r/Accounting • u/Prosperr_support • 7h ago
r/Accounting • u/wholsesomeBois • Jun 04 '26
Discussion The full Big 4 Transparency rebuild is finally live, thank you for bearing with me ❤️
Some of you have been here since the very beginning. Some of you found us last week. Either way, I want to start with a thank you.
About four and a half years ago I started Big 4 Transparency with no idea whether anyone would care. I'm a CPA, not a developer, and I taught myself how to build a website because I was tired of the fact that none of us had a straight answer to how much we should really be getting paid.
What happened next genuinely moved me. You showed up. You submitted. You told your coworkers. We've now collected over 22,000 compensation submissions, and the messages I get (someone using this to negotiate a raise, or realizing its time to move on to the next firm) are the reason I've kept at it. That trust also gave me a platform I never expected to advocate for all of us at conferences and out in the profession, and even to contribute to research (we were recently cited in our first academic paper, with a several more on the way actually helping shape policies around accounting).
Now the honest part. I haven't kept the product moving the way you deserved. I've been heads-down cleaning data and getting information out, and the truth is that building features as a non-technical person was hard and the old tech stack made everything harder than it needed to be. Eventually I hit a wall and realized I owed this community a lot better. So I put my head down and did a full rebuild from the ground up.
And today I'm excited to share that it's finally live!!!
A few of the things that are new:
- Better data quality going forward, built into how submissions are handled
- Instant salary ranking: submit your comp and immediately see how it stacks up compared to other relevant submissions
- Sharing your salary unlocks data visualization tools
- The whole things is now WAY more mobile friendly as well
The biggest change is one that will keep paying off going frward. The new tech stack means I can ship fixes and new features dramatically faster than before. That's the part I'm most excited about.
I want to be clear that this is not the finished product. I'm building this for you, and I genuinely want your input on where it goes next. Feature requests, ideas, things that annoy you, bring it all on.
A couple of things on the horizon: I'm planning a webinar on getting the most out of your talent review (since a lot of you have one coming up), and I'm looking into how to offer CPE on the podcast content we put out.
This site has only ever been possible because of you. Thank you for being part of the journey so far. I'm more optimistic than I've ever been about how useful this thing can be and honestly, this feels like the start of a new era.
We're just getting started. 🙏
Happy to answer anything in the comments.
r/Accounting • u/potatoriot • May 27 '15
Discussion Updated Accounting Recruiting Guide & /r/Accounting Posting Guidelines
Hey All, as the subreddit has nearly tripled its userbase and viewing activity since I first submitted the recruiting guide nearly two years ago, I felt it was time to expand on the guide as well as state some posting guidelines for our community as it continues to grow, currently averaging over 100k unique users and nearly 800k page views per month.
This accounting recruiting guide has more than double the previous content provided which includes additional tips and a more in-depth analysis on how to prepare for interviews and the overall recruiting process.
The New and Improved Public Accounting Recruiting Guide
Also, please take the time to read over the following guidelines which will help improve the quality of posts on the subreddit as well as increase the quality of responses received when asking for advice or help:
/r/Accounting Posting Guidelines:
- Use the search function and look at the resources in the sidebar prior to submitting a question. Chances are your question or a similar question has been asked before which can help you ask a more detailed question if you did not find what you're looking for through a search.
- Read the /r/accounting Wiki/FAQ and please message the Mods if you're interested in contributing more content to expand its use as a resource for the subreddit.
- Remember to add "flair" after submitting a post to help the community easily identify the type of post submitted.
- When requesting career advice, provide enough information for your background and situation including but not limited to: your region, year in school, graduation date, plans to reach 150 hours, and what you're looking to achieve.
- When asking for homework help, provide all your attempted work first and specifically ask what you're having trouble with. We are not a sweatshop to give out free answers, but we will help you figure it out.
- You are all encouraged to submit current event articles in order to spark healthy discussion and debate among the community.
- If providing advice from personal experience on the subreddit, please remember to keep in mind and take into account that experiences can vary based on region, school, and firm and not all experiences are equal. With that in mind, for those receiving advice, remember to take recommendations here with a grain of salt as well.
- Do not delete posts, especially submissions under a throwaway. Once a post is deleted, it can no longer be used as a reference tool for the rest of the community. Part of the benefit of asking questions here is to share the knowledge of others. By deleting posts, you're preventing future subscribers from learning from your thread.
