How Do I Push for the Salary I Want With the Current State of the Economy?

So let’s start with a reminder: if they offered you a job, they want you. Full stop. You don’t go looking for the cheapest accountant you can find, at least, no sound business does. A job offer means that you’re what they’re looking for. Money is certainly tight these days, with the economy still struggling and so much uncertainty surrounding the future, but that’s no excuse to underpay a qualified applicant such as yourself. 

Since you have multiple offers, you can approach this conversation from a position of strength. First, figure out which offer you're most interested in – pay aside. While it might be tempting, playing games by pitting offers against each other may backfire on you. The best thing to do is to be straightforward and firm. Communicate that this is lower than your previous salary in a similar role and be clear about what you would like your salary to be. You can and should let them know that you have multiple offers. But keep in mind, managers want to hire people who are passionate about the job; so communicate that fact, let them know that you want to work for them and are excited about the job, but hold firm that salary is a determining factor. If they really want you and value your talent, they'll be willing to pay you accordingly. And if they don’t? You dodged a bullet. It’s a poor hiring manager who tolerates nothing but humble submission to the will of the company when they’re already trying to hire you in the first place. This is where they – and you – put your best foot forward and try to make a good impression.