Need some help and outsider input on my current salary situation. For background, I am a Senior IT Auditor in a MCOL area. I work in Public (non-big 4), 4 YOE (1 as Senior). No CPA or CISA.
I currently make $88k and have never asked for a raise or bonus. I've always been afraid to tarnish my relationship with the partners in my department (for some reason), which has always been great. I frequently receive 'exceeding expectations' reviews when I request feedback from partners and managers, some of which don't even regularly work with me on a day-to-day. I have always taken on more work than what I think I am responsible for without complaint, can handle complex engagements independently, and I have always worked very well with clients. In my opinion, I feel like I have always performed at a higher level than my peers and have been told the same from multiple people on my team throughout my time with this firm. I feel like I have solid evidence I can show to support my worth, but I'm still second-guessing myself.
I want to ask for $100k, but I would be happy with $95k. My firm is offering a similar job to mine in the same geographic market with base salary ranging from ~$85k to ~$160k, which leads me to believe that I have a good reason to ask for more considering I am barely above the lowest possible salary for my position. I have also been told by a few of my colleagues that I may be underpaid. While I haven't told my co-workers my exact salary, I have shared that I'm below $100k, which always receives pretty shocked responses.
I'm very nervous to ask for more, even though I know I shouldn't be because this is a normal thing to ask for. Any tips or guidance would be greatly appreciated!