[Sarah1421]

What’s the salary range I could expect as a new CPA with no direct accounting experience (but 3-5 years in related fields)? Specifically, starting in a small local accounting firm?

If you’d humor me and read my long-winded background, please do…otherwise, your gut reaction to the question is still very helpful…

I live in a small community (approx. 20,000 ppl.) with a handful of single/few office accounting firms – none of which have an obvious succession plan and all are getting close to retirement age (many are there). In other words, there is a need for new CPAs in our area. The work isn’t exactly glamorous… mostly small business accounting, bookkeeping services, taxes, etc., but it certainly leads to a nice quality of life out here. Most offices have 1-2 CPAs and around 2-5 other employees.

I’m planning to meet with several firms this fall (kind of a meet-and-greet to discuss goals, etc.). I expect to be asked the typical interview question – “what are your salary requirements?” Honestly (between anyone still reading this and me), I would go for minimum wage if I could learn from a qualified individual who will invest time in me. BUT, I’d sure like to chip away at these student loans.

I’m 28, BS in Business with a 3.87 GPA (I know, I know, no one cares), and will have my CPA before I start working somewhere. My experience is a little odd – 3.5 years in banking (HR/Ops/Compliance), but I left in 2011 to help my husband run his construction business and finish my degree. Since then, we’ve quadrupled the size of his business. Now, I’m ready to move on and help other businesses… 🙂

Please share your thoughts or experience with me… I just love this forum – people help each other so much. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!

FAR - 90
AUD - 91
BEC - 86
REG - 87

[Anonymous]

Not knowing exactly where you are in the country I can tell you what I made in a small-ish firm. We had 7 CPAs, 1 tax attorney, 3 support staff, and 5 staff accountants (including me). I live in SE PA and my starting salary was about $45k. I had earned a college degree in accounting, no certification, and had no prior experience. However, I had been a manager for 15 years and I was in my late 30's (more life experience). Just my experience!

[Sarah1421]

Thanks for sharing! It's very helpful to get an idea of where people start with no experience… I'm curious to know how much value my CPA will add. Or, if it's just a “conversation starter”….

And good call – I forgot to mention that I'm in Washington State.

FAR - 90
AUD - 91
BEC - 86
REG - 87

[mla1169]

I'm guessing that you did some if not all of the accounting for your husbands business. Don't downplay the experience you've gained building that business–I'd venture you truly do have more direct accounting experience than you give yourself credit for. And to have been doing that while a company quadrupled in size is very attractive to many employers!!

This article explains the importance of listing your business skills gained in a family run business.

https://www.professionalresumewriters.net/translating-family-business-experience-resume/

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Sarah1421]

That's a great article. Thank you very much for sharing!

You got my wheels spinning – specifically on the marketing and customer/vender relations I've taken care of. I wrote ALL of the web marketing, helped design our website, social media accounts, etc. Not to mention tracking, logging, and paying every single bill that comes through our door. Really, I could go on and on… thanks for helping me identify the relevance. Kinda gave me a confidence boost!

I saved that article down to my favorites. I'll be referencing it in the future, I'm sure.

FAR - 90
AUD - 91
BEC - 86
REG - 87

[Author]

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