How much to pay

[CABilly]

Reama, Thats what I'm thinking.
I wish I could retain her. It's a part time job and I can't give her enough to survive in Marin, at least that's what she's telling me. Her and her husband own a few properties and have been in their house for 31 years. I think there are other things going on that she's not telling me.

Sounds like they're ready to pull out of California taxpayer life and enjoy what they have left. Doesn't make any sense to retire here where the state will just lop off a cool 10% or whatever from your retirement income. They can sell or rent and coast off into the sunset.

When I was a young lad working my first real job that required some effort and professionalism, I worked very hard to be very good at it. But every year, I'd only ever score "meets expectations" on my performance evaluation. After a couple years I called out the manager and asked him if he really honestly thought I was just scraping by. He changed a few to "exceeds expectations" and I got like a 23¢ raise. From then on I knew raises don't come unless they're contracted or demanded. They'd been lowballing my evals to save a couple hundred bucks per year. Jerks.

 

[jt2]

It sounds like you have a lot riding on this position (AP/AR and compliance). Given that, $35 doesn't sound that high. Remember, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.

Bear in mind that a new person is going to need a lot more time to complete tasks that someone with over a decade of seat time is going to need.

 

[Blankpage]

There’s always the odd chance a replacement could be a kickass standout.

 

[dravnx]

There’s always the odd chance a replacement could be a kickass standout.

I'll burn some sage and set up the Tiki alter in the office to hope for this.

 

[Beauregard]

$30 and not any less. This person sounds like your right hand.

This.

I employ up to 40 people and over the years I've found that you get what you pay for.

 

[Holeshot]

Reama, Thats what I'm thinking.
I wish I could retain her. It's a part time job and I can't give her enough to survive in Marin, at least that's what she's telling me. Her and her husband own a few properties and have been in their house for 31 years. I think there are other things going on that she's not telling me.

DOE/ DOA, I'd put starting around $23-25. Budget annual increases into that as well. If you want to put some risk in, have a signing bonus and 6 month bonus as a part of the compensation. Experience is key, but don't discount the high unemployment rate. You should be able to get someone who's decently qualified and eager to work. I'd aim for someone younger, not older and not a college graduate for the position.

Probably too much info. I think $60K is a lot for someone who's starting with limited experience in your firm. IMO.

 

[littlebeast]

I learned a long time ago that managers will never (or very, very rarely) give somebody a raise unless they ask for it, demand it or are in the process of leaving. They rarely ever give you a raise because you're worth far more than you're getting paid but haven't asked for one. Also, if they feel like you won't leave if they don't give you a raise, many of them won't give you one. More money for their raises.

when i took over my current department as a new hire manager, i felt everyone was underpaid (based on salaries from my prior smaller company). i asked HR to do a market survey and it was confirmed (by 10-12%). everyone got a 10% increase as a result.

i did the same a few years later when recruiting for new staff. it was clear that annual increases had not kept pace with the market. again, requested a market survey and made adjustments based on the results (depending on the position, anywhere from 8-15%). it’s absolutely necessary for retention and motivation of good, experienced talent, and any company that doesn’t do that is shortsighted.

Every single bit of my office work I can do on my boat. Is there any way she can work remotely for you? Get a dedicated cell with your business number (we did) buy her a dedicated laptop and let her rip?

this is excellent advice.

 

[two wheel tramp]

Said they make 35

Yes. After many years with him. The new hire will need a bit of time to get up to speed and then he'll want to have room to offer her a bit of a raise.

This.

I employ up to 40 people and over the years I've found that you get what you pay for.

Amen.

Jeff, you'll be able to find someone good, of this I am sure. Hiring is NO fun tho.

 

[mrmarklin]

It sounds like you have a lot riding on this position (AP/AR and compliance). Given that, $35 doesn't sound that high. Remember, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.

Bear in mind that a new person is going to need a lot more time to complete tasks that someone with over a decade of seat time is going to need.

This. Our office manager makes $100K+ and we are not a large office. No one can live in the Bay Area on much less and it’s not realistic to expect them to do so if they’re competent. :wow

 

[JesasaurusRex]

I'd too offer her more money if she's as good as you think she is. Not $50 per hour like above me but offer her 5-10%. Why not just ask her what she needs to make to feel valued and retained and go from there?

 

[dravnx]

I'd too offer her more money if she's as good as you think she is. Not $50 per hour like above me but offer her 5-10%. Why not just ask her what she needs to make to feel valued and retained and go from there?

It's a 20 hr/week position. No amount is going to change her life situation.

 

[ThumperX]

It's a 20 hr/week position. No amount is going to change her life situation.

Did you see my suggestion?

 

[JesasaurusRex]

It's a 20 hr/week position. No amount is going to change her life situation.

Kinda sounds like you don't care too much if she leaves if you don't even want to bother asking her. Which is fine. Do you

 

[dravnx]

Kinda sounds like you don't care too much if she leaves if you don't even want to bother asking her. Which is fine. Do you

You're making assumptions about something you know nothing about.

 

[Holeshot]

Kinda sounds like you don't care too much if she leaves if you don't even want to bother asking her. Which is fine. Do you

Jeff's saying "it's not as easy at that". Being in business, I agree. Most times when someone has made a direction change in their mind, there is no retaining them.

 

[JesasaurusRex]

I reread the first post, doesn't look like OP ever asked about retention. Kinda how i took it after page 2, mistakenly it seems. Gl finding a replacement.

 

[CocoLoco]

Enough to cover the bald spot.