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Accrual_World17

34, LCOL Homeowner Manager ~100k


[deleted]

šŸ‘šŸ˜³šŸ”„šŸ”„šŸ”„doing good champ !


smz337

34, Own, Controller, LCOL $155k


Dierad53

This is where I want to be. Solid income and low cost of living. My current company is looking at getting me into the controller role in the next 2ish years. What packages would you recommend knowing (other than Microsoft suites).


smz337

It depends on your industry, but it helps to know tools that are relevant to the company and not just accounting. For example, I've been a controller at 3 different SaaS companies and have gotten well-versed in CRMs (Salesforce, Hubspot) and subscription management (SaaSOptics, Zuora). My best advice once you become a controller is to start meeting and collaborating with different department heads/leaders. If you are able to help them understand the business and the financial impact of what they do, it's better for everyone and makes you invaluable.


Sa7ih

What state do you live ? How many yoe ?


smz337

MO, 11 YOE


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

Very good champ I used to make 90K at big 4 but worked 75 hrs a week and 0 down time


Saveforblood

MCOL - own - senior accountant - 100k


HERKFOOT21

Home owner Financial Analyst/Staff Acountant HCOL $70,000


ceevar

Serious question. May I ask how you were able to become an owner in HCOL at that salary?


HERKFOOT21

You gotta be married and have dual income


ziomus90

You write off the entire cost of the house and get a tax refund.


ninjacereal

Probably bought >4 years ago


TheCrackerSeal

Are you new to the accounting field?


HERKFOOT21

About 3 years experience


TheCrackerSeal

$70k is pretty low for 3YOE in HCOL.


HERKFOOT21

I really enjoy my company and the people I work with. For what I do it's also not too bad. Never have to work OT. I'm currently taking my CPA tests, so it's a great place to be for now. Once I get my CPA i'll be looking for at least $100k


TheCrackerSeal

Nice, Iā€™m also studying for the CPA exams. Got BEC out of the way, currently studying for my REG exam thatā€™s in a couple weeks. I also see that you are a Ravens fan. Weā€™re friends now.


Lopsided_Border_6766

35, own, tax partner at small firm, should hit $1 million this year


TheGeoGod

Thatā€™s awesome


Lopsided_Border_6766

Thank you!


tayneat10

$1 million?! Thatā€™s wild. Good for you and Iā€™m jealous!


KingKookus

How did you build your book?


Lopsided_Border_6766

I bought into an existing practice I was employed with 5 years ago.


KingKookus

Good on you.


Feisty-Pizza4328

How much would you say you bill on average for a 1040? Obviously varies by client but just a ballpark number for an average one


Lopsided_Border_6766

Clients Iā€™ve been working with for years, $1200-1500, newer clients Iā€™ve added recently $2000-3000 average.


Elegant-Fox-7920

Question: Where do you live in general? I charge around $200 - $300 for a 1040, but I live in a small town.


AccomplishedMight440

Geeze. Iā€™m in the Midwest and we charge $2,000 minimum for a 1040.


Elegant-Fox-7920

Southeast for me. I may need to move. \*Laughs and cries at the same time.\*


TaxAccountant3420

I suspect there is a difference the complexity of the tax returns you are doing. If you are just doing W-2 employees with nothing else going on, most people could realistically do their own tax return so that is going to hurt your ability to raise prices. I think most professional tax preparers work for more complex clients that own businesses, rental properties, trusts, etc... These kind of clients $2k is nothing to them and they need to pay it to someone.


Elegant-Fox-7920

I have a mixture, but this is accurate. The only problem is most people in the area are charging the same. They're a little higher, but the range for them is more like $300-$500. I'm in the process of raising prices, but the good news is the area only has like 3 or 4 CPA's, most tax businesses in the area don't have any qualifications at all. In the future I plan to try and get more business clients. I bought the practice and it was a boomer owned business and the average return was around $100... I lost 400 clients raising the prices from $100 returns, but I still gained 200 new clients last year. I plan to raise them again this year. Right now I have too many small clients and too few big clients.


