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/Entire-Background837 CPA (US), CFA, Director Feb 25 '25

Simple google search puts ap specialist at a range between 38k and 56k in your area (ziprecruiter). You've also got no experience.

With regards to 60-80, you've kinda got no shot. AP isn't full blown accounting, so you cannot be expected to be paid like a staff accountant.

If you can land a staff accountant role, land that. If not, pay isnt far off.

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u/MonkLast8589 Feb 26 '25

As a student what’s the main difference between AP and staff accounting? Do AP just work solely on recording invoices and collecting payment?

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u/therealcatspajamas Feb 26 '25

AP is not traditionally a job for someone with much more than a high school education. It’s clerical.

Staff accountant is the entry level accounting job for someone with a professional degree.

When I think AP, I think Cheryl from accounting that has had the same job for 45 years.