I have ~4 years of accounting experience (2 in AP, 2 as a staff accountant) and currently make $65k. I started at $63k two years ago and have only received $1k raises annually.
Recently, I found out new hires I trained for the same role are starting ~$5k higher than me. On top of that, some of them are getting promoted over me despite similar experience/skills.
I’ve consistently asked for feedback and have worked on it. My feedback last year was to improve my problem solving skills. I go beyond my core responsibilities (journal entries/recs) by resolving discrepancies, improving processes, supporting audits, and helping implement process changes.
However, recent feedback from management was that I lack “big picture” understanding (how entries impact financials, understanding of BS/IS, etc.), which honestly caught me off guard because I feel confident in those areas. It almost felt insulting because these are basic concepts every accountant should have. They also said I should build confidence—fair, as a first gen minority this is something that I’ve struggled with and something I’m actively working on to overcome the “imposter syndrome.”
At this point, I feel underpaid and underappreciated, even though I like my coworkers and have some flexibility (hybrid schedule). I’m early in my career, so I’m not sure if this is normal feedback I should push through or a sign to move on.
I do have a couple interviews next week for a financial analyst role (fully onsite, but closer to home), and I’ve been considering pivoting out of pure accounting.
Would you:
- Stay and try to improve based on this feedback?
- Leave for better pay/growth? Job hop?
- Consider moving into financial analysis at this stage?
Thanks!!