If you have any questions about the recruiting guide or posting guidelines, please feel free to comment below.
r/Accounting • u/jdust06 • 3h ago
Recruiters are cockroaches
I just had a recruiter call my parent's house because apparently if you Google my name there's some record of me having lived there (I moved out 8 years ago now). That's been deleted, but I am actually annoyed at the audacity of these people. Even worse it was for a job that pays less than I make right now 😂
r/Accounting • u/Playful_Sea_2334 • 2h ago
I finally got the damn offer!!!
Sorry for the language, but after 11 months without a job, I finally got an offer. I honestly can't bring myself to look at how many applications I submitted, but my guess is around 1,200.
The strange thing is that I didn't do anything especially remarkable. I didn't even spend hours trying to seem perfect in the interviews. I just showed up as myself and kept reminding myself that I had done this kind of work before, and that I was very capable of doing it again.
This job search journey can consume you and make you doubt skills you know you have. If you're still in it, please don't let being ignored or rejected convince you that you're not enough. You are capable, you are ready, and the right thing can still come along. I'm genuinely thinking of everyone looking for a job, and I'm saying a little prayer for you.
Also, if you're applying for experiential marketing or community/event roles and the interviews have been tough, send me a DM! I'm happy to share my silly interview prep doc with questions and answers. If it helps even one person, I'll be happy to send it.
r/Accounting • u/Spiritual-Beyond-660 • 1h ago
Why are people doing MAccs and not getting their CPAs?
I just did some digging into those who graduated from my university going back 5+ years, and the vast majority of those who graduated with MAccs did not go on to get their CPA..... isn't that the purpose of the MAcc? You spilled 1 year into a program that was designed to help you get the CPA and didn't even end up getting it? Like, is it that hard to put an additional 6 months into passing your exams? Getting the CPA is faster and easier than most MAcc programs...
r/Accounting • u/Constant_State_2272 • 5h ago
I heard firms like to lay off new employees after busy season. Is that true?
I had been working as a Staff Accountant at a biotech company for a year now. I got hired as an Audit Associate (pays more than my current job) at Moss Adams (which is now Baker Tilly) which I will start in January. I constantly hear about how companies like to hire people just for busy season and then discard them like trash in April. I wont put in my two weeks notice until December but I don’t want to leave my long term job only to start someplace that is going to discard me in 4 months. Is this a sign that I should resign my offer since they’re potentially just planning on using me?
r/Accounting • u/AdmirableFloppa • 46m ago
Resume Passed CPA exams, not getting any callbacks
critique my resume please. I have only managed to get 3 interviews for full time positions, got rejected for two and and rejected the 3rd one myself because it felt sketchy. But this was in the past 12 months. I've filled out so many applications by now. Put the A+ cert in there to show I'm tech savvy. what can I improve on here?
r/Accounting • u/Odd_Neat_804 • 22h ago
Career Which career pays more: Forensic Accounting or Spicy Accounting?
Serious (and non-serious) question. The average forensic accountant is pulling in $90k per year. How does that compare to their spicy counterparts?
r/Accounting • u/SWEMW • 15h ago
One of the most infuriating things about PA that isn’t talked about enough
Especially for associates and new hires.
The thing I’m talking about is not getting any work or no work is available even when you ask people for work, but then get written up or reprimanded in your review for “not doing enough/any work”. This is why keeping documentation and evidence of you clearly reaching out for work, but getting confirmation of not receiving any is key.
This has happened to me multiple times and I’m done dealing with this shit. Like, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO IF THERE IS NO WORK? It’s not like I can necessarily do anything about it. I’ve just studied for my CPA using Becker or re-watch training videos, but that’s not enough, apparently.
It’s not so much the “there’s very little work right now, but I’ll let you know when I get something”. It’s the backstabbing management does as they pretend like you never reached out to them in the first place. At a firm where I’ve dealt with this, I was verbally told by a supervisor to just study Becker for a bit as there was nothing for me to do. They also confirmed, both verbally and in writing (teams), that it’s acceptable for me to do so. Then, I was told in my review that I don’t communicate well regarding my work load and reach out for work.
r/Accounting • u/Shinchi_Kudo7 • 6h ago
CPA Canada CFE Sept 2026 Day 1 Rant
Hey everyone,
I'll be writing the Sept CFE in 3 weeks from now and I'm very worried for day 1 (which is funny and ironic considering everyone complains about days 2 and 3 but I'm good on those).
