Question: I'm taking a online course through a college near my house. I'd like to know were the starting point of the accounting business is? How much do they generally get paid a year? I'm interested in working for a company rather then myself.
Answer: - Chosen by Voters Accounting is a big field. The lower end of the spectrum consist of accounts receivable clerks, accounts payable clerks and similar jobs. These jobs usually require little, if any, college education. Pay for these jobs are also low at $8 to $12 per hour.
Slightly higher on the scale are senior clerks and some bookkeeper positions. These will require an Associates degree in accounting or some experience. Pay is slightly better at $10 to $16 per hour.
Next are entry-level accountants. Usually these jobs will require a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Pay will be $14 to $18 per hour to start.
Higher level accounting jobs will require a bachelor's degree and some experience. Three to five years of experience will have a pay rate of $18 to $22 per hour. Five years to seven years experience should get a person into an Accounting Managers position where pay will be approximately $55,000 to $70,000 per year.
CPAs will need at least 150 semester credit hours. That is close to the amount a person would have if they completed a Master's degree, though a Master's degree is not required for the CPA. Managing directors of a CPA firm can make some of the highest pay in accounting, $90,000 to $120,000 a year.
In the corporate sector, accountants with extensive experience could possibly move into senior management with a corporation. Pay will reflect the level of responsibility of the position.
Others:
Without an accredit BA you can probably only go in as a full charge bookkeeper.
An accountant at a large company starts at around $35-40K a year.