Accounting Director Salary Guide

What is the Average Salary of a Director of Accounting?

The average salary in the US for a Director of Accounting is $157,058

How Does Tenure Impact Salary?

Years of Experience Salary Range Notes
3-5 Years $110,000 – $140,000 Solid experience in accounting leadership, with a strong understanding of GAAP or IFRS and internal controls. Proven ability to manage an accounting team and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
6-8 Years $130,000 – $160,000 Extensive experience in leading accounting operations, with a track record of success in implementing new accounting systems or streamlining processes. Expertise in financial compliance and potential involvement in mergers & acquisitions.
8+ Years $150,000 – $180,000+ Deep accounting expertise and proven leadership skills. Experience managing complex accounting functions for a large organization. May oversee multiple accounting teams and be a trusted advisor to senior management.
3-5 Years
Salary Range $110,000 – $140,000
Notes Solid experience in accounting leadership, with a strong understanding of GAAP or IFRS and internal controls. Proven ability to manage an accounting team and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
6-8 Years
Salary Range $130,000 – $160,000
Notes Extensive experience in leading accounting operations, with a track record of success in implementing new accounting systems or streamlining processes. Expertise in financial compliance and potential involvement in mergers & acquisitions.
8+ Years
Salary Range $150,000 – $180,000+
Notes Deep accounting expertise and proven leadership skills. Experience managing complex accounting functions for a large organization. May oversee multiple accounting teams and be a trusted advisor to senior management.

How Does Organization Size Impact Salary?

Company Size Salary Range Notes
Small (Less than 100 Employees) $80,000 – $110,000 May oversee all accounting functions with limited staff support.
Mid-Size (100-1,000 Employees) $100,000 – $130,000 Responsible for managing the accounting team, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and potentially implementing new accounting systems.
Large (1,000-10,000 Employees) $120,000 – $150,000 Increased responsibility for complex accounting operations, potentially including managing multiple accounting teams or overseeing specific accounting areas (tax, internal audit).
Very Large (10,000+ Employees) $140,000 – $180,000+ Leading a large accounting department, potentially with a team of directors or managers reporting to them. Expertise in managing complex accounting standards and financial reporting for a multinational corporation.
Small (Less than 100 Employees)
Salary Range $80,000 – $110,000
Notes May oversee all accounting functions with limited staff support.
Mid-Size (100-1,000 Employees)
Salary Range $100,000 – $130,000
Notes Responsible for managing the accounting team, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and potentially implementing new accounting systems.
Large (1,000-10,000 Employees)
Salary Range $120,000 – $150,000
Notes Increased responsibility for complex accounting operations, potentially including managing multiple accounting teams or overseeing specific accounting areas (tax, internal audit).
Very Large (10,000+ Employees)
Salary Range $140,000 – $180,000+
Notes Leading a large accounting department, potentially with a team of directors or managers reporting to them. Expertise in managing complex accounting standards and financial reporting for a multinational corporation.

Which Industries Pay Accounting Directors the Most?

