Okay, let’s calculate this. So Kathy Benson has 3+ years of experience as an accountant/owner, which is a relatively short tenure. However, her role involves a range of skills like financial analysis, management, and leadership. Location is Springfield, Vermont, which is a smaller market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants in Vermont tend to earn lower median salaries compared to the national average. Considering her skills and experience, I would estimate her hourly rate to be around $75, which is on the lower end of the scale for accountants in the US. Some sources suggest that entry-level accountants in Vermont might earn around $40-$60 per hour, so Kathy's rate is slightly higher than that.