[Career] Public Accounting Salaries and Benefits

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[Career] Public Accounting Salaries and Benefits

126 posts from 63 voices

Started 2 years ago by weed74
Latest reply from valueofnothing

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NY GT girl

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BS: Management - Georgia Tech (2008)
Masters of Professional Accounting - University of Texas at Austin (Summer 2011)
experience: 18 months part time internships at two small local firms in Atlanta

Starting in tax at a Big 4 in NYC in the fall.
Salary: 56,000
Relocation: 1,000
Signing Bonus: 0
Becker: direct bill
CPA Bonus: 5,000 if passed in 1st year
CPA exam reimbursement: when you pass (only for 1st go round)
sick days: 15
paid holidays: 12
personal days: 3
sick time: unlimited as long as you don't abuse it
not sure on 401(k) & health ins yet.

i hear busy season is 70-90hrs/week depending on your client and non-busy season is 40-50.

NY Candidate using Becker: FAR (2/20) - 81, AUD (4/3) - 92, REG (5/3) - 95, BEC (5/29) - 89 DONE!!!

Posted 1 year ago #
AllenA

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Big 4 in Seattle.

Salary - Low $50s
Relocation - $1,000
CPA Materials - Directly billed to firm
CPA Exam Reimbursement - around $1000 (cost to take test)
CPA Bonus - $5,000 in first year, $3,000 in second or third year.
Benefits - 401k, Dental, Health, and all those other comparable benefits
Vacation - 25 days
Personal - 8 days
Holidays - 10 (I think)
Busy season - 50-60 hours per week
Regular season - 35 -45 hours per week

Overall, it is a really good package. Washington is a great state to work in.

Allen A
FAR (2/2/10) 97 - AUD (2/23/10) 95 - BEC (3/8/10) 92 - REG (4/3/10) 95 - Ethics (4/6) Passed

Posted 1 year ago #
NDIRISH

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AllenA...

Wanted Seattle Big 4 (but No offers...From there though)

But offered today for Big 4 Phoenix

Salary: High 40's
CPA? Don't need it
Bonus? 5000 (I'll get it since i'm already done.)
Benefits the usual.

Busy Season: 60 - 70
Regular: 40.

Fair Package. Maybe lower than NYC and WA for pay, but Phoenix is beautiful weather and lower Cost of Living.

BEC 85, REG 79, FAR 77, AUD 81!!! DONE!!! PA

Posted 1 year ago #
dwadecpa

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congrats NDIRISH

Posted 1 year ago #
emandtea

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This is my 2nd post. Thank you everyone for all the info and tips about CPA's.

CPA business management firm in LA, 200+ employees in LA and NY.
Straight from school, BS Acct.
Starting 38k, 2k after 3 months.
Currently 45k, been here almost 2 yrs.
09YE bonus 500 + 2% of salary profit sharing, 401k match 25% of contributions
I mainly do tax and business mgmt, overtime maybe 25-35 hrs a year.
75% med benefits paid by firm, exam fees paid + 1k reimbursement for course, 18 days pto, no bonus for cpa,

CPA 2010
CMA 2011
Planning for 2012...

Posted 1 year ago #
Iwillpasswithalife

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Wow, CA posted salaries are pretty low. I'm glad that I moved to Texas and got a payraise. 50-60 hours busy season in a major city like Seattle for Big Four? Is that right? I worked in Big 4 for 2 1/2 years and my non-busy season was 50-60 hours. Maybe your doing a number of privately held clients?

Phoenix rate sounds about right. Rate was $44K back in 2004. I'm wonder if Phoenix got bumped to a category 2 yet. They were category 1 salary tier back then.

REG - 67, 76 (Q4 2009) - Used CPAExcel first time, Used CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
BEC - 83 (Q1 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
AUD - 89 (Q2 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
FAR - 81 (Q4 2010) - Roger CPA + CPAReviwForFree

Posted 1 year ago #
NDIRISH

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What's catogory 2 or 1? just a question out there.

BEC 85, REG 79, FAR 77, AUD 81!!! DONE!!! PA

Posted 1 year ago #
ww86

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I work for a local CPA firm in North CA for about 3 years now. (2 partners, 1 part-time staff, 1 full-time staff and 1 secretary)
I started as a part-time staff getting paid $12 / hour (July 07 - Nov 08).

Then I took over the full-time staff position in December 2008 right after I graduated from college.

Salary - 35k
CPA Materials - No reimbursement
Bonus - none
Benefits - Dental, Health & 401k (4% employer match)
Pay time off - 10 days (office is closed during Christmas and new year holidays for about 10 days, I have to use most of my PTO here. lame!)
Holidays - 7 days
Busy season - 50-56 hours per week
Off season - 40 hours per week (sometimes being asked not to come in on Fridays and I don't get paid on these Fridays.)

I passed one section so far, hoping to get the other 3 passed by the end of this year.

