[MOcpa2015]

Hello all.

I have a question about the starting salary in public accounting. I have a good idea of what my area pays at the entry level position for public accounting as I received an offer this past fall for a full time position that I ultimately turned down in favor of an internship this spring with a firm that I really wanted to work for.

My question is, would the typical starting salary change if someone has passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam before they start? The area that I am in typically offers a bonus to those who pass all four parts within 1 year of beginning full time, but I could potentially pass all four parts before beginning full time. The bonus would no longer apply to me, but do you think it would be normal to be better compensated in terms of salary for having passed all four parts, even though I would not be licensed yet?

Thought I would see if anyone out there has any experience with this so that I have an idea of what to expect this spring.

Thanks!

Using CPAExcel + Wiley Test Bank

FAR - 76 8/5/2014
AUD - 84 10/11/2014
REG - 83 01/02/2015 failed once on 11/26/15 w/ a 72
BEC - 79 05/30/15

[Jaane]

Hey MOcpa2015!

From what I understand, you are still eligible for the CPA pass bonus (within one year, reduced for 2nd year) even though you might have it complete prior to your start date. I think you would just receive it sooner than others. As far as a salary bump, I think you more or less start at the same rate as other first-year hires (ignoring initial pay differences among audit/tax/advisory/etc), so the exam bonus is your best bet.

[mccaberp]

Robert Half comes out with a salary guide for nearly all accounting positions both public accounting and commercial

AUD: Pass
REG: Pass
BEC: Pass
FAR: Pass

First try CPA. Thank god. God bless America.

[Anonymous]

PwC pays out $5000 bonus if you pass anytime within your first year of employment. You'll get it even if you've already passed. You'll get the bonus on your first check. Starting salaries for Big4, depending on location, is low 50s.

[Marc]

Why do you expect people to give you their opinions and information if you are not providing them with information they are most probably curious about? people are more willing to tell you what they make if you tell them what you make … or received offers for etc …

Passed And got my license too ..

[mla1169]

I'm not sure having passed all 4 will make more than a nominal difference for an entry level position. Honestly your internship is probably a bigger factor than the exams. Take whatever you were offered and maybe increase it by 5%. If you think you can get hired before taking the exams let your employer pay for your study material and get the passing bonus.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[MOcpa2015]

@Jaane

Thanks for the insight. I assumed that if I had already passed the exam that the bonus wouldn't apply to me. It's good to hear that it isn't completely out of the question.

@mccaberp

I hadn't heard of that guide until now. I just looked it up and the ranges are about where I would have expected them to be, although they are pretty wide ranges. ~10k fluctuation in entry level public accounting seems like a lot.

@isauditforme

Your comment seems a bit jumpy and presumptuous. I don't EXPECT people to do anything for me. I was just asking people for their input, on a message board.

If you would have liked additional information on top of my original post you could have simply asked. The offer that I received was from a small firm for $52,500 along with a $3,100 bonus for passing the exams within 1 year of being hired. I was actually pleasantly surprised with the offer, but didn't think that the firm was the right fit for me.

My question wasn't necessarily what is the exact dollar amount I should expect to make, but how a situation where someone has passed the exams prior to employment is handled. ie, increased pay, still eligible for bonus, etc.

Using CPAExcel + Wiley Test Bank

FAR - 76 8/5/2014
AUD - 84 10/11/2014
REG - 83 01/02/2015 failed once on 11/26/15 w/ a 72
BEC - 79 05/30/15

[MOcpa2015]

@mla1169

Thanks for the input. I am debating between taking REG on Jan 2nd or trying to squeeze it in at the end of November. If I squeeze it in in November I will take BEC in the middle of January and hopefully be done. If I take REG on Jan 2nd I will most likely delay BEC until after tax season. As everyone hear can understand, I desperately want to be done with the exams haha.

I just wasn't sure if finishing in the middle of January or the middle of May would have any impact on a potential offer. Doesn't sound like it would probably make much of a difference.

Using CPAExcel + Wiley Test Bank

FAR - 76 8/5/2014
AUD - 84 10/11/2014
REG - 83 01/02/2015 failed once on 11/26/15 w/ a 72
BEC - 79 05/30/15

[MOcpa2015]

@CPA33

Not sure how I missed your post! Thanks for the info, sounds like I've got the answer I was looking for.

Using CPAExcel + Wiley Test Bank

FAR - 76 8/5/2014
AUD - 84 10/11/2014
REG - 83 01/02/2015 failed once on 11/26/15 w/ a 72
BEC - 79 05/30/15

[Marc]

@MOcpa2015 jumpy and presumptuous sounds about right 🙂 . But I still had to make that comment when i first read your question.

Oh, to answer your question, I worked at a big 4 right out of school. I did pass the tests before joining them but after accepting the offer.

As others mentioned, after submitting a reimbursement request with the necessary invoices etc, they did reimburse me for a portion of what i paid for my becker materials and exams, they also gave me the 5k bonus.

According to the director i interviewed with, the CPA is just an Item on a checklist for someone working in a CPA firm, so, there's nothing too special about it. They wont pay you extra for it right out of school. (in my experience)… but i'm a very bad negotiator. I'm sure it would make a difference if you are moving to another position after you get some experience.

Good luck! 🙂 .

Passed And got my license too ..

[Author]

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