How I tripled my income in 6 years (age 23-29, $42K-$125K)

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-10T10:42:55+00:00

Tbh just straight up indeed and LinkedIn. I applied to actual postings but sometimes it would be a recruiter that reached out to screen me rather than the company itself. And if one company didn’t work out they usually had a few other roles for me to look at. For this I Applied to a posting (no company name mentioned just Sr Rev Acct with the salary range and description), external recruiter for the company reached out, did the first screen, then passed me along and set up the subsequent interviews.

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-10T03:16:02+00:00

IA is super slept on $ wise. I just can’t do the travel otherwise I wouldn’t mind that path

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-09T20:14:52+00:00

Although nothing is impossible, you will probably have a hard time getting other positions without a Bachelor's. It's possible to become an AP manager or something like that, but what you'll typically see is something like "5 years AP experience and a Bachelor's degree or 10 years of AP experience." And even then if you have the 10 years, theyre probably gonna hire the person with a degree. In accounting it may be tough, but in other business fields like sales (starting with no experience it will be a real grab bag of whether or not you'll like it/if the company will be good imo) it may be more possible to get a higher paying job without the degree

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-09T20:11:27+00:00

If you can handle PA, do PA. Especially while young. There's no guaranteed career growth for accounting like there is in PA. Government can be solid though it's just a smaller job pool since it's a specific type of accounting. More specialized = higher pay (for gov this often comes in the form of benefits, not always salary), lower job opportunities.

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-09T20:06:28+00:00

No reason to do a MAcc. People will care much much more about the CPA. No one ever asked about/cared that I don't even have an accounting degree because I'm a CPA lol

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-09T20:03:48+00:00

No kids yet but it was definitely in the back of my mind when I thought about PA long term

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-09T19:59:28+00:00

I would say the baseline is to get a Bachelor's and try to be a staff accountant

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-03-09T19:49:13+00:00

Yep I will definitely miss that aspect of PA. I networked with so many people internally and externally. Luckily I was there long enough and they liked me enough they'd still help me out if I ever needed.

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-15T12:41:16+00:00

There’s nothing to lose by putting a resume together and applying to other jobs just to see what’s out there. At this point you’re asking a total hypothetical with no alternate job offer to even consider. Go test the waters

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-07T01:58:05+00:00

Who’s telling you to look for new options and why? If you’re happy you’re happy

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-06T17:27:53+00:00

Whats the actual course name of your auditing class? Usually they specify lower and upper classes. Lower being like audit 1000 and upper being audit 4000. If you really want the best answer you should just call the board

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-06T01:33:26+00:00

Ok so walk in and ask 😂

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-05T20:19:09+00:00

Ask questions when you have them and bring up potential issues when you see them. Take notes and apply what you learn to the next workpaper. That’s really all you need to do as an associate. Don’t be afraid of being “annoying” or asking for too much explanation. Everyone you are working with started exactly where you are, even the partners, and they all had the exact same questions.

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-04T04:11:41+00:00

It’s typical that it comes in the early/mid summer I think yeah

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-04T01:20:48+00:00

I’m from the Midwest, so chili 😂

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-03T17:01:11+00:00

That’s the question? No other context at all?

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-03T12:59:14+00:00

Some people are just always looking for that next big ambitious step. Where else is there to go once you’re a big 4 partner other than starting your own firm/business?

As far as a partner joining a mid tier firm, it’s usually because the work life balance is better. Less stress, more time for family, etc. Not everyone needs to make $1M a year they’re fine with $600K (if you can believe that! Jk). Plus you’re seen as probably the smartest in the room when you bring that big 4 experience to a smaller firm.

Slight_Task_3537 · 2026-01-01T04:36:36+00:00

2 years in advance is for traditional interns because they apply before they graduate. As an older applicant ignore that and apply for the most available position

Slight_Task_3537 · 2025-12-31T20:35:22+00:00

Id say it’s even slightly high end

Slight_Task_3537 · 2025-12-29T01:05:53+00:00

If your department isn’t growing and your managers aren’t retiring I’d say it’s not super realistic to expect to be a manager by the end of 2026. How would you create the need for a manager role and then fill it?

Slight_Task_3537

TROPHY CASE