How do I get in a mid-size firm or Big 4?

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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ww86 what part of nor CA are you in?

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
PursuitCPA

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go back to the macc and get a 3.98 then you will get into a midsized.

CPA EXAM - Passed

Posted 1 year ago #
wetbandits

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ww86 - to get hired you really need either to get hired through the on-campus recruiting process or through the referral process at one of the big 4. if you didn't go to a top 25 accounting program your chances are slim if you don't go through one of the aforementioned processes. if that's the case you would need some really good recommendations from a professor who could put you in touch with former students who are now executives at the big 4. going to beta alpha psi meetings could also get you some face time if the big 4 go to your school. if you aren't an oncampus hire, you need to know people to have a decent chance.

B 74, 70, 74, 69, 85!!!
A 88 (lost credit), 87
R 74, 78
F 68, 76

Posted 1 year ago #
sums

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I have a Bachelor's Degree from a different country .I also have a Chartered Accoutancy certificate from UK ..and 2 down 2 to go CPA tests .Since I never went to any colleges here in US ,does that mean I have least chances of getting into BIG 4s? Lets not talk about referrals coz I hardly know anyone here. If that's the case, I was better off with a small local CPA firm that I worked for.I left the job to do my tests ,hoping to find a better one :(

AUD84,FAR82,BEC77,Reg79

Posted 1 year ago #
Iwillpasswithalife

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Category 1, 2, and 3 are tier structures for salaries in Big Four. I'm not sure if all of them use it but I know that the one I worked for did. That's why some people who moved from Texas to Phoenix had to take pay cuts when they transferred offices because all the major TX cities are category 2 but Phoenix was category 3.

ww, where did you graduate from, what was your CPA, and where do you work in CA? There is a firm called PMB has need in their CA office if your interested looking for a staff at 1 year experience. I have connections there but in their Texas office. The Texas partners purchased the California practice a couple years back. They certaintly would give you a pay raise, but you have to be willing to travel because they travel a lot. I felt their rates were comparable to mid-tier firms and they pay per diem vs. direct reimbursement which you can actually pocket money off of if you eat cheap.

The HR contact is based in Texas. Her name is Diane Tancred. I haven't talked much to the Partners in ages, but I have good relations with the senior managers there.

REG - 67, 76 (Q4 2009) - Used CPAExcel first time, Used CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
BEC - 83 (Q1 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
AUD - 89 (Q2 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
FAR - 81 (Q4 2010) - Roger CPA + CPAReviwForFree

Posted 1 year ago #
sums

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Iwillpasscpa..I am in Northern CA and looking for a job .I have about 1.5 years of experience .Any chances you could refer me?..I would greatly appreciate :)

AUD84,FAR82,BEC77,Reg79

Posted 1 year ago #
Iwillpasswithalife

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I dunno if I can refer someone from out of the country. I remember trying when I was in Big Four and them telling me that it is very difficult. Do you have permanent residenticy or a U.S. citizen? The CA isn't as big deal as is your status here in the U.S.

REG - 67, 76 (Q4 2009) - Used CPAExcel first time, Used CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
BEC - 83 (Q1 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
AUD - 89 (Q2 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
FAR - 81 (Q4 2010) - Roger CPA + CPAReviwForFree

Posted 1 year ago #
sums

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I am a permanent resident .No restrictions on work !! My schooling was in a different country .I have already worked for a CPA firm here ..So any chances?

AUD84,FAR82,BEC77,Reg79

Posted 1 year ago #
Iwillpasswithalife

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Possible yes your in the clear with a perm res, though I kinda would be stepping on the offer to help vw unless your interested in relocating to Austin, TX. I kinda like to see if the person I offered help is interested first.

They won't care about your schooling. A CA is highly respected. That's a very difficult test more difficult then the CPA exam IMO. They won't care about your state licensed in either since they have offices in both CA and TX.

REG - 67, 76 (Q4 2009) - Used CPAExcel first time, Used CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
BEC - 83 (Q1 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
AUD - 89 (Q2 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
FAR - 81 (Q4 2010) - Roger CPA + CPAReviwForFree

Posted 1 year ago #
sums

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I dont mind relocating anywhere as long as I can find a decent job as an auditor. As you can see, its not just about interest but I am looking to build a career in auditing .

AUD84,FAR82,BEC77,Reg79

Posted 1 year ago #
Iwillpasswithalife

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Sounds good, shot me a private message. I can get you connected with one of the senior managers I know there. I can get you introduced etc and then you can go from there. I'll get you the foot in the door but after that it's up to you nail the phone calls and interviews. PM your e-mail so you can send me a resume etc. Obviously need to know more about you before I get you introduced with anyone lol.

