Accounting: what to do next?

[Average Joe]

I’ve got a business degree in finance from a major university. I have almost 2 years experience doing AR, AP, bank recs …. Accounting clerk type work. I am only making like $35k a year. I am a couple of years from my CGA designation.

What can I do to get ahead faster. What is my next job I should take on?

I’m not qualified to run an accounting department yet. I don’t want to keep doing accounting clerk type work cause I think I’m past that. Any ideas on what other skills I need to move onto a higher position within the private sector. What position to go after next?

I thought about moving to public practice to get experience working with different companies, but then I’d be stuck with another low paying job for at least a year.

I’m kind of stuck in a rut and want to figure this out. I’m in my late 20s, and I’m just tired of making so little with my education. So many people are making 50, 60, 70k doing jobs that don’t need that much training/experience/education.

I just want to make the right move here. Any advice?