Anonymous
10/13/2025 12:42
Subject: Re:Become a CPA?
There isn’t much nuance in accounting. People would be wise to avoid a career so exposed to AI infiltration.
Anonymous
10/13/2025 12:40
Subject: Become a CPA?
I am a CPA but don’t work as a CPA in DC metro.
What I noticed is that if you’re not in a top firm you don’t get compensated that well for the amount of work and responsibility you have. I think the Top 20 national firms are where the money is at.
I looked at CPA managers for the top firms in Maryland. One recent position was listed at 85-125k for a Tax Manager, and you’re definitely going to be working long hours and weekends. The firm in question is the 11th largest firm in Maryland by Revenue and 21st largest in the DC metro.
I just pivoted from the DOD into a Defense contracting job and making more money than some cpa managers. But money isn’t everything. Being a CPA will definitely afford you stability.
Here is the useful link. Self reported data by CPA’s/ accountants
https://www.big4transparency.com/
What I noticed is that if you’re not in a top firm you don’t get compensated that well for the amount of work and responsibility you have. I think the Top 20 national firms are where the money is at.
I looked at CPA managers for the top firms in Maryland. One recent position was listed at 85-125k for a Tax Manager, and you’re definitely going to be working long hours and weekends. The firm in question is the 11th largest firm in Maryland by Revenue and 21st largest in the DC metro.
I just pivoted from the DOD into a Defense contracting job and making more money than some cpa managers. But money isn’t everything. Being a CPA will definitely afford you stability.
Here is the useful link. Self reported data by CPA’s/ accountants
https://www.big4transparency.com/
Anonymous
10/13/2025 12:02
Subject: Become a CPA?
Anonymous wrote:My CPA's husband is a commercial welder. He makes a lot more money than she does.
This is not useful information. How much does the commercial welder husband and the CPA wife each make? If the CPA makes $200K and the commercial welder makes $400K, that does not mean CPA's income is low.
Anonymous
10/13/2025 11:58
Subject: Become a CPA?
My CPA's husband is a commercial welder. He makes a lot more money than she does.
Anonymous
10/13/2025 11:40
Subject: Become a CPA?
I can assure you that many recent graduates start above a $100,000 base salary in the NYC area at Big 4 accounting firms.
Big Four Audit/Assurance practice area tends to start new graduates at the lowest base pay.
Big Four Audit/Assurance practice area tends to start new graduates at the lowest base pay.
Anonymous
10/13/2025 11:32
Subject: Become a CPA?
OP, do you have an MBA degree ?
Or is it a master's degree in math ?
Base salaries in the Big 4 depend upon which practice area hires you. There are many practice areas such a as tax specialty areas (M&A, International, SALT), audit/assurance, or consulting.
If you have an MBA, NYC starting salaries can be well above $100,000 for a first year.
Or is it a master's degree in math ?
Base salaries in the Big 4 depend upon which practice area hires you. There are many practice areas such a as tax specialty areas (M&A, International, SALT), audit/assurance, or consulting.
If you have an MBA, NYC starting salaries can be well above $100,000 for a first year.
Anonymous
10/13/2025 10:02
Subject: Become a CPA?
My kid who just graduate with an accounting degree has a job in a CFO's office making $80K (and bonuses) while working remote and only 30 hours/week. They are also studying for the 4 part exam and the company has paid for e-study courses/exams. They will get a bump up when they pass. It seems like good deal to me, but who knows.
Anonymous
10/13/2025 07:47
Subject: Become a CPA?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.
I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.
So glad you posted this. I am 47 years old with a masters degree in math. I currently work as a data specialist for the MTA in NY. I make less thank 100k in NYC.
I was thinking of changing to anything. I first got excited when someone posted that for $13k you can complete all required courses online in 1 semester and summer. Then your post gave me a reality check. This is one for old folks like us trying to change career.
Have you considered earning a master's degree in AI/ML ? High demand & much better pay than you are currently earning.
Your reluctance to answer the basic questions that I have asked is concerning. Are you serious about making a career change ?
How do you survive in NYC on less than $100, 000 per year ? (Assume that you are in a dual income producing relationship.)
A first year accounting graduate (age in early 20s) at a Big 4 accounting firm in NYC should make a base salary of around $100,000.
Do you mean a first year worker who has a bachelor's degree in accounting in a big 4 firm in NYC actually make a base salary $100K? Can anyone confirm?
Probably a little less. My ds is a 2nd year cpa with b4 and makes close to six figures.
Is your son enjoying his career so far?
Anonymous
10/12/2025 22:57
Subject: Become a CPA?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.
I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.
So glad you posted this. I am 47 years old with a masters degree in math. I currently work as a data specialist for the MTA in NY. I make less thank 100k in NYC.
I was thinking of changing to anything. I first got excited when someone posted that for $13k you can complete all required courses online in 1 semester and summer. Then your post gave me a reality check. This is one for old folks like us trying to change career.
Have you considered earning a master's degree in AI/ML ? High demand & much better pay than you are currently earning.
Your reluctance to answer the basic questions that I have asked is concerning. Are you serious about making a career change ?
How do you survive in NYC on less than $100, 000 per year ? (Assume that you are in a dual income producing relationship.)
A first year accounting graduate (age in early 20s) at a Big 4 accounting firm in NYC should make a base salary of around $100,000.
Do you mean a first year worker who has a bachelor's degree in accounting in a big 4 firm in NYC actually make a base salary $100K? Can anyone confirm?
Probably a little less. My ds is a 2nd year cpa with b4 and makes close to six figures.
Anonymous
10/12/2025 00:25
Subject: Become a CPA?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.
I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.
