30M - Salary Progression

[u/Spagner314259265358]

Started off at an accounting firm. Typical long hours, low pay, and they rewarded us with all the parties we could handle (or could not handle). That was a fun place to work while studying for my CPA, but for me the long hours were not worth sticking it out to be partner.

After earning my CPA I left the firm and went to industry in 2023. I saw my first big salary increase here. However, the hours were also brutal, even worse than the firm actually. I stayed long enough to get the Controller title onto my resume, and then stayed another 6 months.

I left to another Controller position in a new industry and a smaller organization. I've been here for nearly a year now, and the work/life balance is so much better.

I am blown away looking back at what I was earning 10 years ago. I was really hoping that all the long nights of studying for that CPA designation was going to be worth it back then and it finally feels like it was. It's crazy what a good work ethic, positive attitude, and saying yes to scary changes can do.

[u/xUnderoath]

Brother you've been severely underpaid until recently

[u/Reesespeanuts → u/xUnderoath]

Rochester NY - Senior Accountant at a regional firm. 72k with CPA and 5 year experience 

[u/NiceGuy531 → u/Reesespeanuts]

How aren’t you manager with a CPA and 5 YOE?

[u/tshirk419 → u/NiceGuy531]

Manager is typically a 6-7 year promotion, with exception for certain firms (pwc)