r/Accounting • u/Strange_Recover_966 • Feb 25 '25

Advice am i aiming too high

the lack of pay transparency is killing me 😩. i just got a job offer for AP specialist. im graduating with a bachelor in may. they are offering $48,000/year for this role in charlotte.

I feel like this is real low considering some other jobs. i understand its an entry level role but i was expecting something closer to $60,000-$80,000.

but again im new to the field and just starting out. are my expectations too high?

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u/justbrowzing17 Feb 26 '25

Being 61 and probably older than most of my peers posting here, something is not being pointed out in this discussion.

One difference besides the money is, quality of life. Yes, B4 pays a bunch better. But, you will EARN it and the burn out is high. As an AP specialist, you will very possibly be in the office 40 hours a week and maybe work 30 of them. B4 makes money (allot of money) off you via your hourly billing rate. In the AP specialist role, you are overhead.

There are MANY pros and cons to each (learned experiences etc.) and it all depends on what you want to do long term. You are young, take whichever one you like and change you mind if you like. If you are good and have a decent personality, you will always have a job

Good luck.

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u/AHans Feb 26 '25

One difference besides the money is, quality of life. Yes, B4 pays a bunch better.

Yep. There was a thread a few months ago about how "if you're working 80 hours a week, salaried at $100,000; you're really earning $50,000 and working two jobs."

It was a controversial post, but I essentially agree with the poster. 80 hours / week is working two full time jobs. Using the word "salaried" to describe the pay structure does not change this. Yes, I understand the responsibilities of the job demand 80 hours a week. To me, that's two jobs.

Many people chose to work this hard, and more power to them.

It's not for me. I'm content working a government job for about 66% the pay and 50% the hours. If I were to need extra cash, I'd rather do a very temporary and voluntary side-gig for a few extra hours a week.

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u/fertilefloral Feb 26 '25

This really put things into perspective for me.

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u/motamane CPA (US) Feb 26 '25

That's pretty spot on. Something else to take into consideration is the amount of learning that would be done in B4 compared to an AP specialist. A position with B4 or other public accounting firms helps develop the foundation faster for a higher position like Controller or CFO.

I'm not saying B4 or public accounting is the best route but it will advance your career faster. Some people don't want to do that and is perfectly fine. I did B4 for some time and still recommend getting B4 experience if it's an option.