So glad you posted this. I am 47 years old with a masters degree in math. I currently work as a data specialist for the MTA in NY. I make less thank 100k in NYC.
I was thinking of changing to anything. I first got excited when someone posted that for $13k you can complete all required courses online in 1 semester and summer. Then your post gave me a reality check. This is one for old folks like us trying to change career.
Have you considered earning a master's degree in AI/ML ? High demand & much better pay than you are currently earning.
Your reluctance to answer the basic questions that I have asked is concerning. Are you serious about making a career change ?
How do you survive in NYC on less than $100, 000 per year ? (Assume that you are in a dual income producing relationship.)
A first year accounting graduate (age in early 20s) at a Big 4 accounting firm in NYC should make a base salary of around $100,000.
Do you mean a first year worker who has a bachelor's degree in accounting in a big 4 firm in NYC actually make a base salary $100K? Can anyone confirm?
Look at salary websites and college career center reports.
These have reasonable info.
Prestige employers pay well but there is lots of competition.
At my company, entry-level people make 25% more than at our suppliers.
Anonymous
10/11/2025 23:57
Subject: Become a CPA?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.
I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.
So glad you posted this. I am 47 years old with a masters degree in math. I currently work as a data specialist for the MTA in NY. I make less thank 100k in NYC.
I was thinking of changing to anything. I first got excited when someone posted that for $13k you can complete all required courses online in 1 semester and summer. Then your post gave me a reality check. This is one for old folks like us trying to change career.
Have you considered earning a master's degree in AI/ML ? High demand & much better pay than you are currently earning.
Your reluctance to answer the basic questions that I have asked is concerning. Are you serious about making a career change ?
How do you survive in NYC on less than $100, 000 per year ? (Assume that you are in a dual income producing relationship.)
A first year accounting graduate (age in early 20s) at a Big 4 accounting firm in NYC should make a base salary of around $100,000.
Do you mean a first year worker who has a bachelor's degree in accounting in a big 4 firm in NYC actually make a base salary $100K? Can anyone confirm?
Anonymous
10/11/2025 22:22
Subject: Re:Become a CPA?
I would not let being 40 years old discourage you if you have the ability to study and money for the courses.
I'm in my 40s and am about half way through the accounting courses needed. I've been taking them at community college while working at having a family. I only take 1 course per semester but have done summer terms. It will have taken me about 2.5 years for the coursework. I have spent 20 years in management in federal government contracting and was tired of it before Trump 2.0. Once I'm finished with the courses, I plan to study for one or two sections of the exam and see how it goes. I have no idea whether I will be successful in this endeavor, but it's worth a shot.
I'm in my 40s and am about half way through the accounting courses needed. I've been taking them at community college while working at having a family. I only take 1 course per semester but have done summer terms. It will have taken me about 2.5 years for the coursework. I have spent 20 years in management in federal government contracting and was tired of it before Trump 2.0. Once I'm finished with the courses, I plan to study for one or two sections of the exam and see how it goes. I have no idea whether I will be successful in this endeavor, but it's worth a shot.
Anonymous
10/11/2025 16:26
Subject: Become a CPA?
Anonymous wrote:To be blunt, your lack of a more detailed description of your experience, duties, responsibilities, and qualifications suggests that, even though holding either an MBA or a master's degree in match--by have posted both, that your current position is more akin to being a clerk rather than in a professional position.
Accounting positions in cyber security pay well. Tax, systems consulting, and more than a dozen other options exist at large accounting firms for newly degreed accountants. Many positions start at or above $120,000 plus bonus and may also offers relocation if necessary.
The individual who posted that some CPAs strive to earn $120,000 per year must be in an unsuccessful/barely successful tiny accounting practice. (Note: Small accounting practices can make big bucks--several hundred thousand a year.)
NP. Is this a bot? Who are you even addressing at this point?
Anonymous
10/11/2025 13:48
Subject: Become a CPA?
Couple of comments:
- you can become a CPA without being in public. Not every state requires it. Does anyone really care if you are licensed in Nebraska but live in Tennessee? As long as you are not signing for audits?
- in industry, accounting is a cost center. You are not bringing sales in. The CFO, corporate controller, and a couple of others do well, but others are considered an expense. The real money these days is providing advisory services with your own firm.
- you can become a CPA without being in public. Not every state requires it. Does anyone really care if you are licensed in Nebraska but live in Tennessee? As long as you are not signing for audits?
- in industry, accounting is a cost center. You are not bringing sales in. The CFO, corporate controller, and a couple of others do well, but others are considered an expense. The real money these days is providing advisory services with your own firm.
Anonymous
10/11/2025 11:34
Subject: Become a CPA?
To be blunt, your lack of a more detailed description of your experience, duties, responsibilities, and qualifications suggests that, even though holding either an MBA or a master's degree in match--by have posted both, that your current position is more akin to being a clerk rather than in a professional position.
Accounting positions in cyber security pay well. Tax, systems consulting, and more than a dozen other options exist at large accounting firms for newly degreed accountants. Many positions start at or above $120,000 plus bonus and may also offers relocation if necessary.
The individual who posted that some CPAs strive to earn $120,000 per year must be in an unsuccessful/barely successful tiny accounting practice. (Note: Small accounting practices can make big bucks--several hundred thousand a year.)
Accounting positions in cyber security pay well. Tax, systems consulting, and more than a dozen other options exist at large accounting firms for newly degreed accountants. Many positions start at or above $120,000 plus bonus and may also offers relocation if necessary.
The individual who posted that some CPAs strive to earn $120,000 per year must be in an unsuccessful/barely successful tiny accounting practice. (Note: Small accounting practices can make big bucks--several hundred thousand a year.)