Accountant Average Salary

Job seekers inquiring about an accountant starting salary, before expressing interest in other aspects of the job, both amuse job counselors and also provoke further questioning. Not that it is not prudent to make such inquiries before embarking upon preparations for a career. It is always wise to weigh the costs and rewards of career choices. If acquiring a decent salary is the only object of one's interest in an accounting career, though, perhaps it would be better to check out some other occupations as well. That may seem strange, because, after all, accountants deal with figures all the time. However, there is a lot more to this profession than handling some other person's or company's money. A near-obsession with detail, and the ability to arrange disparate data into a coherent report which can be readily understood and used by others to make financial decisions are vital requirements for this profession. An accountant starting salary may be influenced by a wide range of factors.

In the United States of America, the accountant average salary is somewhere between $40,000 to $46,000. Many factors can influence these figures, such as the size of the company, employee credentials, and years of experience. Also, the particular part of the accounting industry which the company is involved with may dictate salaries. Popular categories in these days of widespread corporate scandals include such areas as forensic accounting and various auditing procedures.

Accounting jobs fall into two major categories. Budget analysts ensure that budget figures are complete, accurate, and that these reflect current procedures and regulations. They may also examine budget reports and make recommendations to keep expenditures under control. The other category comprises billing, cost and rate clerks. These gather data, compute charges and provide invoices for billing purposes. They may contribute to efficiency by keeping track of costs and rates, and keep data on various records. Those who pursue either category would do well to become acquainted with current computer software which deals with accounting and auditing. The picture of accountants laboring over columns of figures in crowded back offices has given way to computers, laptops and other devices which can keep up with the rapid pace of today's business needs. Take advantage of employer educational incentives and grants to fill in any gaps in computer proficiency.

As far as the United States goes, an accountant average salary is largest in New York and California. In particular, New York City and Los Angeles are reportedly record holders for the highest accountant average salary. Before rushing to move there, consider carefully the high cost of living in these areas, as well as other quality of life issues. Some accountants do better by moving to an area which offers a lower accountant average salary, yet is not so densely populated, and offers more in other factors which are important to the accountant and his or her family. One complaint of employees is that this industry requires considerable hours of work. Knowing this, consider carefully matters such as long commutes, which may take additional time from family or other pursuits. While a large salary is nice, if you have no time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, the long hours become wearisome. Speaking of money, some studies suggest that men generally receive somewhat higher salaries than women in this profession. However, looking closer, one important factor may be much more significant than gender alone: experience. The men who received higher salaries in these studies had nearly twice the years of experience.

This 'experience factor' seemed to hold true throughout several studies on this profession. The more one could offer in the way of certification or education or experience, the higher the accountant starting salary. The holder of a Master's degree in Business Administration generally could command a slightly higher salary. Experience, however, still seemed to be key in determining accountant average salary ranges. Although this seemed surprising at first, upon second thought this is very reasonable. A client who is trusting someone with important financial matters would be most interested not so much in the degrees one holds as whether an accountant had ever dealt with practical issues before. Although possessing a degree may speak to potential employers about issues of preparedness or the ability to complete a task, most people would be more impressed with a proven track record of confidentiality and efficiency. The accountant starting salary requested by an experienced person will be higher.

One accomplishment, however, is considered quite desirable. An accountant who possessed a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential earned quite a bit more than those who do not have one. In the category of 1- 4 years of experience, holders of a CPA made from $10,000 -15,000 more money. This was significant, yet those who possessed both a CPA and experience really achieve salary rewards. Those who had from 5-19 years of experience made about $25,000 more than accountants without CPAs. In the 20+ years of experience range, employees with CPAs made more than twice that of an accountant starting salary of persons who did not have these credentials.

A Christian may find in accounting something even more important and eternal than a large salary. This is a stable field, with an ongoing need for people to deal with such tasks as bookkeeping, taxes and auditing. There are opportunities for ministering to others which arise when taking care of an individual's financial matters. Aside from the faithful completion of duties with integrity and professionalism, it can be satisfying to know that the work brought order and peace to a client's tangled financial dealings.Opportunities to minister at a corporate level are also available. As the apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:15-16, That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life... Budgets and financial reports are always necessary for efficient business dealings. A high standard for prompt, efficient work done with confidentiality and integrity will certainly be noticed in a business world rife with corruption and scandal.

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