Public accounting firms are looking to hire throughout the coming year — not just in preparation for tax season. Job growth is healthy, and there's a high demand for top talent in public accounting jobs at all levels.
Public accounting firms are taking advantage of every available recruiting strategy — from employee referrals to wooing back former staff. Both experienced CPAs and entry-level professionals are enjoying increased opportunities, and many public accounting firms are using temporary workers until a full-time hire can be found.
Curious about the differences between public accounting jobs and private accounting?
CPA salary ranges for public accounting jobs
Take a look at five public accounting jobs and their projected midpoint salaries from the Robert Half Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals. At the midpoint, candidates have average experience with the necessary skills to meet the job requirements.
- Tax services director/senior manager: $134,000
- Tax services professional with less than a year of experience: $47,000
- Audit/assurance manager: $90,000
- Senior audit/assurance professional: $64,250
- Audit/assurance professional with one to three years of experience: $52,000
The next time you need to discuss pay, you'll want to consult the Salary Guide. Robert Half has been tracking pay ranges since 1950, and this year, it looks at more than 190 positions in the accounting and finance fields with customized wage ranges for U.S. cities.
Jobs in public accounting
While public accounting jobs traditionally don't share the same work-life balance that private accounting positions offer, some firms have started to introduce compressed workweeks, telecommuting and flexible work schedules. To improve retention, many organizations also are providing their best performers with bonuses, raises, promotions, increased vacation time, mentoring and professional development programs.
Public accounting professionals are in demand in cities across the United States. Find temporary jobs in your city, and see what employers are looking for in these hot cities:
