[FIFOisbetterthanLIFO]

I have 4 years of experience in the private industry. I am the senior cost and financial accountant (including some internal audit) at a MFG company (approx 100 million revenue). I’ve passed the exam and all that good stuff and wanted to get licensed. Boss used to be a CPA but wasn’t active and I didn’t realize until after I started with the company.

Anyways,I have had offers at public accounting firms without a problem. Most want to pay in between 40k-50k. I will admit I have learned quite a bit through this process. Last firm, I sold them on the fact that I would be bringing some unique experience from the MFG side and would be interested in helping to bring in clients from that part of industry. They offered me 54k to start because they really think I would be a good a good addition to the team (not my words).

I currently make 70k + 10% bonus. I feel like I would be crazy to leave just to get those 3 little letters after my name. Anyone else have an opinion on this? Are these accounting firms really offering these crappy wages for 60-70 hours a week? Most want you to suck it up for 2 years before they even think of paying you a decent wage. I just turned 27 if that matters. I might try looking into a different industry job that has an active CPA.

FAR - Passed (82)
BEC - Passed (76)
AUD - Passed (89)
REG - Passed! (81)
AICPA Ethics

Licensed CPA

[sushi222]

Can you ask them to match your salary? Tell them your situation and see if they are flexible (although I imagine maybe not if you're talking about a difference of $20k.

You may want to do some research on whether there are some states that will allow you to get your CPA based on your circumstances. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I would look for a new job that will match your salary. Use a recruiter if you want. Definitely would not take such a huge pay cut, but CPA is important. Good luck.

Plenty of other private industries will pay that much for a 40 hour week and have you work under a cpa who can sign off on your experience, assuming you don't specifically need public accounting experience in Oregon.

[Anonymous]

Portland public accounting salaries are low. Most entry level big 4 staff get paid around $45k which is insane given the hours they'll be working along with the cost of living. Some wont even sign off on your experience until two years either. I'd find another industry job with a CPA.

[FIFOisbetterthanLIFO]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that it is crazy. Public feels sooo overrated and from the many quarterly and yearly audits I've been a part of it seems so dumbed down that anyone could do it – I've met so many people in public who don't even understand the basics in business and how each financial account is born. All the know is they need to follow last years audit. It's mind-numbing, and I can't see myself doing it.

Oregon allows certification within industry so it shouldn't be a problem to find another CPA within industry who wants to do the “mentor” thing. Thanks for your thoughts guys.

FAR - Passed (82)
BEC - Passed (76)
AUD - Passed (89)
REG - Passed! (81)
AICPA Ethics

Licensed CPA

[Anonymous]

All i can say is the auditors at GT (many senior level) are the most incompetent group of people ive ever had the displeasure or working with.

[Author]

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