Careers in Accounting
Today, business is hot. The world is in fast-forward. And what better way to ride the success of the new economy than as a CPA? CPAs make it happen – with the financial knowledge and analytical skills needed by every company and organization. The accounting field is projected to grow 10 to 20% for the next several years, with the most desirable positions going to CPAs. This could be you!
Business runs on CPAs. And CPAs run business. With positions like Chief Financial Officer, Managing Partner, President, CPAs run the show from Wall Street to Main Street. From international accounting firms to rock bands. From the FBI to professional sports teams. From multinational corporations to dot-com start-ups.
Your CPA certification will open doors to influential jobs that put you in control of your career and your life. In a public accounting firm, you might examine a company’s financial records, provide business consulting services or develop a computer system to track sales. In a company, you might advise on how to increase profits or analyze future financing needs. In government, in teaching … any way you slice it, as a CPA you’ve got juice.
Specialty Areas in Accounting:
Assurance Services — Traditional audit services, such as examining annual reports of public companies.
Consulting Services — Individuals, businesses, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations and government agencies need CPAs to offer objective advice and assistance.
Information Technology (IT) Services — Exploding IT growth has created huge opportunities for CPAs with strong computer skills to design and implement advanced systems to fit an organization’s needs.
Forensic Accounting — Also known as investigative accounting or fraud auditing, forensic accounting digs below accounting records, searching for evidence of criminal misconduct.
Environmental Accounting — With increasing resources focused on environmental issues, CPAs conduct audits and design systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
International Accounting — In today’s global economy, CPAs with an understanding and mastery of international trade laws and regulations are in great demand.
Tax and Financial Planning — CPAs help individuals and companies with financial planning, investments, taxes, mergers and acquisitions and much more.
Salaries
A career in accounting provides individuals with a competitive entry-level salary and long-term growth potential--particularly those who have earned CPA certification.
It's important to note that factors such as geographic location, length of experience, level of education, CPA designation, and the size of the employer all play a role in determining salary.
Public Accounting--Audit, Tax, and Management Services (Large Firms) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to 1 year (b) | $36,000 - $42,000 |
| 1-3 years (b) | $41,000 - $50,500 |
| Senior (b) | $48,500 - $61,250 |
| Manager (b) | $62,500 - $81,500 |
| Manager/Director (b) | $78,500 -$116,500 |
| (a) $250+ million in sales | |
| (b) add 5% for a graduate degree; add 10% for a CPA | |
Public Accounting--Audit, Tax, and Management Services (Medium Firms) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to l year (b) | $32,000 - $38,500 |
| 1-3 years (b) | $35,750 - $42,250 |
| Senior (b) | $44,500 - $56,500 |
| Manager (b) | $56,750 - $72,750 |
| Manager/Director (b) | $68,250 - $93,250 |
| (a) $25 to $250 million in sales | |
| (b) add 5% for a graduate degree; add 10% for a CPA | |
Public Accounting--Audit, Tax, and Management Services (Small Firms) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to l year (b) | $30,000 - $36,500 |
| 1-3 years (b) | $34,250 - $43,000 |
| Senior (b) | $41,750 - $53,750 |
| Manager (b) | $52,250 - $66,750 |
| Manager/Director (b) | $64,000 - $85,250 |
| (a) up to $25 million in sales | |
| (b) add 5% for a graduate degree; add 10% for a CPA | |
Corporate Accounting-General, Audit Cost Accountants (Large Companies) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to 1 year (b) | $33,000 - $40,500 |
| 1-3 years (b) | $38,500 - $49,500 |
| Senior (b) | $48,000 - $61,500 |
| Manager (b) | $59,000 - $78,750 |
| (a) $250+ million in sales | |
| (b) add 10% for a graduate degree, an additional 10% for a CPA, and an additional 5% for substantial travel | |
Corporate Accounting--General, Audit & Cost Accountants (Medium Companies) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to l year (b) | $31,500 - $37,500 |
| 1-3 years (b) | $35,750 - $45,750 |
| Senior (b) | $43,500 - $55,750 |
| Manager (b) | $52,750 - $68,500 |
| (a) $25 to $250 million in sales | |
| (b) add 10% for a graduate degree, an additional 10% for a CPA, and an additional 5% for substantial travel | |
Corporate Accounting-- General, Audit & Cost Accountants (Small Companies) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to 1 year (b) | $29,500 - $35,000 |
| 1-3 year (b) | $34,000 - $42,750 |
| Senior (b) | $41,000 - $51,000 |
| Manager (b) | $47,500 - $61,000 |
| (a) up to $25 million in sales | |
| (b) add 10% for a graduate degree, an additional 10% for a CPA, and an additional 5% for substantial travel | |
Financial Management-Financial, Budget & Cost Analysis (Large Companies) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to 1 year (b) | $33,250 - $41,000 |
| 1-3 years (b) | 42,000 - $52,750 |
| Senior (b) | $53,000 - $66,250 |
| Manager (b) | $65,250 - $82,500 |
| (a) $250+ million in sales | |
| (b) add 10% for a graduate degree, an additional 10% for a CPA, and an additional 5% for substantial travel | |
Financial Management--Financial, Budget & Cost Analysis (Medium Companies) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to l year (b) | $32,500 - $38,750 |
| 1-3 years (b) | $38,500 - $48,500 |
| Senior (b) | $47,500 - $60,000 |
| Manager (b) | $58,750 - $74,000 |
| (a) $25 to $250 million in sales | |
| (b) add 10% for a graduate degree, an additional 10% for a CPA, and an additional 5% for substantial travel | |
Financial Management-- Financial, Budget & Cost Analysis (Small Companies) (a)
| Experience/Title | 2003 Salary Range |
| to l year (b) | 30,000 - $36,500 |
| 1-3 years (b) | 34,750 - $44,000 |
| Senior (b) | $40,500 - $54,000 |
| Manager (b) | $51,250 - $65,000 |
| (a) up to $25 million in sales | |
| (b) add 10% for a graduate degree, an additional 10% for a CPA, and an additional 5% for substantial travel | |
(SOURCE: 2003 Robert Half and Accountemps Salary Guide)
All information presented on this page is provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
