You've heard of the signing bonus for accounting and finance jobs, that incentive often used by hiring managers to entice top talent. But do you know when or how to negotiate for one?

Let's say that after a difficult job search, you were invited in for an interview, and now the company has asked you back for a second interview. Congratulations! If you are successful, the next step may be a job offer.

But what if the salary they offer is lower than you were expecting, or the benefits package or employee perks leave something to be desired? By all means, you should try to negotiate closer to the compensation you’re comfortable with, but if your attempt is unsuccessful, you may be able to arrange additional payment for signing the contract.

Enter the signing bonus, also called the sign on bonus. Here are five negotiation tactics for job seekers who see such a bonus in their future:

1. Wait for an official offer

This applies to any kind of salary negotiation, including signing bonuses: Let the hiring manager be the first to bring up the topic of money. Wait until you have an official offer to begin negotiations.

2. Do your research

Now it's your turn to offer a range so they’re clear about your expectations and needs and still have room to negotiate. Reach out to your social network to find contacts who could lend some insight as to whether this is a company that would be amenable to signing bonuses. Also make sure you've researched financial salaries at similar companies and locations.

Use our Salary Guide to research starting compensation for a variety of finance and accounting positions.

3. Broach the subject

If it’s apparent the employer is not going to give you the salary you were negotiating for, point out how a signing bonus could make up for it, providing enough of a balance to make you comfortable enough to accept the job.

4. Don’t make it all or nothing

Just as with salaries, it’s always a bad idea to give a potential employer an ultimatum. Even if it’s impossible for you to accept the job without a signing bonus, saying so might send up a red flag that you might not be a good long-term investment for the company.

5. Read the fine print

In most cases, signing bonuses come under specific conditions that will vary from one organization to the next. You may be required to pay back the bonus if you leave the company within a certain amount of time, or the payment may be split up and awarded in increments. Signing bonuses might also introduce new terms into your contract, such as a noncompete clause. If offered a signing bonus, read the fine print to make sure it is truly something that adds value to the job offer.

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