[macoats42]

I am finishing up my last semester of graduate school and will be attending my university’s Meet-The-Firms next month. I have a little knowledge of my expected starting salary, but would like the opinion from some people with more knowledge and experience than I have in order to better know what to expect. Here are some facts that I believe will determine salary:

Area – Tennessee

Degree(s) – Bachelors in Accounting & MBA

Professional Certifications – Passed CPA exam, but still lack the year of experience.

[Anonymous]

Not sure, what the going rate is down in TN, but all the bells and whistles (MBA & exams) probably won't get you much in the way of extra money at first.

They WILL open a few doors for you that may not otherwise be open, though. They should also pay off later in life.

From what I've seen, you have to cut your chops before the purse strings start to open.

As a rule of thumb, I'd expect $50k plus or minus $5k, depending on the firm.

[macoats42]

That really helps a lot, thanks!

[tomq04]

I think Bill is right on the money…. about the money.

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

[Anonymous]

I had BS in Accounting and MSTaxation. Received offer of $58,000 in Washington State as opening offer. Tax only.

[fuzyfro89]

In the major Tennessee metros… You're probably looking at low 50s base (50-55) and probably the 5k CPA bonus. So total first year comp between 55-60.

[Hank Scorpio]

What area of Tennessee are you in? I'm in the Nashville area working for a firm with about 50 employees. The big 4 around here start in the 50-55 range

AUD - 71, 79
BEC - 69, 74, 75
FAR - 71, 74, 80
REG - 74, 78

FAR - 10/3/16
BEC - 69 - 10/31/16
AUD - November 2016
REG - December 2016

[Pumpkins]

Depending on what you want out of your career.. you can make more going straight into industry than going into Public.

I went straight into Industry out of school with just a BS in Accounting and no certifications.. not even the Masters in Accounting that most people have to get their 150 hours. I started in the mid 60's- upper 60's with yearly performance bonus.

However… I'm realizing that it's going to take me longer to get promoted than my colleagues with public accounting experience. Therefore.. I'm considering going into public for a couple years.. but I'll almost definitely get a pay cut if I decide to do that.. which would suck.

AUD- 93
BEC- 81
FAR- 1/26/2015
REG- TBD

CIA Exams Passed in March, 2014

[D]

You didn't mention if you're going to industry or public.

Like @Pumpkins mentions above, you can make much more straight into industry/corporate as you could going to public.

I'm not familiar with TN, however I'm in the Dallas area working in industry (4+ years now) and new college grads at my company with your same credentials (undergrad business + MBA) are starting at $75K.

Granted, I know cost of living is a little higher over here than in TN.. however I know its not by much, so if you went industry expect a MUCH higher amount of pay.

I'm not trying to make this a discussion of public vs. industry since you may have your mind made up.. however I've only worked industry and have had no problem promoting and moving up without public accounting experience.

**************************
AUD: 77  (Jan 2016)
BEC: 80  (May 2016)
REG: (rematch May 2017)
FAR: (rematch Apr 2017)
**************************

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AUD - 74, 77! (1/2016)
BEC - 80! (5/2016)
REG - tbd (8/2016)
FAR - tbd

Study materials: NINJA MCQ/Audio/Notes

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
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[macoats42]

Those industry numbers shake things up a bit, but I am still leaning more towards public accounting. I really appreciate all of the feedback, it has been very helpful.

[Author]

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