[MWest33330q4CPA]

I’m looking to get back into accounting after owning my own business for 11 years. I just recently sold it and I’m set to take the final part of the CPA in October. Just curious as to what type of salaries one can expect going back into accounting and if anyone has any recommendations on a good industry to go into and/or position. I’m just turning 40 and I would like to start around $100,000. Is that possible???

[005]

what's your accounting experience like? also, where are you located?

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AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Lindrobe]

MWest33330q4CPA, it would probably depend on your location and experience. Was your business accounting related? I have about 10 years of experience in NFP tax and have found that it applies to absolutely no other jobs in my area. I am looking at going into an entry level public position for $47k-$55k. I live in the South Bend, IN area and I have my license.

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[ScarletKnightCPA]

I have 3-4 years corporate accounting experiance (couple years non accounting experience) and am at $58,400 in NJ. 3 CPA exam sections done and part way through MBA.

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

[Smashbox20]

Is this serious? You have some small business experience, probably know how to run Quickbooks, and you want to make $100k as an accountant? Update: you're probably going to have to be a controller for a very profitable outfit if you want to make that kind of money. Either see if you can buy your business back or come slum with the rest of us with 1-4 years of public experience and make $50-65K.

FAR: Passed
REG: Passed
BEC: Passed
AUD: Passed

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't go into public accounting if you want to make a lot of money right off the bat. I am in a midsize global public company in the internal audit group. I make $52,000 with really good health benefits, a super flexible work schedule (I can work from home, leave early, or come in late literally whenever I want), and I travel internationally (Poland, France, Italy, UK, Ireland, etc) 2-3 times a year. I also live in Spokane, WA where the cost of living is pretty low. I am 3 years out of college.

[MWest33330q4CPA]

My background was public accounting for a Florida company in the 80's and then I was a Controller for a small telecom company for 2 1/2 years and then a divisional controller for a manufacturing company for 3 years. In 2003 I did small business consulting and tax returns for 3 years and then for the last 10-11 years I have had my own business in the staffing industry. We did permanent placements overseas and across the US. It may seem strange that I had a staffing company and don't know the answer to this question, but we didn't work with accountants. I live in south florida.

[tomq04]

Well now i'm curious Amanda, what are the odds we graduated together from EWU?

I'm in spokane as well.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[005]

I think 100k off the bat is going to be a little difficult for you, however, I'd love to see it happen, since higher salaries are always good for all of us

good luck

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[tomq04]

I forgot to answer your question.

Salaries are in the 50-60k range these days, i'm 4 years out of school and finally got bumped to $47.5 (not in public)… my friends in public are all in mid 50's.

You've successfully ran a business and even completed the sale, I have a suspicion you will be able to find your way at a much higher salary than the rest of us…but it will likely be a different route.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Smashbox20]

^

Now how on earth could you have been working in public accounting in the 80's if you're “just turning 40”? You would have been in high school. Please stop antaganizing people if you want to post on this site.

FAR: Passed
REG: Passed
BEC: Passed
AUD: Passed

[Anonymous]

I'd say most likely not. I'd bet that you won't get offered much over $50k base.

You're best bet to make that kind of scrill in public would be if your firm pays a sales bonus. I don't think the Big 4 pay those. Heck, they may even think you're blowing smoke if you march into an interview for an associate position claiming that.

IMHO, your best bet would be a smaller firm. If you can negotiate a 20% sales bonus and a strong network, you should be able to hit that extra $50k pretty quickly.

[Lindrobe]

Smashbox20, you are a smarty pants! Good point there!

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[MWest33330q4CPA]

I meant 90's. Actually I started in public accounting in 1989 when I was still in college.

[Anonymous]

@tomq04- no way! That's funny- small world! I went to Whitworth actually 🙂

[Smashbox20]

“Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

-Mark Twain

FAR: Passed
REG: Passed
BEC: Passed
AUD: Passed

[Author]

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