I recently discovered that a coworker is earning £15k more than I am, and it’s really made me reconsider my own compensation. I’m a 26-year-old female senior accountant, and my coworker is a 29-year-old male in the same role. We both started around the same time, with me starting just a month earlier, and we’ve been with the company for just over 18 months while working on the same project under fixed-term contracts.
While he has five years of post-qualification experience compared to my two, I can’t help but feel that a £15k difference is excessive. I plan to talk to my boss about this disparity, but I’m unsure about how to approach the conversation. I want to express how unfair this feels and that it makes me feel undervalued, but I also aim to focus on why I deserve a pay increase.
I’ve taken on additional responsibilities on our project, while my colleague hasn’t had any extra duties. Though he’s been in his current position longer, my outputs are improving and getting closer to his.
I’ve done some research on the market rates for qualified accountants with two years of post-qualification experience in London and found that I’m actually being paid below the average for my role. I think I have a solid basis for this discussion, but I would really appreciate any advice on how best to approach it. Thank you in advance for your insights!
Edit 1: I don’t expect to match his salary exactly, but I do want to advocate for a more equitable compensation.
Edit 2: It’s worth noting that we both bring experience from previous roles—my background is in a Big 4 firm, while he comes from a banking and risk background. However, our current role is heavily focused on Accounting.
One response
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, and it’s great that you’re taking proactive steps to address it. Here are some suggestions on how to approach the conversation with your boss:
Prepare Your Case: Gather all relevant information to support your argument. This includes your job responsibilities, any accomplishments or contributions you’ve made to the team, and your market research showing average salaries for your position and experience level. Be specific about how you have taken on more responsibilities and any successful projects you’ve been involved in.
Choose the Right Time: Request a meeting with your boss at a time when they are likely to be free from distractions. This could be after a significant milestone or during a less busy period.
Be Professional and Positive: Approach the conversation with a professional demeanor. Start by expressing your appreciation for the opportunities you’ve had in the company and the projects you’ve been working on.
State the Facts: Present your findings factually rather than emotionally. Explain the salary discrepancy clearly, focusing on your experience, qualifications, and contributions rather than directly comparing yourself to your coworker. Mention your Big 4 background, which is often valued highly in Accounting roles.
Emphasize Your Contributions: Highlight specific examples where you have taken on additional responsibilities or where your work has positively impacted the team or project. Your boss is more likely to respond positively if they see how your work adds value to the organization.
Ask for Feedback: Inquire whether there are any areas where you could improve or develop further to justify a higher salary. This shows your willingness to grow and adapt, which can be appealing to your boss.
Discuss Fairness: While expressing your feelings of being undervalued, frame your request in terms of fairness and competitiveness within the market rather than focusing solely on the pay gap with your coworker.
Be Open to Dialogue: Be prepared for various responses. Your boss might not be able to make immediate changes, and it would be helpful to ask what steps you can take moving forward.
Follow Up: After your discussion, send a thank-you email reiterating your appreciation for the conversation and summarizing any next steps that were discussed.
Remember, advocating for yourself is important, and having a well-structured conversation can make a significant difference. Good luck!