<p>Hello CC, I intend to major in Accounting due to the abundance of job opportunities available in the field. When I looked over the average starting salaries though for a public accountant with a bachelor's degree, it is rather disappointing. Many sources say I won't be earning more than $50k.</p>
<p>I do not know how this compares to other starting salaries but I am curious what paths accountants typically follow. How do I climb the ladder as an account? How would I work my way up to a six-digit salary? Are there any better concentrations for a business major?</p>
<p>I’ve known several accountants over the years and that I’ve seen that have done well are those that have worked their way up through management. As an accountant, you may have broad exposure to a company, from an abstract numbers perspective and that can make for a good manager over operations.</p>
<p>The most successful accountant that I know started in a medium-sized organization as an accountant and worked his way up to managing several thousand engineers. My guess is that he’s worth high-eight/low-nine figures.</p>
<p>If you do not mind me asking, where did the accountants you mentioned start off as? Public accounting? Private? What did they do? Auditing? Taxes?</p>
<p>I just want to get as much information as possible. Thank you again so much.</p>