[MidwestCPA]

This website was a great tool while I studied for the exam a few years ago. I’m back to ask what salary I should ask for in an application to a small CPA firm (less than 50 FTE). I’ve been a CPA for 3 years working for a federal organization conducting performance audits under GAGAS. I also own a small tax firm with gross revenue ~$10k. I’d expect most of my clients to follow me. Is $65,000 too much? Too little? Any insight would be great. I don’t want to be too greedy but also don’t want to under value what I can bring to a firm. Thanks in advance.

[Andyred04]

I would think the fact that you’re bringing clients with you would make you MUCH more marketable. I think $65k is perfectly reasonable especially when you throw in there that you’re bringing ~$10k in annual revenues to the firm. I might even start a little higher if I were you. What firm wouldn’t pay a senior a little extra to bring in more revenues?

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[Missy]

It sounds a bit low to be honest but really depends on the overall compensation package. I'd much rather make 65k at a company that pays 100% medical than 70k at a company that pays 50% assuming the annual medical premiums to be 18k.

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

[Accountant183748]

I think 65k sounds a bit low as well, but I guess it would depend on where you live.

Maybe you can check out the Robert Half Salary guide…might be helpful 🙂

https://www.roberthalf.com/finance/the-salary-guide-for-accounting-and-finance

[iwana_PASS]

I think it really depends where u at. Entry lvl tax associate position at my firm at NY makes 65k and I believe tax senior should be making 80k especially u have ur CPA and clients u r very valuable to any firm.

AUD - 77
BEC - 78
FAR - 79
REG - 82

[Anonymous]

I make 60k in a chicago suburb in tax and advisory..entry level

If you have 10k in revenue as your own business why in the hell would you ever give those clients to the firm thats around 7k in your pocket on your own..

[Author]

Replies