My salary journey at accounting

7d 34 Comments

42k < 56k < 82k < 121k < 160k

Didn’t get good starting point after graduating from master at 2014 and had to be stuck in a small company for 3 years for my visa. I was in Texas at that time. After moving to Bay Area, I see tons of working opportunities. Feeling underpaid right now and looking for better opportunities.

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TOP 34 Comments
  • Twitch
    QcsM84

    Go to company page Twitch

    QcsM84
    Not to be that guy, but get the hell out of accounting. You should have gotten out years ago and it may be difficult for you to do at this point. Personally, I started my transition out of accounting in my first year in audit. I networked my way into deal advisory doing financial due diligence by the start of my second year at the big 4. My first firm wasn’t willing to help me on the path I wanted to go, so I networked with another big 4 and got in. After a year of doing due diligence (AMAZING work experience, btw), I transitioned to fp&a at Microsoft. After spending two years at Microsoft, I jumped to corp strat at Twitch/Amazon and have been here for 4 years.

    My total comp history;
    Big 4 audit: 48K > Big 4 Due Diligence 87K > Microsoft FP&A 115K, Amazon L5 corp strat: 180K > Amazon corp strat L6: 277K, Amazon corp strat L7: 430K

    Education history: undergrad (no MBA) from non-target school.

    With less than 10 years of experience, I am making more than most jr partners at Big 4 firms and I can can promise you that my work life balance is significantly better. But most importantly, I am very happy and fulfilled because I have carved my own path and am doing what I enjoy at a place that I am passionate about.

    I don’t tell you this to depress you. I tell you this to give you hope and encourage you that it can be done. But you need to hustle and network your ass off, you need to CRUSH it at every job you’re at and get glowing reviews, and you need to be willing to take risks/relocate/make big adjustments to your career. People should also realize that getting career advice from you accounting firm partners and managers is a complete and total waste of time. They will tell you what it takes to retain you, and they also have no clue what they are talking about outside of their own personal very limited experience. I am so happy I ignored the haters that told me I was making a mistake by not pursuing my CPA and not sticking it out in Big 4 until at least manager. Those people are stuck in dead end careers being overworked and underpaid. Life comes at you fast.
    6d 12
  • New
    4n0nym00s3

    New

    4n0nym00s3
    Man, I want to be this. I'm stuck in government and need to get out. The benefits don't make up for lack in pay. Currently stuck at 64K
    7d 2
  • Google
    swapswip

    Go to company page Google

    swapswip
    You took the first step in moving to the Bay Area and getting a job in industry. It will be easier to make moves with industry on your resume but I would continue to actively look for opportunities at your target companies. At 8 years of experience you are a candidate for L5/L6 roles, but it gets harder to be hired the more senior/experienced you are (more competition, both from internal/external candidates).
    6d 3
    • Your reply actually got me to think another question. Do googlers need to compete with people both inside and outside to get promoted?
      6d
    • Google
      swapswip

      Go to company page Google

      swapswip
      Yea, Google interviews are tough. They evaluate for traits beyond technical knowledge. Don't get discouraged, I have seen people get in after multiple tries, and there are lots of other great companies besides Google.
      6d
  • VMware
    ltfi28

    Go to company page VMware

    ltfi28
    Are you a manager or IC? Not sure 160k base is under market for accounting at that level
    6d 4
  • Insurance Company
    iWpO00

    Insurance Company

    iWpO00
    Could you please explain your accounting route?
    I’m also an accountant that’s struggling to leave the 60s wall. Please share what you did
    6d 1