Hi friends,

I recently moved from a boutique CPA firm making $50k doing what my understanding of CAAs/ CAS is plus a high volume 1040s to a mid-size regional firm doing CAS/CAAS at $82k as a Staff. As a solo parent studying for the CPA exam, taking a $32k pay increase was an instant yes.

The new firm seems great and I'm told I'll only do a small amount of tax work compared to the full tax department. However, I keep falling down online rabbit holes about CAS having "no prestige," lower salary ceilings, and being a "lower tier" line of service.

The new firm has multiple CAS partners and managers and the department has about 15 staff members in total. I'm struggling to find actual facts to back up the negativity but unfortunately I’m already bummed out about the position and feel quite insecure about it.

For anyone in CAS/CAAS:

What is the real salary trajectory compared to Tax/Audit?

I Know the CPA will open doors for me. But am I over thinking this too much. I only have three years of PA experience.…