Related Posts
More Posts
How does the project pipeline looks like for TC?
Conversation Starter
Visual Storyteller
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
Sign Up to see all discussions
- Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
- Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
- Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
"" is an unusual email domain. If correct, please proceed to the next step
Messaging rates may apply
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
Share
Embed this post
Copy and paste embed code on your site
Preview
Download the
Fishbowl app
Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile
Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl
Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl
Messaging rates may apply
I think you can aim for $100k-$120k after 3-5 years in accounting, in my honest opinion. Really depends on how you constantly upskill after you get employed as well. Be open to changing companies or roles for career advancement. About the degree, I would recommend certification instead of the whole degreee.
You will start at $90k fresh outta school at Big 4 in DC area with accounting degree and 150 credits that make eligible to be licensed. So you’ll be over $100k in 3 years.
In public, easily. As long as you’re not in a really small firm or in a very rural area, it’s likely hard not to be at $100k after 5 YOE these days.
Easily. Hit 100k base in Chicago at my B4 last year after TWO years of work.
And Chicago isn’t necessarily considered HCOL.
With a BA in Business, you can just do a Masters in Accountancy or Tax if you want to work in Big 4. You’ll get a pay bump with a Masters and don’t need to do a 4 year program in accounting.
If you aren't then you are at the wrong company. Seniors with 2-3 years are making $90k in public accounting.
I’m at 103k after 4 years in a low cost of living area, it’s definitely possible.
After 4 years you should be well into 100k in Texas as long as you do well.
Are you in a high cost of living area (NY, SF) and are you planning to go the Big 4 route? Also should ask if you are comfortable working 9-10hrs/day year round and 16hrs/day in Jan-Mar? If so, then yes, staff are starting at 80k+, seniors (2 yoe) at 100k+, managers (4/5 yoe) at 140k+. Please reduce these amounts by like 20k for most of rest of US and more for low cost of living. I ask about comfortable working that much, b/c a lot of 2nd career people just plainly arent due to family or other reasons.
This is excellent advice. You will absolutely make "good money" if you go the Big 4 route. The numbers above sound like what the audit people make. Advisory/Consulting makw ~20% more and have less predictably busy hours.
Hit that after 2 years, so yes. Public is the way to go in the beginning of your career
It’s easy to do in public accounting.
Changes are high if you get your CPA license.
Yes, but you need an accounting degree and a CPA (can get this while working). You likely also need to spend 3-5 years in public and then you can bounce to an industry job. I’ve more than tripled my starting associate salary (55k) in just under 10 YOE.
This path will not always have the best WLB but you will likely have a good amount of autonomy and if you can land a decent gig in industry the WLB will be better than in PA.
I work at Baker Tilly and am on track to hit $100k next (currently salaried at $97K and had a 7.5K bonus last year). I am entering my 5th busy season this year, live in a low cost of living area, and have my CPA license. Definitely feasible in public accounting.
The CPA certification is more important than the degree, but in most states CPA licenses require schooling along with it.