[lindjlny]

If someone can give me an idea of what I should ask for:

I have 2.5 years experience in public accounting.

I have my MBA and CPA

The position I’m interviewing for is a tax/audit position (general) at a 40 person firm in Long Island, NY

I know I can look online at average salaries but I feel like there not accurate. If someone has been in the same position as me or knows somebody that was, please advise. I don’t want to let you know what I’m making now because I want an unbiassed estimate. If anybody can help I would greatly appreciate it! I dont wan’t to screw myself and low-ball it.

[Anonymous]

If you want to get feedback about how much you should ask for, try https://salaryfairy.com

Other CPAs gave pretty accurate predictions for me there.

[KingKrown88]

Figure this…when I began at big 4 Philadelphia in 2009 in tax I was started at 51k. You're in NY plus inflation, so I'd put starting salary with these parameters at closer to high 50s now. Factor in your experience should put you in as an experienced staff (figure more like 62-67 with this alone). Factor in your MBA and CPA and that should put you at a very high band within the experienced staff. I would ASK for 75 knowing that you won't get that…and be happy to end with 68-72 if you can.

[lindjlny]

Thanks everybody!

[Anonymous]

I agree with KingKrown88. I would first ask for $80K. They'll probably try to make you look greedy and counter around $60K. Never fall for that. Remind them of your CPA and MBA. I wouldn't settle for less than $70K. I have a college mate in CT, at close experience level to you, and he makes $65K, waiting to get a raise for the last 1.5 years.

[lindjlny]

@ diane75 – do you know the size of the firm that your mate works at?

[Anonymous]

Yes, they are a small family-owned company, around 15-20 people.

[fuzyfro89]

What level position are you applying for?

A rising fourth year senior (almost finishing third year) should probably be in the Los 70s in NYC… Adjust that for Long Island. I'm not from there so not sure how Long Island usually compares to NYC.

[lindjlny]

@ fuzzyfro89…'m pretty sure it's a semi senior position. Did you mean low 70's?

[GotCPA]

Those amounts above sound high to me. Maybe in Big 4, but I don't think in a smaller firm. I can be wrong but 70-80k for semi senior in a smaller firm? Also, they're probably going to ask you what you're making now, and ask you for why such an increase. I don't know those number sound more close to 1st to 2nd year senior in-charge numbers to me.

[lindjlny]

Yea, I'm not sure what I should ask for

[Uhartsoccer21]

Does age have a lot to do with commanding a salary? If not I am way under paid…

A - 89 10/23/2014
R - 90 2/27/2014
F - 75 5/25/2014
B - 83 8/28/2014

[MUCPA]

@Uharts – i would say locality and company size are the primary drivers (obviously, aside from your capabilities). I'm in small city in a tiny state, almost none of the salary “rules of thumb” apply here.

- 2.5 years experience in Public Accounting (Audit)
- 2.0 years experience in corporate accounting
- All 4 CPA Exam sections passed first time
- Currently CPA & Controller at a small manufacturing company

[Author]

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