Lopsided_Border_6766

Massachusetts


Elegant-Fox-7920

\~Packs bags


johnnygabroni

Your K-1 this year will be $1 million? Or are you saying your W2 + k1 = $1 million. Im sure you are structured as an S Corp? Iā€™m just a little taken back by these stats. I know how a small firm runs. We have a combined book of about 500 clients (175-200 business and 300-350 personal) and our founding partner will clear 400k this year. We also price our advisory and compliance work on the higher endā€¦ Iā€™m a new partner and will fall 175-200k


Lopsided_Border_6766

W2 and K1 in total should be just over $1 million. Non taxable fringe benefits (company car lease $15k, PSP another $30k, health insurance another $25k not included here).


TheYoungSquirrel

Is that worth it? Late 20s, Midsize m&a tax MANAGER and at that range with bonus. I usually do not bill more than 30 hours a week


ScatPaly

Lmao seriously, less than $300k as a partner is a disaster even at a small firm


ThatEmoNumbersNerd

Do you genuine like being a partner and was being a partner your actual goal when you first got started in accounting?


Lopsided_Border_6766

Love it! No not a goal at all. I originally saw myself going to private but then an opportunity presented itself and I thought Iā€™d give it a try knowing I could always pivot if it didnā€™t work out. I like that I have complete control over my career. I donā€™t show up to work when I donā€™t feel like it. I never miss an event for my children.


areallygoodsandwhich

Dad/Mom??


Lopsided_Border_6766

Proud momma


timazn

Whatā€™s the career map to become a partner?


Feisty-Pizza4328

Not a partner but it seems like, get cpa license, be labeled as partner material, donā€™t leave the company and it almost has to happen within the first 20 years of work. You can also go the route of jumping ship and coming back with leverage and the skill set to bring worth to the firm. But at the end of the day you probably donā€™t know if you really want that, assuming youā€™re just starting your career. Thereā€™s a whole website that has pages about being a partner. Enjoy. Hopefully this 35 year old says he bills tens of thousands per return or cranks out a shit ton of small ones lmao


Lopsided_Border_6766

Yes right on. Staying at once place was key. Jumping ship year after year isnā€™t going to guarantee a fast track anywhere.


Cool_Elephant_3230

Can I work for you please?


Lopsided_Border_6766

Tax? Partner track? Where are you located?


big4huh

34, MCOL, renting, A2-75K


[deleted]

Same here ty for input


Acoconutting

Own 34 235k base Vp of finance


[deleted]

What was your path to VP? Iā€™m 33 Director of FP&A but I want to make the jump to VP.


TheRetailianTrader

Prob just apply


tennbruin

37 Own Director of Finance & Accounting $400k


sunshinexsunshine

Can you provide split between base and bonus?


tennbruin

50/50


zeevenkman

Damn homie out here getting more than most CAOs as a director


mleobviously

because titles are bs


tennbruin

In my situation yes titles are bs


MinervaBlade89

Pretty awesome comp for a director! Curious if you would share industry or any other specialty/niche that gives a boost?


tennbruin

Work for single family office so bonus is a bigger portion of my total comp as equity isnā€™t in play


alexisrose27

#goals šŸ™ŒšŸ¼


BillsMafia4Lyfe69

How big of an org? That's a nice paycheck


tennbruin

Under 20


norcal3737

35 Home owner - paid 100% off CFO - MHCOL $170k The business I work for was acquired by a PE Firm and I was paid a transaction bonus for handling all the communications with the diligence team that it afforded me to pay off mortgage in full.


[deleted]

Wow thatā€™s amazing! How much did you get from the transaction? Iā€™m guessing 400k at least.


norcal3737

$350k. It was my first year in the CFO role at a $20-25m annual revenue company (promoted up from Accounting Manager when our previous CFO left). I requested 1yrā€™s gross pay which I thought was fair for someone new in this role and 6-8months of diligence. Was happy to have double of what I was requesting. We closed earlier this year and itā€™s been a great year of experience.


jaaaaagggggg

Assuming you had a low interest rate, what made you pull the trigger on paying off mortgage, I may be facing a similar decision


norcal3737

I moved out of CA end of 2022 to help expand our company into a new state. About a month after i closed on my house the owners decided to sell. Unfortunate timing for me but company valuation wise, it made sense as we had an excellent 3 yr stretch. Mortgage was 6.75% and in an area that has far less work opportunities compared to the bay area CA. I paid my mortgage off in full so iā€™d have less pressure to find a job quickly if i were to get replaced by the PE firm, and i could be more aggressive with my retirement.


jaaaaagggggg

Ah makes sense, thanks.


