Salaries - Where the money counts

Accountancy has long been branded, 'A number crunching job', fairly befitting the image of professionals counting and evaluating the net worth of companies and organizations. It has been a common perception that a career in the field of accountancy is a lucrative one. After all, they do count money everyday, don't they? However, it also depends on which step on the ladder you are in this industry. Jobs in this industry are well diversified, ranging from lower level accounts clerks to executives, auditors, tax agents up to highly ranked corporate directors and officers in the hierarchy of the company's organization. So,how much do these people actually make?

The charts below will give you an up-to-date insight on how much, on average, you will make for the different positions held in the field of accountancy. Salaries range from a level of $28,000 per annum for an accounts clerk to $165,000 per annum for a chief accounting officer, heralded to be one of the most prestigious and highly ranked careers available in the corporate world.

Now, lets take a look at the remuneration scheme offered by the 'BIG FOUR' accounting firms, the 4 well established firms in the private sector specializing in providing a range of professional accounting services to companies and organizations.Services range from auditing to consulting and advisory services, and these 4 firms are well sort after by fresh graduates as a stepping stone to a successful career as they are considered the 'cream of the cream' among all accounting firms.

Currently in 2009, the median entry level salary in public accounting was $59,000. Figures can run up to an approximating $70,000 to $85,000 after holding the job for 4 to 5 years. These figures would be higher in major cities.While not widely publicized, annual payouts to top partners in PWC, E&Y, Deloitte and KPMG often run north of $1,000,000. In light of the current recession, the salary range has not been reduced, and the recent ranges are as follows:

Positions	Big 4 Firm	Overall	Typical Experience
Entry Level	$55,000	$50,000 - 70,000	First year
Junior Staff Accountant	$46,000 - 63,000	$40,000 - 80,000	1-2 years
Senior Staff Accountant	$65,000 - 95,000	$70,000	3-5 years
Manager	$65,000 - 140,000	$85,000	5-7 years
Senior Manager	$72,000 - 160,000	$115,000	7 years plus
Partner	$200,000 - 3,000,000	$150,000	10 years plus

Accountants can actually earn "the sky is the limit" salaries by making the most out of the expertise and experience. This especially holds true for top position holders in corporate companies and consultants. You do not need to have a cornucopia of skills and talents. All you have to do is to harness your ability to work smart, constantly strive for the best, and most importantly, have passion towards accounting and increasing your own self worth.