Do you wonder how much money you’ll make after graduation? If you’re an aspiring accountant, we have great news for you – entry level accounting salaries rose from 2012 to 2013!
Accounting firms want to fill entry level and junior positions, and typically recruit for these opportunities through internships and co-ops while students are still in school. This approach helps promising short-term employees transition into permanent careers.
Once students graduate and start to pursue professional accounting designations, their skills and earning potential only go up!
The CA, CGA and CMA designations continue to inspire confidence in employers and remain the most frequently requested versatile credentials.
– 2013 Robert Half Salary Guide
Read on to learn what you could be earning in an entry-level accounting career.
Corporate Accounting
In corporate accounting, you work for the accounting department of a given company. Salaries often depend on the size of the firm, but don’t forget to consider perks and bonuses as well.
Here, we break it down by “large company” and “small/midsize company” to give you an accurate idea of your potential salary. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, “large” refers to $250+ million in sales, and “small/midsize” refers to up to $250 million in sales.
Accountant
The Accountant entry level salary grew 0.3% in large companies and 1.6% in midsize companies from 2012-2013.
Large company: $37,750 – $45,750
Small/Midsize company: $35,750 – $43,000
Analyst
The Analyst entry level position grew 0.8% in large companies and 1.2% in midsize companies from 2012-2013.
Large company: $41,500 – $49,500
Small/Midsize: $37,750 – $46,250
Internal Auditor
The Internal Auditor entry level position grew 0.4% in large companies and 1.6% in midsize companies from 2012-2013.
Large company: $54,500 – $66,000
Small/Midsize: $47,500 – $61,250
Information Technology (IT) Auditor
The IT Auditor entry level position grew 1.0% in large companies and 1.4% in midsize companies from 2012-2013.
Large company: $56,000 – $67,500
Small/Midsize: $50,000 – $61,750
Credit and Collections
The Credit and Collections entry level position grew 1.0% in large companies and 2.9% in midsize companies from 2012-2013.
Large company: $33,750 – $40,500
Small/Midsize: $33,000 – $39,000
Public Accounting
Public Accounting firms offer services such as auditing, consulting and tax planning for the general public. Their clients include businesses, non-profits, government and individuals.
These estimates do not include overtime or bonuses, which can have a significant impact on total income.
Public Accountant
The Public Accountant entry level position increased 0.8% in large companies and 1.2% in midsize companies from 2012-2013.
Large company: $42,250 – $51,750
Small/Midsize: $38,250 – $49,000
Public Tax Accountant
The Public Tax Accountant entry level position increased 2.2% in large companies and 1.6% in midsize companies from 2012-2013.
Large company: $61,250 – $77,250
Small/Midsize: $54,550 – $71,500
With entry level earnings that continue to grow, the future is bright for students looking to hatch their career in the accounting industry.
Source: 2013 Robert Half Salary Guide