Howdy Ags,

I recently started applying and I've been getting this question. I don't want to ask for more than I am worth but at the same time I don't want to sell myself too short. I am going to finish my masters in accounting soon from a Texas A&M satellite school and plan on sitting in for the CPA exam in 2013. Since I've been in school(went from bachelor to master right away), my only real accounting experience is my current part time job as an accounting clerk that I've been at for a year. What should I be expecting realistically? Also, should I focus on getting my CPA license before seriously applying or is applying now without it ok?

What industry are you looking at going into? Entry level accountants at public companies should expect to get 45k a year I think. If you are looking big accounting firms, then ask for 50k starting off with a signing bonus.

Any industry is fine with me really. I am most interested in the Oil and Gas or EPC industries. Don't know my chances with public accounting firms since I still don't have my CPA license.

[This message has been edited by r-dx (edited 10/17/2012 9:51a).]

45 sounds low for O&G...I'd guess more towards 55 or even 60

Public accounting firms hire people on track to sit all the time.

quote:

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Public accounting firms hire people on track to sit all the time.

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in fact my firm does this all the time. and even pays for becker review course.

so if you are interested in the houston area email me (email is in profile)

[This message has been edited by BigPuma (edited 10/17/2012 1:05p).]

$53,500 was consensus offer for recent PPA group in Texas. + Becker course.

I'd probably ask for 53 and expect 50.

just to clarify, you didn't go through a PPA program

and

you didn't go to Texas A&M (i.e. Mays) but someplace like TAMU-Kingsville or TAMU-Commerce?

If that is the case, the suggestions here might be a bit high.

Don't do it for anything less than $51,298

There are usually a few 'salary guides' on can find on the web....Robert Half has always provided one.

http://www.roberthalffinance.com/FreeResources

Each industry can be different for various reasons (and size of the company will matter....so will the proverbial supply and demand), but the guide is based on surveys and is usually in the ballpark.

______________________________________________________
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[This message has been edited by 90ags (edited 10/19/2012 7:32a).]

Thank you for all your input. Very helpful information!