[jkpoker1]

I have two questions relating to going into industry and not public accounting when starting your career. First, what is a competitive salary or hourly wage for a staff accountant at say a small or medium sized firm? I’d say prolly 35-42k correct after graduating college. Give or take 5k depending on location and cost of real estate?

Also is the month end close process difficult? I had an internship at a small manufacturing firm and they never really let me assist too much with month-end. I only did bank reconciliations (which were pretty simple with excel) and a little account analysis. I was just wondering if the month end process is difficult? I imagine it is tough at first but must become repetitive after you go through it a few times. Thanks for any responses or advice. I’m thinking about going into industry right off the bat and working toward my CPA at the same time and possibly going into public down the road if I find it necessary (Also depends on where I get a job- I honestly don’t believe I will get a job in public right now after interviewing with a few small no name firms that didn’t extend me an offer).

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Malissa]

Salary really depends on the market. On the good side most accounting jobs have a salary range published with the ad. You can always use a salary calculator like the ones offered on careerbuilder. But after you've seen enough ads, you'll get an idea.

As for Month-end, the process is simple. You make sure expenses are in, accounts are balanced, and do some routine journal entries. The hard work is in determining how to expense or capitalize equipment. Arguing with the boss over accounting principles. And fixing mistakes (in the beginning they will mostly be your own.) You are right that it becomes routine after a while.

F-81
B-81
R-75
A-waiting...failed twice third time's the charm right?

[Malissa]

Salary really depends on the market. On the good side most accounting jobs have a salary range published with the ad. You can always use a salary calculator like the ones offered on careerbuilder. But after you've seen enough ads, you'll get an idea.

As for Month-end, the process is simple. You make sure expenses are in, accounts are balanced, and do some routine journal entries. The hard work is in determining how to expense or capitalize equipment. Arguing with the boss over accounting principles. And fixing mistakes (in the beginning they will mostly be your own.) You are right that it becomes routine after a while.

F-81
B-81
R-75
A-waiting...failed twice third time's the charm right?

[Jennifer Wade]

$35k – $40k is a good range for my area for a fresh out of school staff accountant position. That said – drive 40min east and it drops to $28k – $32k. It really depends on the location of the company and at times the type of industry.

Month-end proceses can be hard or easy depending on what is set up where you work. When everything works out, they are smooth sailing. Find something that didn't post – or IT set up to post to the wrong accounts – huge pain. The company should have processes already spelled out (unless its pretty small or fairly new), you just have to learn them. it does become routine.

I went straight to industry right out of school, and its worked out fairly well for me so far. I've had to jump companies to be exposed to more areas and recieve substantial raises and new responsibilities. When you find something great though – hold on to it. My current company completely covers study materials and exam fees for the CPA. A CPA isn't required for my job, but it makes the company look good overall, and they groom employees from the inside to move up. This is unheard of in most places in my area, or at least until you start hitting upper management level.

FAR - 73, rematch in early April
AUD - 5/14
REG - 8/14
BEC - 11/14

[Jennifer Wade]

$35k – $40k is a good range for my area for a fresh out of school staff accountant position. That said – drive 40min east and it drops to $28k – $32k. It really depends on the location of the company and at times the type of industry.

Month-end proceses can be hard or easy depending on what is set up where you work. When everything works out, they are smooth sailing. Find something that didn't post – or IT set up to post to the wrong accounts – huge pain. The company should have processes already spelled out (unless its pretty small or fairly new), you just have to learn them. it does become routine.

I went straight to industry right out of school, and its worked out fairly well for me so far. I've had to jump companies to be exposed to more areas and recieve substantial raises and new responsibilities. When you find something great though – hold on to it. My current company completely covers study materials and exam fees for the CPA. A CPA isn't required for my job, but it makes the company look good overall, and they groom employees from the inside to move up. This is unheard of in most places in my area, or at least until you start hitting upper management level.

FAR - 73, rematch in early April
AUD - 5/14
REG - 8/14
BEC - 11/14

[jkpoker1]

When i'm asked about salary requirements, I typically say 30-40k range. You would say this is a competitive salary for a recent grad? I never want to throw a high number out because I feel like it can only hurt me. I live in Central NY so its not a hotbed for accounting positions or really strong job market.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[jkpoker1]

When i'm asked about salary requirements, I typically say 30-40k range. You would say this is a competitive salary for a recent grad? I never want to throw a high number out because I feel like it can only hurt me. I live in Central NY so its not a hotbed for accounting positions or really strong job market.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Anonymous]

30-40k for central NY? Doesn't it seem a bit low for that mkt?

[Anonymous]

30-40k for central NY? Doesn't it seem a bit low for that mkt?

[Anonymous]

If you're not comfortable throwing a number out, just tell them it would depend on the entire package but that you're looking for something that is competitive with what other companies are offering for similar positions.

There's enough info out there where you should have an idea of what's low, average, good.

Also, working in industry is the best. I've been doing it for the last 6 years. Month end processes can vary from company to company and it really depends on what areas of the company you are responsible for. It will certainly be challenging in the beginning just learning how to get through a close and figuring out where mistakes happened but after a few months it becomes fairly routine.

[Anonymous]

If you're not comfortable throwing a number out, just tell them it would depend on the entire package but that you're looking for something that is competitive with what other companies are offering for similar positions.

There's enough info out there where you should have an idea of what's low, average, good.

Also, working in industry is the best. I've been doing it for the last 6 years. Month end processes can vary from company to company and it really depends on what areas of the company you are responsible for. It will certainly be challenging in the beginning just learning how to get through a close and figuring out where mistakes happened but after a few months it becomes fairly routine.

[Anonymous]

“30-40k for central NY? Doesn't it seem a bit low for that mkt?”

Doesn't seem unreasonable to me. CNY is a low cost of living region.

[Anonymous]

“30-40k for central NY? Doesn't it seem a bit low for that mkt?”

Doesn't seem unreasonable to me. CNY is a low cost of living region.

[san4596]

I live in a small town in Texas, and started out at $35K. Benefits include free health insurance, life insurance, long term care policy, and a 3% match SEP IRA contribution. After 18 months, I was guaranteed a 10% raise, and will receive a $200/month raise when I become a CPA. Cost of living in my area is about $100 per square foot for a NEW home. So, I too believe $30-40K for central NY is low.

My home is 1,800 sq/ft, 1 year old, and appraises for $212K. Just to give you an idea. Hope this helps! 🙂

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[san4596]

I live in a small town in Texas, and started out at $35K. Benefits include free health insurance, life insurance, long term care policy, and a 3% match SEP IRA contribution. After 18 months, I was guaranteed a 10% raise, and will receive a $200/month raise when I become a CPA. Cost of living in my area is about $100 per square foot for a NEW home. So, I too believe $30-40K for central NY is low.

My home is 1,800 sq/ft, 1 year old, and appraises for $212K. Just to give you an idea. Hope this helps! 🙂

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[jkpoker1]

Really? Central New York is a pretty marginal area. Also I'm not talking about staff accountant positions for public firms. I know must public firms prolly start out around 35-45k. Some of the jobs I've applied for also are titled finance assistant/etc, so i feel like you more or less are doing A/P, A/R, etc. so its not really going to pay extremely well.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Author]

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