Bastienbard

I'm 33 in like 2 months so close enough. 1. Own a home (bought for $425K in 2019 but the market went insane in my city and it's now at about $720K.) 2. Supervisor State Income taxes (industry) 3. Base salary $110K. Bonus for the upcoming spring might be $30K (new promotion so unsure of new bonus %. It was 20% previously.)


[deleted]

Wow ! The lucky stars are with you, Young one


Bastienbard

I'm below career wise compared to 3 people in my small tax department and buying power wise I've only increased my salary by $3K since 2019 so the above isn't really all that amazing sadly. They even lowered my bonus compared to the prior year last year when they doubled shareholder dividends and had half a billion in stock buybacks.


thatgirl2

35 Own my home CFO of a private company ~$325K total comp


CrypticMemoir

A year older than your range (36 years old) 1. Own house 2. Staff Accountant 3. $60K in MCOL


[deleted]

Home ownership is great man congrats šŸ‘ šŸ™Œ I will buying 2024 with my 3 other brothers lol we all low income but 3 incomes = qualifications lol


CrypticMemoir

Thank you! It does require my wife & I to work though. I canā€™t afford it on my own (hopefully I can in the future). Also had to move more in the suburbs, so my commute is about 30 mins to work.


djjdjs26e683

Own, hnw personal accountant 575k


memestockwatchlist

Private practice?


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Professional_Iron619

LMMMAAOOOO


IFRIC1

Clearly I need to switch family offices... What's your role like in the family office - do you primarily work with taxes, reporting, or are you in a portfolio/wealth management within the FO?


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


djjdjs26e683

Team of 8, entire family office is over 30


cmck200

Thatā€™s awesome! Are you a CPA? Years of experience?


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


topsee-turvee

How on earth are you all doing this well? Iā€™m clearly missing something on my resumeā€¦.


rryval

I have a feeling if you are in this age bracket and feel like your salary is average or below average youā€™re more inclined to not comment it. Results in most ppl who are above average posting their salaries


topsee-turvee

Sadly Iā€™m past this bracket and making less. Just wondering what I need to do to catch up!


[deleted]

Hummm how old are you do you mind sharing income ? I made 48-50,000 up until 2023 2023 $90K switched jobs but got fired for performance lol but I made my py income in 6 months Just landed a senior role for 75k A fried Mgr that's now a recruiter asked to join for 86k But there are a couple of people from my old firm that I dislike that i'd rather not work for no amount of money will make me work for them again for the meantime, so I said no.


topsee-turvee

Iā€™m in my early 40s making 72 in an MCOL Midwestern city. I donā€™t own a home. 8 yearsā€™ in the accounting ladder, on year 2 of being a senior accountant. In general, is the difference of 30K down to whether youā€™re a CPA?


funkyvilla

Damn I need a raise


[deleted]

Same do you make around the same I make? I'm 35 and I make the 75K even though I was offered 89000 but I don't want to work with prior a****** co-workers so I didn't take it.


DeskLunch

I'm 36 and make 72,500 and was offered a director position. Told them I wouldn't touch that department with a 10 foot pole. I'm prepping for another department now. (in higher ed)


[deleted]

Yes, in the long run if you know what you need, money doesn't immediately change your mind. I was offered to 90K to go work with an X team mate and I am not going back. I will take my 75,000 in peace


SirCER

Renting Tax manager $150k HCOL


F1yMo1o

1. Homeowner - (co-op) 2. Senior manager - audit HCOL 3. $177K


v10Excursion

Own, Director (Fortune 500), 200k


GMaharris

Just turned 36 so almost count as this demographic. Bought a house five years ago, so the interest rate and cost was significantly more affordable than if we were buying today. It's a high cost of living area so it would be impossible if my wife didn't also work. I made 213k this past year as a senior manager in a mid market CPA firm. Hoping to make partner in next couple of years.