Industry Justification
1. Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Investment Management) * Highly regulated industry with complex financial instruments, global operations, and strict accounting standards. * Directors of Accounting need deep expertise in GAAP or IFRS, internal controls, and financial reporting for various financial products. * They manage teams responsible for accurate financial statements, regulatory compliance, and potential consolidation of complex financial subsidiaries. * Financial services firms are willing to offer top dollar to attract and retain Directors of Accounting with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of this industry.
2. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals * Growing and complex industry with evolving regulations, pressure on costs, and potential for mergers & acquisitions. * Directors of Accounting need to manage the complexities of healthcare accounting standards, revenue recognition for pharmaceuticals, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. * Expertise in cost accounting, managing research & development expenses, and potential involvement in clinical trial accounting can be valuable assets. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can navigate the unique financial challenges of the healthcare sector.
3. Energy & Utilities * Capital-intensive industry with significant accounting needs due to infrastructure projects, asset valuation, and potential for derivatives trading. * Directors of Accounting need to manage complex accounting standards for property, plant & equipment (PP&E), depreciation calculations, and potential hedge accounting for energy market volatility. * Experience in financial modeling for capital projects and understanding the unique accounting principles of the energy sector is crucial. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can manage the financial complexities of the energy sector.
4. Technology (Software & Internet) * High-growth and fast-paced environment with complex accounting challenges due to subscription-based revenue models, potential for R&D expenses, and frequent acquisitions. * Directors of Accounting need to manage the complexities of revenue recognition for software licenses, intangible asset accounting, and potential implementation of new accounting standards for the tech industry. * Expertise in interpreting new accounting pronouncements (e.g., ASC 606) and managing the financial aspects of high-growth startups or established tech giants becomes crucial. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.
5. Manufacturing * Large, global companies with complex supply chains, international operations, and potential for mergers & acquisitions. * Directors of Accounting need to manage inventory accounting standards (LIFO, FIFO), costing models for manufactured goods, and ensure compliance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) if applicable. * Expertise in managing foreign currency transactions, potential implementation of lean manufacturing principles, and understanding the complexities of global manufacturing operations is valuable. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can manage the financial aspects of a multinational manufacturing company.
1. Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Investment Management)
Justification * Highly regulated industry with complex financial instruments, global operations, and strict accounting standards. * Directors of Accounting need deep expertise in GAAP or IFRS, internal controls, and financial reporting for various financial products. * They manage teams responsible for accurate financial statements, regulatory compliance, and potential consolidation of complex financial subsidiaries. * Financial services firms are willing to offer top dollar to attract and retain Directors of Accounting with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of this industry.
2. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Justification * Growing and complex industry with evolving regulations, pressure on costs, and potential for mergers & acquisitions. * Directors of Accounting need to manage the complexities of healthcare accounting standards, revenue recognition for pharmaceuticals, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. * Expertise in cost accounting, managing research & development expenses, and potential involvement in clinical trial accounting can be valuable assets. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can navigate the unique financial challenges of the healthcare sector.
3. Energy & Utilities
Justification * Capital-intensive industry with significant accounting needs due to infrastructure projects, asset valuation, and potential for derivatives trading. * Directors of Accounting need to manage complex accounting standards for property, plant & equipment (PP&E), depreciation calculations, and potential hedge accounting for energy market volatility. * Experience in financial modeling for capital projects and understanding the unique accounting principles of the energy sector is crucial. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can manage the financial complexities of the energy sector.
4. Technology (Software & Internet)
Justification * High-growth and fast-paced environment with complex accounting challenges due to subscription-based revenue models, potential for R&D expenses, and frequent acquisitions. * Directors of Accounting need to manage the complexities of revenue recognition for software licenses, intangible asset accounting, and potential implementation of new accounting standards for the tech industry. * Expertise in interpreting new accounting pronouncements (e.g., ASC 606) and managing the financial aspects of high-growth startups or established tech giants becomes crucial. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.
5. Manufacturing
Justification * Large, global companies with complex supply chains, international operations, and potential for mergers & acquisitions. * Directors of Accounting need to manage inventory accounting standards (LIFO, FIFO), costing models for manufactured goods, and ensure compliance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) if applicable. * Expertise in managing foreign currency transactions, potential implementation of lean manufacturing principles, and understanding the complexities of global manufacturing operations is valuable. * Competitive salaries are offered to attract skilled accounting leaders who can manage the financial aspects of a multinational manufacturing company.

How to Increase Your Salary

Pursue Advanced Education or Specialized Certifications

Enhance qualifications by obtaining advanced degrees such as an MBA, Master’s Degree in Accounting, Master’s Degree in Finance or specialized certifications beyond the CPA, such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with advanced degrees generally command higher earnings. Additionally, a survey by the Institute of Management Accountants shows that certifications like CMA are associated with a 31% higher median salary compared to those without certification.

Leverage Emerging Technologies in Finance

Develop expertise in financial technologies such as blockchain, AI for financial analysis, and advanced data analytics. Pursue training or certifications in these technologies to stay at the forefront of accounting innovation.

Directors of Accounting who are proficient in emerging technologies can command higher salaries due to their ability to optimize financial processes and provide strategic insights from complex data sets. According to a survey by Robert Half Technology, professionals who can integrate and leverage financial technology effectively see salary increases up to 10-20%, reflecting their enhanced capacity to contribute to operational efficiencies and strategic decision-making.

Expand Role Across Business Functions

Broaden your role beyond traditional accounting responsibilities to include business operations. Engage in cross-departmental initiatives, such as working closely with the operations and sales departments to refine financial models that directly affect the company’s operational success.

Directors of Accounting who actively engage in broader business operations are often viewed as strategic partners rather than just financial overseers. This holistic understanding and direct involvement in business functions make them crucial to the organization’s success, thereby justifying higher compensation. According to industry benchmarks from Deloitte, finance leaders who demonstrate versatility in both financial and operational domains tend to earn above-average increases in their compensation packages, reflecting their broader impact and strategic importance to the company.