[1dayatatime]

I keep reading online that new accounting graduates should be expecting an average salary of $53,000, but nearly every place I look offers less. I’ve seen job opportunities as low as $35k and as high as $50k. Obviously Big 4 pays more, but I feel that if you didn’t start off in their internship or leadership programs by sophomore year then it’s a lost cause. Is the whole idea “accountants are in high demand and get paid well” that was fed to us a myth? Job listings for general business degrees seem to offer more, and those majors don’t walk away with any discernible skills. Please give it to me straight.

AUD - Pass
REG - Pass
BEC - Pass
FAR - Pass

[Biff-1955-Tannen]

Depends on where you are located. Here in the twin cities Big 4 start around 55k, regional firms are starting around 52k

AUD 93 Jan 16
BEC 83 Feb 16
FAR 83 Apr 16
REG 84 May 16

99% Ninja MCQ only

[TheHoundThatRides]

1) As mentioned, depends on region/cost of living.

2) We have the option of pursuing accounting AND those general business jobs. I took a government budget job I didn't technically need an accounting degree for. (could have been any major) But they were sold with my accounting background and education. I make more than government accountants but if I hadn't gotten the job I would have still had accounting as an option. Pretty nice.

3) There's more competition for those general business jobs. Accounting isn't a cakewalk to get a good job in but it's definitely easier.

BEC - 78 (August 2015)
FAR - 80 (November 2015)
AUD - 73, 67. (Ok I gotta confess I was even more lazy this time around)
REG - August 27th, 2016

[EuroAddict]

This has been beat to death here. Location Location Location.

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[ScarletKnightCPA]

Yes location is a part of it, the other part is actually getting your foot in the door and the initial experience. If you don't follow the ‘standard' path doing internship in college and/or entering a entry level accounting/finance program you may find it exceedingly difficult to get any job at all, and if you do eventually get in they may low-ball you based on your prior jobs so you end up making less than their candidates coming straight from college.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[Anonymous]

Bingo Scarlett…

Toughest part Im facing is getting in the door..really regret turning down the job in public in DEcember to study for the exam..boy was that a mistake.

[startupcfo]

Understand the survivorship bias…. that many of the people are getting no job at all and 53K is only the average for the survivors.

BEC - 87 | 02/28
REG - 70 | 06/10, REMATCH | 08/30
AUD - XX | 09/10
FAR - XX | 12/10

[startupcfo]

Understand the survivorship bias…. that many of the people are getting no job at all and 53K is only the average for the survivors.

BEC - 87 | 02/28
REG - 70 | 06/10, REMATCH | 08/30
AUD - XX | 09/10
FAR - XX | 12/10

[Spartans92]

@amohr23cubs I would never turn down a job offer. Be happy to have a job after graduating, not many people can find jobs these days, it literally will take months. You would want income coming in and can study at same time, worst case is they let you go but at least you have B4 on your resume and some money. Good Luck!

I do think 50k is the starting salary but it does depend on location. Im in Michigan so the standard living not too high or low so my salary is in the mid 50's at a regional. But I have heard others in Ohio only making 40's with their CPA. I am not sure how the cost is there but imo that is kind of low especially with the designation.

BEC- PASS

[Yaz88]

High demand , yes, Highly paid that was straight out bull SH!T, you need CPA and 7+ years to get paid well, and only after controller and above positions. And not only that, Big 4 aren't like colleges and universities tell you.. Stay 2 years in big 4 and compare it with someone who went to smaller accounting firm, I bet you 95% chance that the big 4 guy is way underskilled than the guy in smaller firm.. Just

[Missy]

Stick to applying to jobs that don't list salaries in the ad. That's a huge red flag. I would bet most listings you see don't mention salary for good reason, they're negotiable. And apply to jobs that initially you think you're not qualified for you'd be surprised. If the ad says 3-5 years experience required give it a try anyway. Also think outside the box, many employers don't bother with the traditional monster.com or even indeed. Make sure your LinkedIn is updated because many hiring managers are actively seeking out candidates rather than throwing out an ad and dealing with too many responses.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

yeah no kidding..im kicking myself now..it was in the range of 45 50 k..with great partners too..and limited summer hours

I may go back in and talk to them since they loved me and i was friends with one of there huge celebrity clients..

Robbie Lawler..google hiim..

To be honest i dont think the CPA means shit if you have 5 years experience in public..but it will help get you in the door if you dont.

Best option right now is work towards getting licensend and then 45-50 k should be obtainable..Never use staffing agencies…they take half your salary.

[Spartans92]

LOL @amohr23cubs, I googled that guy and have no idea who he is since I don't really pay attention to UFC. How is the studying coming along for you?

BEC- PASS

[Anonymous]

Yeah I dont watch it anymore either since i havent been fighting in almost 8 years..I guess he just won the title earlier this year..

The area where im from has produced like 12 UFC champions..but the gym closed down now.

Thats iowa for you..

Studying has been rough..Im doing FAR..I went through all my old books for a month and a half waiting on NASBA to get back to me..so just got Rogers material and love it..Im 30 percent through FAR the first time..Im scoring about 70 percent on MCQ and probably 80-90 percent on TBS..

Which is ironic I wanted to do this first cause I thought MCQ would be a lot easier..but they are far from it..I always seem to miss one small little thing they have in the problem that changes things…mostly due to how tiresome it is reading 3 paragraphs for one problem..One of the reasons I think the test changes will be making FAR easier next year..more time and less MCQ..you have to know the material to pass anyways ya know.

I plan on taking it in May hoping to have went through everything 3 times at least..I study 5 hours a day 6 days a week and take sundays off..or if im just super burnt out or stressed ill take a day off..

Hows it going for you?

[Anonymous]

ScarletKnight is correct. Something I wish I had known going into the major. Then I would've stuck with engineering.

[Anonymous]

To be fair the partners I spoke with laughed when I said that the AICPA said there are too many CPA's

Doesnt seem like they can find enough..people with degrees in accounting yes..but a lot of kinds out of college never took an advanced tax class..struggled through audit and just did enough to get through Int 2 to graduate.

sooooo….If you pass the exam I would imagine/hope you wouldnt have much issue finding a job.

[Author]

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