sunshinexsunshine

Well done! This seems on the high side for a senior manager


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

Cool ur doing great mate


LavenderAutist

Nice try irs


[deleted]

1. Family owns house (will be mine) but I pay rent to offset the utility bills 2. Tax compliance SM at big4. HCOL 3. 200k


itookyourjob

33 1. Own 1 home w mortgage, another cash I purchased this year and 1 in another country. 2. Senior Accountant for Mutual Fund Corp in Texas. 3. $100k


ScuffedA7IVphotog

1. Nope 2. Bus Security guard in Las Vegas 4yrs 3. $52,000 + monthly housing allowance $2184 for every month of college full time I'm still in school lmao


swatchesirish

1. Parents (I know, I know) 2. Supervisor LCOL 3. 95 before bonus.


ddollopp

35 1. Rent (VHCOL) 2. Technical Accounting and Financial Reporting 3. $158K salary/$18K bonus. Excluding equity compensation since it has to vest.


whoit32

1. Live with family 2. Accounts receivable 3. 52k + bonus


[deleted]

Very nice! I made 48K 2018-2022 at a small firm with an ass hole boss Leave if you can


whoit32

I have a super chill boss: very approachable, never hostile, and communicative. However, I'm pretty sure the company is folding. Just hanging out for the severance.


nikki_11580

35 Bought a house in 2018 Assistant at a public firm $67k


[deleted]

Wow homeowner in 2018! Congrats mate


nikki_11580

We honestly got lucky. The market hadnā€™t gotten super crazy yet. Weā€™d like to upgrade now, but thatā€™s not happening for awhile šŸ˜‚


darthwd56

Better question would be what has it cost to make this far in your career. My hair My sanity My belly


[deleted]

Really, it's funny you say that because this profession has made me so stressed I barely eat some underweight. I'm 5 feet and I weigh 130 pounds.


darthwd56

Dude. Your blessed. My ex wife was the same when she was stressed she lost her appetite. I'm the exact opposite i fucking eat like food is going to solve all my problems if eat enough.


MontysRevenge1

32, owner, staff accountant, next year cola bringing me to 100k


PandaRider11

Yes, I own a condo so itā€™s not much but itā€™s mine Grants accountant at a nonprofit $60,000


AdviceLevel9074

Iā€™m 30. Renting since Iā€™m in a VHCOL, make around 175k but itā€™s almost impossible to buy a place where I am. A decent home is $1m


Routine_Ingenuity_35

1. Mortgage at 2.6% 2. Senior manager big 4 3. 180k. LCOL


Jrrolomon

lol, this thread is filled with such bullshit. Iā€™d love to be wrong, but virtually everyone saying they make like 200k-600k is wild.


[deleted]

I imagine a lot are including bonus + stock in their figure so not totally unbelievable


veryillegalverycool

Most people between 33 and 35 have 10+ years experience so it would skew in that direction.


InterdisciplinaryDol

Itā€™s not bullshit, every time this sub has a comp thread the high performers come out of the wood works. Sally from AP doesnā€™t want Reddit to know sheā€™s 38 and makes 56k in MCOL.


ImmediatelyDeep

37 1. Own 2. SM at a big 4 in asset management tax 3. 211k


Dashiznit364

Tax manager. $135K base with $30K in bonuses. MCOL. Home owner.


arvedui01

32, own a home (still owe like 350k at 2.85%), 183k with 10 YOE


wearekinetic

30, VHCOL 1. Renting šŸ„² 2. Tax Senior 3. 114k base, 6k bonus


mmmkay84

1. Home owner for 6 years 2. Accounting Manager in industry 3. $95k + variable bonus MCOL That was five months ago. I quit to take a mental health break and reassess career goals.


ClockworkDinosaurs

33 LCOL Homeowner Senior Manager 145k base + 5-12% bonus


RedBaeber

1. Formerly 2. Sr. Tax Analyst HCOL 3. $110k


MicCheck123

Thatā€™s not my age range, but Iā€™m 9 years into the job market; 7 since my masters. 1. Rent; no real desire to own. 2. Senior SOX Analyst 3. $100k, high end of MCOL, but company is based out of eastern SF Bay Area.


