Considering a career that blends the precision of accounting with the dynamic environment of a leading technology firm? A role like an Accounting Operations Associate at CentralSquare Technologies could be your ideal launchpad. This position offers a stable foundation in finance while immersing you in the high-growth software industry.
But what can you expect to earn?
Navigating salary expectations is a critical step in any career journey. In this guide, we will break down the compensation for an Accounting Operations Associate, not just at CentralSquare Technologies but within the broader market. An individual in this role can typically expect to earn a competitive salary ranging from approximately $55,000 to $75,000 annually, with numerous factors influencing where you might land on that spectrum.
Let's dive into the specifics to understand the value of this role and how you can maximize your earning potential.
What Does an Accounting Operations Associate Do?
Before we talk numbers, it's important to understand the role. An Accounting Operations Associate is the engine of a company's finance department. They are responsible for the day-to-day transactional and operational accounting tasks that ensure the business runs smoothly and its financial records are accurate.
At a B2G (Business-to-Government) software company like CentralSquare Technologies, an Accounting Operations Associate's responsibilities likely include:
- Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR): Processing vendor invoices, managing payments, issuing customer invoices, and tracking incoming revenue.
- Reconciliations: Ensuring that bank statements and internal accounts (like credit cards and general ledger accounts) match perfectly.
- Journal Entries: Preparing and posting journal entries to the general ledger to accurately reflect business transactions.
- Month-End Close Support: Assisting senior accountants and controllers with the crucial process of closing the books each month.
- Process Improvement: Identifying inefficiencies in financial processes and helping to implement new, more automated solutions—a key function in a tech environment.
- System Management: Working within Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (like NetSuite or Oracle) and other financial software.
This role is a fantastic entry point into a corporate accounting career, providing hands-on experience with the fundamental mechanics of a company's finances.
Average CentralSquare Technologies Accounting Operations Associate Salary
Salary data for a specific role at a single company can be niche, but by analyzing data from reputable sources for both the company and the general role, we can build a highly accurate picture.
Based on an aggregation of self-reported data and industry benchmarks, the typical salary for an Accounting Operations Associate in the United States falls between $55,000 and $75,000 per year. The national average often lands near $62,000.
- For CentralSquare Technologies specifically, salary aggregator Glassdoor places the estimated total pay for a comparable "Accounting Associate" role within this range.
- Salary.com reports that the national average for an "Accounting Associate II" (a role requiring a few years of experience) is approximately $64,200, with the typical range falling between $57,700 and $71,600 as of early 2024.
It's important to remember that this is base salary. Total compensation can be higher when you factor in bonuses, profit sharing, and benefits like 401(k) matching and healthcare, which are often competitive in the tech industry.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your exact salary will depend on a combination of your personal qualifications and external market forces. Here are the most significant factors that determine your pay.
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Level of Education
For an accounting role, education provides the theoretical foundation necessary for success.
- Associate's Degree: An Associate's degree in Accounting may qualify you for some entry-level positions, likely at the lower end of the salary spectrum.
- Bachelor's Degree: A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is the standard requirement and will make you a competitive candidate for the median salary range.
- Certifications & Advanced Degrees: While not typically required for an Associate-level role, holding or pursuing a certification like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) signals a high level of ambition and expertise. This can lead to a higher starting salary and significantly faster career advancement.
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Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most critical factor in determining your salary. Companies pay for proven skills and reduced training time.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Professionals new to the field can expect a salary in the $55,000 to $60,000 range. The focus is on learning core processes and demonstrating reliability.
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): With a few years of experience, you have greater autonomy and can handle more complex tasks. Your salary will likely move into the $60,000 to $70,000 range.
- Experienced (5+ years): After five years, you are a seasoned professional. You may have transitioned to a "Senior" title by this point, with earnings pushing past $75,000 and into the territory of a Staff or Senior Accountant.
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Geographic Location
Where you live and work dramatically impacts your paycheck due to vast differences in the cost of living (COL) and labor market demand.
- High COL Areas: Major metropolitan hubs like San Francisco, New York City, and Boston will offer significantly higher salaries to compensate for high living expenses. In these areas, an Accounting Operations Associate could command a salary at the top end of the range, or even exceed it.
- Medium to Low COL Areas: In cities across the Midwest and Southeast, the base salary may be closer to the national average or slightly below. However, your purchasing power may be greater.
- Remote Work: CentralSquare Technologies has a significant remote workforce. Companies with distributed teams often use a location-based pay model, adjusting salary offers based on the employee's home location.
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Company Type
The industry and size of the company are major differentiators. CentralSquare Technologies operates in the B2G software-as-a-service (SaaS) space, which is a competitive and often well-paying sector. An Accounting Operations Associate at a tech firm will generally earn more than someone with an identical title at a local non-profit or small manufacturing company. The complexity of SaaS revenue models and the need to compete for talent drive salaries upward.
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Area of Specialization
Even within an associate role, certain skills can make you a more valuable candidate. If you have experience or specialized knowledge in areas relevant to a tech company like CentralSquare, you can negotiate a higher salary. Examples include:
- SaaS/Recurring Revenue Accounting: Understanding the principles of revenue recognition under ASC 606 for subscription-based models.
- System Expertise: Advanced proficiency in specific ERPs (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle) or billing platforms.
- Data Analysis: Strong skills in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables) or a basic understanding of data visualization tools can set you apart.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for accounting professionals is positive and stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for Accountants and Auditors is projected to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
While the BLS projects a slight decline for "Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks," this is primarily due to the automation of routine data entry. The modern Accounting Operations Associate role is evolving away from this manual work. Today's professionals are expected to be analysts, problem-solvers, and system experts. This shift ensures that skilled, tech-savvy accounting professionals will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
An Accounting Operations Associate position at a company like CentralSquare Technologies is more than just a job—it's a strategic career move. It offers a solid entry into the high-demand intersection of finance and technology.
Key Takeaways:
- Expected Salary: The typical salary range is $55,000 to $75,000, with the average hovering around $62,000.
- Major Influencers: Your salary is most heavily impacted by your years of experience and geographic location.
- Boost Your Value: A Bachelor's degree is standard, but specialized skills in tech-industry accounting (SaaS, ERPs) can significantly increase your earning potential.
- Strong Future: The profession has a stable growth outlook, with roles evolving to be more analytical and systems-focused.
For anyone looking to build a rewarding and financially stable career in accounting, this role provides an excellent and promising foundation.