Salaries in Accounting

My boss informed us last week that our entire department is switching from hourly pay to an exempt salary, and there’s no raise at all. With the loss of overtime, it feels like everyone’s facing a big… more

5 YOE, $110k base / $125k all-in.
Starting to think the real question in accounting isn’t early comp — it’s the ceiling. How fast can you realistically get to $150k–$200k without going partner or CFO? … more

Other supervisor tax seniors in public accounting - what is your salary, bonus or no bonuses, CPA, EA? city? I get paid 105k, no bonuses

How long are people actually staying senior before promo to manager? I’m seeing 2 years at some firms, 4+ at others. Does comp actually justify waiting?

Currently making about 125k all in comp as senior in northeast MCOL. Curious what other seniors are making. About 5 YOE

Just wondering - what would you expect the salary to be for the Controller for a regional CPA firm with about 100 employees & approximately $20M annual revenue?

I just found out that a coworker received a 15% pay increase when he made an internal move. What's the largest salary bump you've seen or received without leaving your firm?

I just reached my three-year mark at my company, and my raise was only 2%. It seems rather low to me, but I don't want to jump to conclusions if this is the norm right now. Should I consider negot… more

I’m currently a 3rd year senior tax associate, MCOL working at a top 10 firm. I just cracked over 100k last year with my raise. Does this seem right or should be aiming for closer to 115k and higher?… more

Ive been thinking about how salary growth feels very different depending on where you start. When you’re earlier in your career, a 10k raise can feel life-changing. Later on, even bigger jumps don’t h… more

I am a young staff accountant with 2 YOE. I am good at my job. I make around $58k and I see no-experience staff starting in the mid to high 60s. I inquired about raise/market adjustment. My manager s… more

Is $75k realistic for a jump to industry if I'm currently making $62k in public? Recruiters say it is doable, but I'm skeptical.

Is there a big difference in AIP for big4 and the other CPA firms?

What kind of salary increases are big 4 managers seeing after leaving to industry?

Realistic to ask for a higher salary during assessment season? Probably’ll get the regular increase but wondering if asking for more would be worth it? Paid fine but would love more

What bonuses are received by tax manager at CPA firms?

My firm told me my salary adjustment is on hold until after busy season, which I get to some extent, but it's been pushed back twice now. Is this pretty standard, or should I be concerned at this … more

One thing that surprises me is how differently people react to similar pay situations. Some feel content, others feel behind, even at comparable numbers. It really highlights how personal salary satis… more

I’ve been noticing that the way I think about salary has shifted from ‘how high can I get it’ to ‘does this feel sustainable.’ Early on it was all about maximizing growth, but now I care more about wh… more

I was looking at local job listings last week (MCOL area), and the entry-level rates are such a joke. Seeing Staff roles for $18 to $23 an hour makes it pretty clear why kids are skipping accounting f… more

How long did it take you to hit $70k in public? I’m midway through year two and feel like I might be behind. I know location and firm size matter, but I’m trying to see if my pay is actually normal or… more

Do I have to tell recruiters what I’m making now? It feels wrong that they ask for a specific number. I feel like if I share it, they’ll just lowball me based on that instead of paying what the job is… more

I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to tie your sense of progress to your paycheck. When raises slow down, it can feel like your career stalled even if your skills and responsibilities are growing… more

While I recognize the average American makes sub 50k, but me, almost at 100k at a MCOL area feels like I’m living paycheck to paycheck with the cost of rent and even basics, like groceries, becoming u… more

There’s a weird tension between wanting to maximize earning potential and wanting a role that feels sustainable. Sometimes the highest-paying option isn’t the one that fits long-term goals. How do peo… more

Sometimes it feels like salary progression is framed as a straight climb, but in reality it’s uneven and influenced by timing, market conditions, and role changes. That unpredictability makes long-ter… more

I’m in the middle of a Big 4 application, and they’re more or less demanding my pay history. HR made it sound like a hard requirement to proceed. Is this actually mandatory, or are they just trying to… more

SM on 3rd year, $188,200 per year plus discretionary bonus of 5-10% plus at least 5% raise. Good? South Florida

I am starting to realize that salary satisfaction isn’t just about the number — it’s about whether growth feels fair relative to effort. You can technically be paid well and still feel stuck if progre… more

I have an interview coming up, and I'm not sure what to say to them if they ask about salary expectations. This is only my second job, so I don't really know what's reasonable to ask for. … more

I sometimes wonder how much control we actually have over salary progression. Effort and performance matter, but timing and opportunity seem to play a bigger role than people admit. Has your experienc… more

I caught myself comparing my salary to peers more than I expected to at this stage. Sometimes it’s motivating, sometimes it just adds pressure. I’m trying to figure out when comparison is useful versu… more

My promotion has been pending for almost a year, but the extra work is already hitting my desk. I trust my manager, but I’m tired of doing the higher-level work for my current pay. Is there a polite w… more

What do you value most in a new role when looking? Whether it be base salary, % bonus, non comp benefits, billable hours, etc. Curious to hear your thoughts.

I’ve been thinking about how much of salary satisfaction is about the number versus the feeling of being valued. You can hit a higher number but still feel off if expectations keep rising with it. How… more

I'm seriously thinking about leaving my senior manager position for a role at a smaller firm. The billable hours are way lower and the salary hit would be pretty significant, but I’d finally be ho… more

When looking at new offers, do you prioritize the guaranteed base or the bonus structure? I'm seeing more jobs where performance bonuses are emphasized over salary. Part of me wants the security o… more

I can use some advice. Over 15 years of experience in big 4 and mid tier firms and now got an offer to a small firm. People say I am technically sound and has potential. Moving into a bigger city in T… more

Is the increase from staff to senior significant? I have 2 YOE and would prefer to stay with my current firm, but if the internal raise is tiny compared to what I could get by switching firms, I'd… more