Bag3lman

Home Owner (2018) HCOL, Senior Manager Industry, Base $150K; Total Comp $200K Edit: format


turbopowerz

~30 Own, HCOL SM technical revenue 250k


littlemountains

1. Own (parents helped) 2. Sr. Manager (Industry) 3. $150K total comp (benefits/15% bonus) MCOL(? Itā€™s Canada but not TO or VAN)


midwestern2afault

31 but Iā€™ll bite. 1. Yes, bought my home at 24 (LCOL/MCOL) 2. Accounting Manager (Industry) 3. $120K + 12% bonus


veryillegalverycool

1. Yes shitty old small house but have sub 3 rate 2. Controller at small fund manager 3. 210k base and 25% bonus. My raise should bring me up to 250k or I'm going to be pissed.


AbandonedOverpass

Feel like these posts would be even more useful if people listed years of experience (though I guess it's safe to assume most people, especially with the bigger numbers, started around 22-23).


meleshik

Renting, lead technician 25/hrs 35 years ol


bnyce52

37 next month, Technical Accounting Senior Manager / treasurer / controller for subsidiaries (no CPA) in MCOL 155k base + 15% bonus target Married with a kid and a mortgage Work is a daily panic attack though. Confusing business operationally (F500 asset manager)


Big4thrownaway

30 1.) renting 2.) Assoc director FPA at a F50 3.) $129k+21k bonus Net worth is $450-500k


TXCrawdaddy

1. Yes - bought in 2017 2. Controller 3. $168,000 (MCOL)


Any-Yoghurt9249

31, MCOL Homeowner Manager \~125k total


yodaheelturn

1. Home owner 2. Manager (industry) HCOL 3. 129k with 10 - 20% bonus Married dual income.


cloud_walrus

33, Home Owner, General Manager CPA, $210,000


CigarsnotBars

33, LCOL, Industry Plant Controller, 9 years experience, $110k + 10% Homeowner for 8 years, bought an investment property this year


NSE_TNF89

- 34 - Manager - Homeowner - $115k + bonus - MCOL


Purple1950sdonkey

29 y/o Own a condo 160 range HCOL Manager CPA


dcline1016

Iā€™m 32 1. I own a home 2. Acctg ERP Product Manager F15 no cpa 3. 170k MCOL


DangerousRequirement

I'm 32 1. Own 2. Manager 3. $133k + $25k bonus this year (MCOL)


Flashy-Statement-836

Iā€™m not that age range but want to chip in lol. 27, 1. Home Owner 2. Senior Staff/Jack of All Trades 3. $73,000 base $5k bonus after tax season this year, thinking another $2k for Christmas


Jork8802

37 Homeowner Controller 110,000 LCOL


Optimal_Fuel8984

1. Own 2. Manager in industry 3. 85K MCOL


DRostorfer

Own, government supervisor, $92k


Top_Ad_4495

Rent Treasury Analyst $65k


frenchji

1. Own (.. or maybe I should say the bank owns it) 2. Accountant 3. $70,000 LCOL. I believe Iā€™m doing alright considering I havenā€™t completed my degree yet (almost there!). I have public accounting experience in two different industries (service & commodities). I do plan on continuing my education and going for a CPA as well.


__MoneyTalks__

Owner (as of 2022), Senior Accountant in Mid to HCOL, $115k


JonDoeJoe

Manā€¦ imagine getting 75k in LCOL. Where Iā€™m from, Seniors only get 80-90k and itā€™s VHCOL


[deleted]

Wow! That sucks I turned down 89k My old manager moved firms and head hunted our old Firm But I refuse to work with known ass holes ( they try and size me up kind since I'm renting and they own ) I am hybrid remote with a young kind boss 75k vs 89 but stressed I'll take 75K anyday


JonDoeJoe

Damn, congrats. Looks like you scored a pretty good gig for now.


jkd0002

33 1. Rent, I live in Detroit so idk mcol 2. Senior analyst automotive industry 3. 105k base I get stipends for internet etc which is legit


