Can You Ask for Severance?

The saying “last hired, first fired” might creep into your head as you think about changing jobs, but the current staffing shortage in the accounting and finance sectors has put CPAs in a prime position to negotiate severance.

Dona DeZube of JobsintheMoney.com, a career Web site for accounting and finance professionals, says, “If you’re a below-C-level employee, a golden parachute may be beyond reach. But you may be able to get a golden umbrella that protects you if it starts raining pink slips.”

DeZube suggests researching the compensation packages of others with the same background—including accounting skills, experience and certifications—before starting negotiations .

Source: “Negotiating Severance Upfront Can Be Tricky,” www.jobsinthemoney.com.