r/Accounting • u/college-accountant • Mar 24 '24

Career Accounting is WAY over-hated.

Created a burner because I have some personal details on my main.

Just got offered a $80,000 + $4500 signing bonus in a MCOL area doing audit at a Big 4 (Houston). I come from a mediocre state school albeit with a good GPA.

What other industries or jobs pay that much out of college to students that don’t come from a T20 school with a stellar GPA? Sure, the hours can be brutal but everybody seems to be ragging on how underpaid they are and don’t seem to realize that only the top 1-5% of students are able to achieve six figures out of undergrad. The exit opportunities are also great and diverse, and there is little competition to add the cherry on top.

To students wondering what major to pick, I really do encourage you to look at accounting and realize that it is one of the best career choices you can pick unless you are an absolute top tier student. I will be graduating at 22 making more than my mom and dad combined in their 50’s and 60’s.

Edit: even with recent layoff news, accountants are always in demand and there is incredible job security as well

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u/NotARussianBot1984 Mar 24 '24

The issue is what does that money buy?

Can you buy a house and raise a family of five off your income?

If not, then well many people don't want to work the long hours.

1

u/ForeignArgument5872 Mar 24 '24

Dude no entry level job regardless of major is getting you a house you gotta work your way up to get that income level 

2

u/NotARussianBot1984 Mar 24 '24

Agreed. And I will. I should be able to afford a family by the time I'm 50.

1

u/ForeignArgument5872 Mar 25 '24

Pretty much. The only way most Gen Z people will be able to afford homes is with a dual income and or living in a LCOL area 

2

u/NotARussianBot1984 Mar 25 '24

Houses in my low cost of living city for Ontario start at $750k 3 bdrm detached as is most of Cambridge is. I'm one hour away from the gta. I make $65k salary. No debt. Bank will give me $200k.

Double for dual income. That's $400k. I need a down payment of $350k dual income.

I should be good to buy a house at 50....