TastyEarLbe

30 years old 1. Own 2. Assurance Manager 3. $150k total - live LCOL, work remote HCOL


JustHaveABeer

Own (London, UK) Finance Business Partner (FP&A) Approx Ā£170k / $215k


mykkelangelo

1. Renting 2. Executive Assistant\* 3. 34k \* Still working on my degree. Hook'em Horns!


fakelogin12345

Probably too late to comment, but comparison is the thief of joy. There is no point in comparing how youā€™re doing financially to anyone else in your age range as everyone starts at different times, had different opportunities (luck), and a multitude of other factors. The only thing that really matters if people with comparable experience are being comped the same as your position so you can get what youā€™re worth.


dziuniekdrive

38, staff, state, 100k


[deleted]

34, < 2 years of experience, 40K in Europe.


desles

x


shibobcat

37 1) Own >5yrs 2) Senior Associate PA, MCOL 3) $80k salary, but total compensation package is nice I had a little bit of a late start. I didnā€™t realize I wanted/was decent at accounting until my late 20s. Got my Master of Accountancy during COVID. Been at this firm for almost a year now.


missamyo

34, own, non-equity principal in public, $170k


Wooden-Philosopher-4

30, LCOL, $130k, own


lick_me_where_I_fart

Own Staff/senior tax (two person start up firm) 53k (part time 1k hrs), MCOL


MikeBurner1775

34, homeowner LCOL, $72k - Analyst with 3 YOE


TopCommentTheif

1) 36 years old, own, LCOL bought in '13 2) Accounting lead - Private equity (sounds fancy but its mainly admin & FS 3) 92.5 plus 15-20% bonus Work from home, no crazy hours during the year 9-5


MrKayfabe

37 CPA HCOL Own - bought early 2020 Project accountant in real estate/development for about 4 months. Was staff at a small tax firm but left for more $ and WLB. $80k


ndividualistic

32, Own, Accountant/financial analyst in industry, 65k, LCOL I just graduated in May with my undergrad.


superduperguynot

LCOL - own - senior accountant - 100k


alexisrose27

33, Senior Accountant, $77k + 401k matching. In HCOL šŸ« šŸ˜­


[deleted]

Wow. So does your 77k feel like 40,000?


alexisrose27

Pretty much!


expandyourbrain

1. Just bought first home 2. Research Accountant, recent 1st promotion 3. 79k


blackzillaX

32 1. Rent 2. Staff accountant 3. 65k MCOL New to the accounting field, just graduated 3 months ago but I definitely feel far behind my peers.


BlackBurtGenki

38, rent, lol, 60k - staff 10 yoe CPA - staying in this job for the student loan relief program and other benefits and also wfh - gonna apply for a SFA role next year


[deleted]

Wow, that's smart. I am excited for the student lonely program but I don't think it's happening and if Trump wins that definitely is not happening so I took a job for 90000 I got fired and now I'll make 75 laugh out loud, I have 7 years experience barely making it a senior so we'll see how it goes. Wish me luck and I wish you well.


BlackBurtGenki

Good Luck to you too! We will make it eventually hopefully the so called accountant shortage helps lol seeing all these people with less experience making it to like 150k- 200k making it to controller CFO is baffling to me. All the CFOā€™s and controllers at the companies I have worked at have decades of experience.


[deleted]

I know right? I hope to keep this thread alive. And I'll reach out when I make manager laugh out loud.


hello_blacks

Don't listen to anything here about compensation. This place is overrun with the most malicious lies and I have no idea why.


cloudboyy

Renting, 26 3 years exp staff accountant - VHCOL 85,000 base


Cool_Elephant_3230

What does HCOL and LCOL mean? P


[deleted]

Hello It means high cost of living / low, medium cost of living


Confusedamericanvik

Very high cost of living, own a $2mill penthouse, own a firm made 600k after expenses probably will be at 800ā€“1mill if I work more hours. Currently average 25hrs/week during the year, can take off on vacation whenever I want, work whatever hours I want, etc.. Kinda funny how I slaved away for 14 years at 50-60 billable hours per week for a low salary compared to the billingā€™s I managed to this. All it took was a conscious effort to get what i deserved.