[mkim3041]

Long time viewer, first time writing a post.

I just had a couple of questions to ask to all you experienced accountants in this forum.

I graduated with a business degree, got my accounting certificate, and passed all the exams last year.

I’ve been trying to find work in the SoCal area.

Only experiences I have is working for a family business in New Mexico, doing some bookkeeping and cashier duties.

I was working there while studying for the exams.

I did a couple of internships in college that were unrelated to accounting.

How is the job market for entry-level accountants in SoCal?

What is the salary level I can expect with my experience (almost nothing)?

[tomq04]

shocked no responses; I would think there would be plenty of Californians represented here…i'm in WA so not much help. Spokane area starts you at 40k, Seattle/Portland area starts you between 45-50k…the cost of living change isn't worth it, better to stay in the small town and move after 2-3 years.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[tomq04]

shocked no responses; I would think there would be plenty of Californians represented here…i'm in WA so not much help. Spokane area starts you at 40k, Seattle/Portland area starts you between 45-50k…the cost of living change isn't worth it, better to stay in the small town and move after 2-3 years.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Mathgirl7]

I am in socal but I was never an accountant so take this with a grain of salt. My guess would be in the $50K range for no experience. It really depends on so many different things that is hard to say. The size of the company, the industry and the exact area you are looking in can all swing the salary.

AUD - 2/1/2014 - 92
BEC - 2/8/2014 - 79
REG - 5/17/2014
FAR - 5/21/2014

CA Ethics Exam - Passed

[Mathgirl7]

I am in socal but I was never an accountant so take this with a grain of salt. My guess would be in the $50K range for no experience. It really depends on so many different things that is hard to say. The size of the company, the industry and the exact area you are looking in can all swing the salary.

AUD - 2/1/2014 - 92
BEC - 2/8/2014 - 79
REG - 5/17/2014
FAR - 5/21/2014

CA Ethics Exam - Passed

[Study Monk]

It was 50k starting in public accounting without the CPA. I am still figuring out what I will ask for with my CPA license and 1 year of experience from seven years ago. My guess is accounting jobs at small private companies can be as low as $20 an hour with your experience. Larger and midsize corporate jobs will probably start you between $45,000 too $55,000. My guess is asking for $60,000 is a stretch with a CPA and no experience.

I am in Northern California and after I get my license I will be happy if I can get a private accounting job for $45,000. It is possible that both of us will have a better chance getting a job in the next public accounting recruiting season (Sep to Nov). It is my BELIEF that public accounting firms are more likely to overlook no experience(flaky experience in my case) more so than private corporations assuming you passed all of your CPA exams. Most of this post is based on speculation.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Study Monk]

It was 50k starting in public accounting without the CPA. I am still figuring out what I will ask for with my CPA license and 1 year of experience from seven years ago. My guess is accounting jobs at small private companies can be as low as $20 an hour with your experience. Larger and midsize corporate jobs will probably start you between $45,000 too $55,000. My guess is asking for $60,000 is a stretch with a CPA and no experience.

I am in Northern California and after I get my license I will be happy if I can get a private accounting job for $45,000. It is possible that both of us will have a better chance getting a job in the next public accounting recruiting season (Sep to Nov). It is my BELIEF that public accounting firms are more likely to overlook no experience(flaky experience in my case) more so than private corporations assuming you passed all of your CPA exams. Most of this post is based on speculation.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[hecubus330]

I live in SoCal. My only experience before getting a job was through internships. Most entry-level salaries in public accounting range between low 50s to high 50s (in the high 60s if you have a MST or JD).

However I used campus recruiting to get hired.

Try looking for career fairs through professional organizations such as ALPFA or Ascend. You can meet employers there and they ask you your first two choices of office locations.

BEC -69, 69
REG -77 (expired), 79
FAR - ?
AUD - 65, 67

[hecubus330]

I live in SoCal. My only experience before getting a job was through internships. Most entry-level salaries in public accounting range between low 50s to high 50s (in the high 60s if you have a MST or JD).

However I used campus recruiting to get hired.

Try looking for career fairs through professional organizations such as ALPFA or Ascend. You can meet employers there and they ask you your first two choices of office locations.

BEC -69, 69
REG -77 (expired), 79
FAR - ?
AUD - 65, 67

[How many letters do you need]

I'd say the posts here are pretty accurate. 40-50 depending on company size and function of position. A little bit of extra advice, if you go the corporate route consider a large company for two reasons: first, they will usually have good training programs which is important for your resume. Secondly, being that you passed your exams they will probably see you as quick potential management, especially if you are particularly mobile and can move for opportunities. Corp accounting departments tend to LOVE CPAs….

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[How many letters do you need]

I'd say the posts here are pretty accurate. 40-50 depending on company size and function of position. A little bit of extra advice, if you go the corporate route consider a large company for two reasons: first, they will usually have good training programs which is important for your resume. Secondly, being that you passed your exams they will probably see you as quick potential management, especially if you are particularly mobile and can move for opportunities. Corp accounting departments tend to LOVE CPAs….

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Author]

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