say I’ve ever had the problem of a company paying me too much ?‍♀️
Tomilyn RichardsOctober 14,2021 at 7:56PM UTC
Honestly this is really common. Many companies titles and work don't always match up... so as a Recruiter, understanding what you can do and what you want to do are more important then that title! I would focus on what will give you the best growth long term and not get to focused on the title!! =)
Tiffany A. PowellOctober 14,2021 at 9:01PM UTC
Totally in agreement, often people are hung up on titles vs. responsibilities/duties.
MJOctober 17,2021 at 2:48PM UTC
Yes, any potential employer who is worth working for will focus on the experience, not the titles or the dates of your jobs.
Sabrina RahmanOctober 15,2021 at 1:10AM UTC
I deleted to add something in:
Hi there, in the current company there is no danger of being overpaid.
In the previous company I worked for, a FTSE 500, you had to be wary of being overpaid.
I don’t like being trapped. If it is a toxic workplace it isn’t worth the money or prestige and you have to move on.
Being tempted to stay just for the money would make me feel sick under those circumstances.
But I get where you are coming from when a company wants to retain a good employee and when you are being treated well.
AnonymousOctober 15,2021 at 1:15PM UTC
That is a fair point. There is also a risk in being the top paid person in your position if there is any chance of layoffs.
It’s good for everyone, even those happy in their role, to understand the job market and job openings to gauge their current and future situations. Another (minor) issue with being overpaid is that when you are promoted or advance at another job, you may not warrant a pay increase, which can feel disappointing and futile - why take on more responsibility without more pay?
KristaOctober 17,2021 at 1:57PM UTC
No, I do not know how big businesses overpay. By title I should have higher salary and I work for big company.
Personally I don't care much about title, pay is more important.
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdOctober 17,2021 at 3:18PM UTC
You make a good point Krista. A lot of companies will give someone a lesser title so they can pay less. In reality, that person does a lot more.
I'm the opposite of you in terms of importance though. I would much rather be recognized for the work I do than just get money.
KristaOctober 17,2021 at 10:28PM UTC
I dont feel recognized, I feel underpaid. I have a dual title, I do 90% work of one that is a higher pay bucket but I'm paid for the other lower bucket. When I brought it up I was told my title is both so I should do both regardless of pay. It wasn't a title promotion or anything, I didn't realize until way after accepting the job that the buckets were like that. In my opinion recognition would be appropriate pay. But we are all motivated differently :)
Sabrina RahmanOctober 18,2021 at 6:34PM UTC
I feel annoyed on you behalf. They could split the difference. If 90% is the higher value work, they could give you 90% of that salary benchmark, AND pay you 10% of the lower value work.
Maths(on a calculator) is kind of my thing. I hope you find an employer and/or boss who will treat you better.
KristaOctober 19,2021 at 1:07AM UTC
Im working on it! Thanks!
AnonymousOctober 17,2021 at 2:45PM UTC
I will touch on the subject of job title while searching for work, and that there could be an issue as far as title not aligned with responsibilities. As far as the title and putting it on your resume...did you have a previous title which you had for the majority of your employment there? Use that title, or just use Accountant and name of the department. But be more focused on the responsibilities of your job description. When it comes down to getting something new, the pay and the environment are more important.
AnonymousOctober 17,2021 at 3:05PM UTC
Good for you in recognizing you are not there at your current role. Many employers will use pay and titles as a retention tool and an organization ends up with a bunch of non managing managers and directors. It doesn't help in the long run as these folks run every one else out .