REG - 67, 76 (Q4 2009) - Used CPAExcel first time, Used CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
BEC - 83 (Q1 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
AUD - 89 (Q2 2010) - CPAExcel + CPAReviewForFree
FAR - 81 (Q4 2010) - Roger CPA + CPAReviwForFree

Posted 1 year ago #
ww86

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I graduated from a CSU school. I don't know if I graduated at the wrong timing. When I took over the full-time position in Dec 2008. The partners told me that they are uncertain if the firm would be impacted by the economy, so they could only offered me 35k. Honestly, I don't think the firm is impacted by the economy at all. The partners still bill the client the same. The clients probably complain about the bills but we don't have any client go out of business or disengage with the firm. I want to ask for a raise, but I don't want to take the risk of losing my job. I am also counting on the them to sign off my experience for me. I am hoping it will be easier for me to go somewhere else pays better after I am done with the CPA exams. Can the partners refuse to sign off my experience for me if I quit and go somewhere else?

Posted 1 year ago #
CPA at Last

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If i were you , considering you are left with less than 9 months to get the 2year required experience , i will stick around at the firm you are , and apply at other firms rather than leave with no firm offer on hand, the job market is currently not looking up.Pass the exam and weigh your options when you are done with the exam , hopefully in December 2010.

Audit-75,BEC-80,FAR-84,REG-(04/01/2010)

Posted 1 year ago #
NDIRISH

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Thanks.

My firm just moved phoenix from west to southwest.

but considering the cost of living in phoenix is low compared to la, i think it's competitive and i will be an AZ cpa next year sometime.

sum. maybe going to a macc program would help get in big 4. USC is a top school out there.

BEC 85, REG 79, FAR 77, AUD 81!!! DONE!!! PA

Posted 1 year ago #
sums

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I thought so too Ndirish .I think, I will finish my CPA and look for a few months .both Big 4s ..mid -size firms .If not I'll get back to school .

AUD84,FAR82,BEC77,Reg79

Posted 1 year ago #
NDIRISH

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I went back to school for the macc. 08 ugrad (top school, Non business.) will be graduating in may Go to a really good one though. Big 4 recruits only the top ones. Big 4 Arizona here i come.

BEC 85, REG 79, FAR 77, AUD 81!!! DONE!!! PA

Posted 1 year ago #
sums

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Which are the top /good business schools that don't cost you an arm and a leg? because financing is another issue for an unemployed like me to go to a school.i dont mind relocating ..I just need to find something reasonable ...

AUD84,FAR82,BEC77,Reg79

Posted 1 year ago #
NDIRISH

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The government don't give out grants for students unfortunately for graduate school.

Top of my head is USC, Texas, BYU, ND, and Illinois for national recruiting.

For specific local offices. If you're looking at cal for Big 4, USC is obviously the best choice. I am not sure about the other schools in the region.

It will cost an arm and an leg. But you will recoup your investment when you go Big 4 and beyond.

BEC 85, REG 79, FAR 77, AUD 81!!! DONE!!! PA

Posted 1 year ago #
dmjid0005

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I wouldn't believe the hype about the "top 25 schools". I didn't graduate from a top 25 school, neither did any of my class mates, and there are plenty of us working Big 4. Big 4 recruit from hundreds of schools, not just a group of 25. Our graduates are very competitive in the workplace environment compared to some of the "bigger and better" schools.

You may get a slightly better education, but having gone to a smaller school for undergraduate and one of the top 25 for MAcc, I say don't waste your money on moving. Find a school that has a half decent reputation and the chances are that Big 4 recruit out of there.

REG - 82, BEC - 80, AUD - 76, FAR - 8/27/10

Posted 1 year ago #
J

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I agree with dmjid0005 - Big 4 focus on recruitment at local universities. You've got to have at least a 3.0 (or even higher now) GPA and pretty decent grades in accounting / finance just to get an interview/offer - maybe before this wouldn't be a huge factor, but hiring is more competitive than before.

Posted 1 year ago #
PursuitCPA

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"Or even higher now" try 3.98 GPA anything less they think your lazy....unless your a hot model...its just that bad out there.

CPA EXAM - Passed

Posted 1 year ago #
NDIRISH

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The question for Big 4 is that what is the placement rate, and WHERE do you want to go?

Since Big 4 does most of the hiring through campus recruiting, if your school doesn't get that it's really tough.

A small school in Idaho for example would have a very hard time getting Big 4 in Boston MA just because it is hard for a referral and probably there are no partners or alums that work in Boston still for Big 4.

The top MACC programs consistently place 75-85% of its class in BIG 4 all across the country and where they want to go (most choices.) That's because of their great academics and also just the number of alumni throughout the country who is still working for the Big 4.

In short, stay within the regional area = any college that is recruited by Big 4, lower probability of success.

Going nationwide (as I am), top Macc would get you there.

And yes, Grades do matter. Showing a high (not 4.0 otherwise you don't have a life) GPA means you have the drive to do so.

BEC 85, REG 79, FAR 77, AUD 81!!! DONE!!! PA

Posted 1 year ago #

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