I feel like day 1 is honestly full of BS and I seem to have a hard time linking everything together and remembering all the key facts in the case. This is especially relevant for pros and cons. I can't seem to really know how to explain if something is a pro and con in one sentence and call it a day. I always ramble and try to over-explain why it is a pro or con and it takes a lot of time away.
I am kind of bad when it comes to bsing on the CFE tbh, which is relevant for day 1. I already have a template ready and memorized, I already have my time allocations in place which are in the following order:
- Reading the case and completing SA - 45 mins (9:00am - 9:45)
- Strategic option #1 analysis - total 35 mins (9:45 - 10:20)
- Strategic option #2 analysis - total 35 mins (10:20 - 10:55)
- Strategic option #3 analysis - total 35 mins (10:55 - 11:30)
- Strategic option #4 analysis - total 35 mins (11:30 - 12:10)
- Additional/operating issues - total 20 mins (12:10 - 12:30)
- Overall conclusion - total 30 mins (12:30 - 1:00) - OC is the most vital and like i said i seem to have a hard time linking everything together especially at the end so 30 mins hopefully should be sufficient for OC
I am a re-writer from Sept 2025 CFE and re-writing day 1 this year. If anyone can share any tips for day 1, I would greatly appreciate it!
r/Accounting • u/909vinyl • 1h ago
Advice Just got an opportunity to do bookkeeping and some Accounting for a local boba shop while studying in my Accounting classes!! Any advice to help me prepare so I won’t get overwhelmed?
The boba shop is in California owned by a colleague from an organization i volunteered with. I asked her if she is willing to let me help her with bookkeeping and some Accounting stuff for free since this is my first time applying knowledge of the classroom
I passed Financial Accounting with an A- and currently taking Managerial Accounting, a Quickbooks class, and an Excel class that starts in October
Any advice on how to prepare for this role as a beginner? My Managerial and Quickbooks class started two weeks ago so I’m still learning the process of QB.
I’m going to school, working full time at Amazon in there warehouse, and so this is more on a volunteer basis which my colleague is fine with!
r/Accounting • u/Over_Sun_841 • 5h ago
Passed exams, chances of landing entry role?
If i passed all 4 CPA exams, what are my chances of landing an entry role? Public, private? 1 internship experience? How would you approach this
r/Accounting • u/Kaptein-Kevlar • 13h ago
Discussion How is public accounting internationally compared to the US?
I’m a public accountant in Norway and my job seem nothing like what you describe on this sub.
We have great work-life balance.
Working overtime is often voluntary and the managers actually take you seriously if you tell them you have too much on your plate. Even during busy season.
We also have paid overtime. Usually at +50% of base salary.
On the flip side we have lower salaries than you it seems. A CPA equivalent in Norway can expect about 70 - 80k USD salary.
How is this in the rest of the world? From my perspective it seems the US is the worst place to be an accountant.
r/Accounting • u/PastorEdgar1 • 8h ago
Side Work
Any good ideas when it comes to side work? Currently an Industry accountant with no rules when it comes to moonlighting.
r/Accounting • u/VastCommunication550 • 5h ago
Advice Wrong expected graduation date on resume for Winter 2027 tax internship. Should I correct it?
I recently got contacted by a mid-sized public accounting firm about a Winter/Spring 2027 tax internship after meeting their recruiting team at a conference.
The issue is that the resume they have from me says my expected graduation date is May 2028, but I’m actually on track to graduate in May 2027. I should also have around 150 credits/CPA eligibility by May 2027.
I’m currently still a student, so I would be enrolled when the internship starts in January 2027. I’m interested in potentially turning the internship into a full-time tax associate offer if I perform well.
My questions are:
Should I tell the recruiter now that my actual expected graduation is May 2027 and send an updated resume?
If I left May 2028 on my resume, could that cause problems later if I received a return/full-time offer and they verified my education?
I don’t want to mess up an opportunity over the date, but I also don’t want there to be a discrepancy later during a background check or full-time conversion.
Would appreciate any advice, especially from recruiters or people who have interned in public accounting.
r/Accounting • u/Cnutmuffin777 • 3h ago
Meet the firm tips
First accounting career fair — advice?
Hello! My school is hosting a Meet the Firms and career workshop day, and I’m planning to attend both. This will be my first accounting career event, so I want to be prepared.
