Part Qualified accountant- Wage?

Hello all,

I’m currently working in industry and studing accountancy in the evening. I had initially hoped to become the accountant for the company I work for however the more I study the more I feel practical experience is needed as studing is obviously nothing like actually doing the work for real.

However, im feeling terrible about leaving my current job I don’t know what to do!!!

Can anyone advise me at all on how I should go about doing this? They have been really good to me over the last few years, however I feel for myself I’ve done all I can there.

And also what generally is the starting salary for a pt qualified accountant? Im imagining il be taking a drop from what im currently on but I need to know how much to see if I actually can thke the plunge into the accounting world?

Thanks

S

Take a look at this ACCA survey to get an idea of PQ salaries: http://www.accountingnet.ie/content/uploads/accasurvey07.pdf

Also have a look at this detailed survey to get an idea of salaries later in such a career;
http://www.accountingnet.ie/content/uploads/leinstersalarysurvey2007.pdf

As you can see salaries range quite a bit both geographically, by study stage and from company to company.

Going from what I've seen both above and in job adverts, I think €25k - €35k whould be the fairly typical range for most PQ positions... although €50k seems to be the basic for those with 1-2yrs PQE.

Also take a look at table 3 in the second document - it demonstrates the rather large increases in salary that come as your experience grows. This may reassure you, especially if you face a salary drop by pursuing accountancy.

Hope this helps.

I have printed off them 2 reports and will go throught them in more datils at home. It does look like the initial drop would be worth it in the end, I hope anyway! Its a very scary decision leaving what i know but im trying to do what i feel is best for me long term...

I have to see if i can afford it right now!!

Anyone know what new trainees usually do in A/C office? I do work with some forms of a/c in work at the moment i.e payroll , debtors , rec's etc i just wanted to know how basic a level i would be going in at.