How Much Is The Salary Of Accountant In Philippines

Accounting is the process of recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions within a business. It plays a vital role in supporting decision-making and ensuring effective management. Since accounting is essential, businesses hire accounting professionals to handle financial operations. With the steady growth of businesses in the Philippines, it is important for both job seekers and employers to understand salary expectations. This article explores accountant salary Philippines trends, along with the key factors that influence pay, such as experience, location, industry, and certifications.

Starting Salary Of Accountant In Philippines

Accountants in the Philippines earn an average salary of PHP 60,000 per month or PHP 351 per hour. They also get a bonus of PHP 25,527. Beginners with 1 to 3 years of experience usually get PHP 25000 to PHP 35000, while experienced accountants with an experience 8 years of experience can earn PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000+.

Key Factors That Affect Accountant Salaries

An accountant’s pay can differ depending on factors such as certifications, years of experience, and the region where the job is located. Advanced education, specialized skills, and relevant work history usually contribute to higher earnings. Location also plays a major role since cost of living and job demand vary from place to place. A detailed breakdown of the factors influencing accountant salary is provided below.

Certifications

To increase earning potential in the Philippines, accountants should pursue professional certifications. The average accountant salary is around PHP 60,000 per month, but obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license can boost income by 30% to 50%, reaching PHP 60,000 to PHP 120,000 or even higher. Additional certifications, such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Chartered Accountant (CA), also lead to significant pay growth. A CMA can earn 60% to 70% more compared to non-CMAs, while a CA can secure 50% to 65% higher earnings than the average accountant.

Average Monthly salaries based on certification.

Certification	Salary (PHP)	% Increase Compared to No Certification
No Certification	25,000	—
CPA (Philippines)	40,000	+60%
CA (Pakistan/UK/etc.)	35,000	+40%
CMA	50,000	+100%
ACCA	55,000	+120%
CPA (USA)	60,000	+140%

Experience

Generally, more experience can generate higher earning potential. In the Philippines, salaries of accountants also vary based on experience. An entry-level accountant with experience of less than 3 years can earn PHP 238,684 to PHP 304228 per year, those with 5 to 9 years of experience can earn up to PHP 500,000.

Experience Level	Salary Range (PHP)	Description
Entry-level (0 to 3 years)	PHP 238,684	Fresh graduates or new to the field
Early career (1 to 4 years)	PHP 280,000 – PHP 304,228	Some experience, developing skills
Mid-career (5 – 9 years)	PHP 500,000	Established professionals with solid experience
Experienced (+5 years)	PHP 100,000 – PHP 120,000	(Note: Salary range seems inconsistent with years; might need review)

Location

Salary can also vary depending on location due to regional differences, cost of living, economic activities, and demand for professionals.

Metro Manila

Considered as the country’s business capital. Top-paying companies, banks, and international firms are located here; as a result, accountants can also earn higher salaries in Metro Manila. Accountants can earn 20% to40% more than their peers in the provinces. In Metro Manila, accountants are offered an average salary of PHP 550,000 for entry–level accountants and PHP 1.2M or more for senior-level. Did you read teacher salary philippines

Cebu/ Davao

Two of the Philippines’ most developed cities provide excellent career opportunities for accountants, even if the pay is not as high as in Metro Manila. On average, entry-level professionals earn between PHP 450,000 and PHP 600,000 annually, while senior-level positions can reach PHP 900,000 to PHP 1M. Overall, the accountant salary in these cities is considered competitive, with actual earnings depending on experience and industry. Read about Chef salary In Philippine

How To Boost Your Salary As An Accountant?

By taking a mix of skills, certifications, experience, and strategy, you can boost your salary in the Philippines or anywhere. Here a list of ways to boost your earning potential:

1. Get certified

By earning a CPA certificate, you can get a great increment in your salary.
You can also consider other certifications like CMA or ACCA.

2. Upskill continuously

Learn new skills like Excel, QuickBooks, or SAP.
Take online courses in tax, audit, or financial analysis.
Stay updated with industry news and tax laws.

3. Gain experience in high demand sectors

Big or international companies usually offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Try applying to BPO firms, banks, or multinational businesses.

4. Consider relocation

Metro Manila, Cebu, or Davao offer salaries higher than in rural areas. Moving to a bigger city can give you better job opportunities.

In the private sector, an experienced accountant can earn an annual income close to the Salary of Senator, especially in large firms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which accountants have higher salaries?

CMA Certified Management Accountant, CPA Certified Public Accountant, CA, and ACCA often have higher salaries.

How much does a CPA can earn in Philippines?

The average salary of a CPA is 65000PHP.

Can I negotiate my salary even if I'm not a CPA?

Yes, if you gained relevant skills and experience, then you can ask for a raise in your salary.

Which industries pay accountants higher in the Philippines?

Banking and finance, BPO and shared services, Multinational corporations, and audit firms.

What skills should I learn to stand out?

Advanced Excel and Goggle sheets, Accounting Software (SAP, QuickBooks), Financial Reporting, soft skills (communication and problem solving).

The accountant salary Philippines can vary based on factors like experience, education, location, and the type of company. Entry-level positions typically offer modest pay, but salaries generally increase with years of expertise, certifications, and professional growth. Overall, accounting is regarded as a stable and respected career in the country, offering solid opportunities for advancement and long-term earning potential.