[NewGirl27]

Hi! This is my first time posting, and I need some advice for those who remember what it was like when you were just starting out.

I am nearly a year out of school (bachelor’s), with 10 credits to go before I am eligible to sit for the CPA exam.

I began at my very first accounting job about 7 months ago, and it is in public accounting. To be honest, I never had much intention of going into public, but I didn’t find much otherwise. I accepted the position due to most accounting positions in my area wanting a minimum of 3 years experience and I had none. I felt desperate to be honest.

Long story short, I work an average of 50-55 hours per week (due to tax season) and worked 40 hours per week before that. The hours are challenging for me due to my family situation (I have young children). However, I’m hanging in there. The problem is I’m losing motivation. I am by no means a lazy person, and I consider myself to be goal oriented and driven. The problem is I feel that I may not be compensated appropriately. I would like others to weigh in since I have nothing to compare to and I don’t dare bring compensation up with my co workers.

I receive no benefits at all (no paid time off, no health/life insurance, no retirement, etc). I have reason to believe that may change soon, but if it does I’m not certain what those benefits will be exactly. My pay is 28k per year. I do work for a relatively small firm. The perks of the position are that the staff and partners are all easy to work with and for, and they are very flexible if I need occasional time off (unpaid of course). I also know that I’m getting great experience in a very wide array of accounting areas. I’m very comfortable at this place in general, but I feel like I’m losing motivation with long hours and what I assume may be low pay.

I am just seeking input as to whether I’m being compensated appropriately in general, or if I should maybe began looking elsewhere before I’m too comfortable. I just tend to be a very loyal person who would stay somewhere out of dedication rather than seek out higher pay eventually. I do know others I graduated with that obtained their first jobs and started out more like 35-40k with benefits.

Any advice is much appreciated! I’m just curious what an average beginning public accounting salary has been for you all.

[Anonymous]

I feel for you. Same story, cannot be lower rate, no insurance, no reimbursment, no bonus at year end, no bonus, no raise for CPA pass. The funny part, the boss does not want to pay me more than 8 hours a day but look like very unhappy if I leave at 5. And sometimes he asked me to come earlier or stay later, he paid me for extra hours but not overtime. We just have a new person and by accident I know that he is paid higher than I was, even the work that he does, as the boss said himself, a much lower level than what I do?!!…

[tomq04]

Spokane wa starts accounting grads at $40k salary, $18-22/hourly and benefits vary greatly.

Seattle area is closer to $50k starting and $22-25/hourly starting.

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

[tomq04]

Spokane wa starts accounting grads at $40k salary, $18-22/hourly and benefits vary greatly.

Seattle area is closer to $50k starting and $22-25/hourly starting.

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

[Author]

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