Here's how you can secure a higher starting salary in an accounting job.

There are a number of factors to consider in assessing your value with either your current employer or a new employer. In many ways they are different and, in some ways, the same. For a prospective employer it's all about anticipated value. What is your educational accomplishments? What Certifications do you have? How has been your career progression? The companies and industries you've been with? Your accomplishments? Your reputation? For your current employer it's mostly about what have you done for them lately, what can you do for them in the future, what would it cost them to replace you? With regard to the last question many ignore it until it bites them.

To secure a higher starting salary in an accounting job, first, research industry standards to understand typical salary ranges. Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and any certifications you hold. During negotiations, confidently articulate your value proposition, emphasizing how you can contribute to the company's success. Be prepared to discuss specific achievements and examples of your expertise. Consider negotiating non-salary benefits like flexible hours or additional vacation time if a higher salary isn't immediately feasible.

All a degree or certificate really says is that you have the discipline to study and reasonably successfully take a test. Still, they are accepted that you have acquired some knowledge within your discipline and create a sense of value in the marketplace. Therefore, if you have them share them. If you don't, consider the investment return for obtaining some credentials. However, I don't recommend getting more than 3-4 unless you want to work at a University.

Experience really does count. List your experiences (both in the field and outside your field). When I started, I listed all my work experience because it told the potential employers I knew how to work. The experience you share gives the employer a sense of what skills you have with regard to what they are seeking. However, accomplishments count more. So also list your accomplishments. Try to provide the value your previous employers received within each listing. This can be in dollars or hours saved, in flow time reductions, in productivity improvements, in revenue or cash flow gains, etc. Numbers provide relevance and impact. In an employer's mind, past accomplishments are signs of future accomplishments.

Take negotiation training. Not only will it help you and your employer with customers and suppliers, but it will also help you in your personal life. Remember, you don't get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate. Every increase you get with each job change becomes the base from which merit increases and bonuses are established. The compounding effect over a 40-year career is astounding. It's also the biggest cause for what many call the gender pay gap.