Robust economic climate and record low unemployment
levels are contributing to widespread demand for skilled accounting
and finance professionals. Accountants are playing key roles
in improving efficiencies while enabling companies to keep
pace with growth.
Professionals in public accounting are
expected to see the biggest increases in average starting
salaries next year as accounting firms compete with
private industry for top applicants. Managers and directors
at large public accounting firms will see average starting
salaries rise 4.1 percent, to the range of $78,500 to
$116,500. Entry-level accountants at midsized public
accounting firms can expect base compensation of $32,000
to $38,500, a 3.7 percent increase over last year. Senior
accountants at small public accounting firms can anticipate
a 3.5 percent increase in average starting salaries,
to the range of $41,750 to $53,750.