What is the average starting salary for accountants…and their potential for earnings as experience is gained? The information below was taken from the Robert Half 2009  Salary Guide: Accounting & Finance. This information is based on thousands of job searches conducted through the US offices of Robert Half International. The salary ranges are based on actual starting compensation for 2008 and an extrapolation of current data into 2009. These ranges may vary according to geographic area, type of industry, company size, local economy, employee benefits offered, and the education and experience of the job candidate.