Hi everyone,
My younger sis is thinking about becoming a CPA (accountant) and becoming an public auditor. I have no knowledge of this field. Does it make good money? (I am a software engineer, by comparison).

Thanks for your input!

 

Starting salary will be around $45,000 - $60,000 with advancement up to ~$300,000 after 15+ years if she makes partner.

Expect very long hours from 60-80 per week starting. The hours do not change with advancement.

 

my sister in law was working for yum brands and is now moving over to pepsi as a cpa. she works in Dubai, but rakes in about 100k per year. its an exciting degree, as there aren't many cpa's around, and can get you on the fast track to management i.e. CFO, CEO if yo uwant to go that route. Does she have her masters degree or bachelors yet in accounting? The CPA classes and tests are no easy thing, which is probably why there aren't very many out there.

 

Agreed. Cousin of mine started 5 years ago at one of the Big accounting firms. Left to go work for a mid sized tech company. Now is making low/mid 6 figures. This is just with his bachelors in accounting and cpa. He will prob go for his mba and than shoot for something on the management level.

 

Being a Big-4 (or next tier down) auditor means the lifestyle of a 1st or 2nd year associate lawyer in a big firm, without all the prestige or salary ($50-60k to start is about right.) However, if you put in a few years as an auditor, you can make an easy transition to working in the finance/accounting department of a big corporation, which is a much cushier and potentially more lucrative.