[ScarletKnightCPA]

Given the recent chatter on the forum regarding salary, what do you guys thing about compensation for CPAs. Are CPAs compensated well given the education requirements? Or do you guys feel that CPAs are underpaid?

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[CPA2015]

Depends on where you work, what you do with the license and your experience. For example, I live in the Metro DC area where gov't contracting is our main source of business. If you want to be a Controller or CFO salaries are $150k+. However, I have also seen Sr. Accountant jobs that require CPA license that are only paying in the $60's. I've also seen both Sr. Accountant & Controller jobs that do not require a CPA license and are paying $120k+.

[krokofilen]

CPA2015:

Are you comparing CFO and high-level controller positions with Sr. Accountant jobs?

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[CPA2015]

@krokofilen No I'm not comparing type of work for a Sr. Accountant job again a Controller or CFO I'm purely talking about the salary swing w/having a license. In my area, a license is not always a requirement to have a Controller or CFO position but the experience is a must. I make more in my current position in management w/o the license than I would at a lot of the Sr. Accountant positions advertised requiring a license. Here, having substantial experience in government contracting is going to get you further than just having a CPA, in industry. Obviously in other areas that won't be the case but a lot of people that I know looking for work here are shocked that the license isn't going to necessarily be their ticket to a huge salary.

[krokofilen]

CPA2015:

OK, gotya.

In my case, getting the U.S. CPA will actually get me to a Senior Manager promotion within a Big 4, so it will be “compensatory”. Sometimes the trick is to give them what they want/need, when they want/need it, and not any earlier.

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[Author]

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