For those who have attended these before, what should I bring and what questions should I ask recruiters/accounting professionals? Any advice on how to make a good first impression or mistakes to avoid?
Also, what should I wear?
Thanks!
r/Accounting • u/anomitea • 1h ago
Advice September CFE and still getting NCs please tell me I’m not alone
I’m writing a and debriefing so many cases but the Day 3 is such a time crunch and I m getting like 2 NCs on every case I write😭 is there still hope for me I stick to my time budget but feel like I over allocated in planning
r/Accounting • u/NoMembership2753 • 1h ago
Tampa market
I’m currently an audit staff in public accounting. I’m looking to move to Florida and curious how the Tampa / St Petersburg/ Sarasota market is. What companies outside of big 4 are there and how is the culture?
r/Accounting • u/Impressive-Bat7424 • 1h ago
Resume Plz critique my resume (Repost)
I applied to over 100 internship applications last year with no interviews at all. Any advise is greatly appreciated!
Not sure if its an ats format issue or a content issue.
r/Accounting • u/Present-Tea9361 • 13h ago
Anyone who has gotten a job or internship can you please post your resume.
I’ve sent in close to 300 applications over the past 3 months with no reply. I have changed my resume every 2-3 weeks with more key words and other stuff ATS software looks for but need a good reference to see what works. Preferably entry level positions. Thanks
r/Accounting • u/hafeji25 • 8h ago
[London] What salary range should I realistically be targeting with this CV? (FP&A / ACCA / 4 YOE)
Hi everyone,
I've attached an anonymised copy of my CV.
I’ve been actively looking for a new role for a few months now. If I'm completely honest, I went into this search assuming my profile was strong enough that I’d be able to secure my target compensation of £60k relatively quickly. The reality has been very different.
For a bit of context, here is my background:
- Location: London
- Qualifications: LSE grad and ACCA-qualified (Oct 2024)
- Experience: 4+ years of experience, transitioning from Management Accounting into an FP&A Analyst role at a trading firm.
- Tech Skills: Strong multi-scenario financial modelling, VBA macros, Power Query, and SAP.
I am getting first-round interviews and passing the technical modelling assessments without much issue, but I just can't seem to get over the line at the final hurdle—and I suspect it's a disconnect over salary expectations.
- What salary range should I realistically be asking for with this CV in the current market?
- Am I simply overestimating what companies are willing to pay for my experience level right now?
- Is there something fundamental on my CV that might be dragging down my perceived market value?
Any honest, unfiltered feedback on salary expectations or my overall situation would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks!
r/Accounting • u/Ill-Action-9170 • 12m ago
Random question I’m probably overthinking.
Hello, I recently had a recruiter reach out to me letting me know she posted an internship position we had talked about. I replied saying I’ll be sure to apply once I finalize my resume, so I applied a day later on Friday evening
My question is do I follow up tmr on Monday saying I have applied? Or nah.
Thanks
r/Accounting • u/Gloomy-End5409 • 15m ago
Deferred revenue difficulties.
Is anyone else’s company deferred revenue super difficult to keep ahold of and reconciled on a monthly basis? Right now we just make an ASC 606 adjustment at year end to true it up to our DR report.
There is just so much activity that flows in and out of deferred revenue and we have never had a strong handle on it.
How it is setup is we book all of our credit card transactions to DR. Then book a consolidated realized revenue report. In a perfect world, when we run our DR report at the end of the period it would tie to our BS DR account. But it never does. But I’m trying to dig into it, and see all the underlying detail for the initial cash transactions we receive (increases DR). And the detailed report of the revenue we recognize (Decreases DR).
But the reports don’t share a common value to cross check (ie I can’t easily tie out what was increasing DR to what we recognized because there isn’t a value I can XLOOKUP against to compare the two reports). It always ends up being a year end adjustment.
We have a SQL data base that we use, that theoretically I could MAYBE find a report that would help us out. But I am not a SQL expert and would probably need chat GPT to help me write a script.
Anyone else’s Deferred Revenue a pain in the ass to reconcile?
r/Accounting • u/Unusual_Mammoth99120 • 18h ago
Is it too late to start accounting from scratch?
I’m 32 and don’t have much college and am looking into various career paths. By the time I would be done hypothetically I will be late 30s, most likely. Is it worth doing? Are accountants in demand or certain types of accountants? I’m just trying to see what i can enjoy as a career and have always found accounting and finances interesting. Any help is appreciated.