Accounting Salaries in Arizona: Desert Dollars and Finance

Finding accurate data on accounting salaries in Arizona can be challenging.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of accountant compensation across the state, including key factors driving wages and detailed salary ranges for major cities and specializations.

You'll discover median incomes for entry-level to senior accountants in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, and more. We'll also explore how certification, experience, industry, and other variables impact accountant's pay in the Grand Canyon state.

Introduction to Accounting Salaries in Arizona

Accounting Industry Overview in Arizona

The accounting industry in Arizona employs over 43,000 people across sectors like finance, insurance, manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers include large corporations like Avnet, Freeport-McMoRan, PetSmart, and Insight Enterprises as well as accounting firms like CliftonLarsonAllen, BeachFleischman, and HeinfeldMeech. Arizona is home to 9 Fortune 500 company headquarters that offer lucrative accounting jobs.

Key Factors Influencing Accountant Salaries

Several key factors impact accountant salaries in Arizona, including:

• Location: Accountants in major metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson earn higher salaries than in smaller towns.
• Firm size: Professionals at large, reputable companies and top accounting firms receive better compensation.
• Credentials: Certifications like CPA, CMA, CIA increase salary potential.
• Experience: More years in accounting and finance roles lead to higher pay.

Accounting Salary Ranges in Arizona

Salary ranges for common accounting jobs in Arizona are:

• Entry Level Accountant: $45,000 - $65,000
• Staff Accountant: $55,000 - $75,000
• Senior Accountant: $70,000 - $95,000
• Accounting Manager: $85,000 - $120,000
• CFO: $120,000 - $250,000

Salaries vary based on specific role, firm, location and credentials. But this provides a baseline for compensation expectations.

How much does a finance major make in Arizona?

The average salary for a finance major in Arizona is $86,441 per year or $42 per hour. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on experience and position.

Here is a breakdown of typical finance salaries in Arizona:

Annual Salary

• Top Earners (75th Percentile): $101,600
• Average: $86,441
• Entry Level (25th Percentile): $69,900

Hourly Wage

• Top Earners (75th Percentile): $49
• Average: $42
• Entry Level (25th Percentile): $34

As you can see, top earners in Arizona with a finance background can make over $100,000 per year, while entry level salaries tend to start around $70,000.

Some of the factors that impact finance pay in Arizona include:

• Years of Experience: More experienced finance professionals earn significantly higher salaries. For example, a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with 10+ years of experience could earn $150,000+
• Position and Job Duties: CFOs, Controllers, Financial Analysts, and Fund Managers are among the highest paying finance jobs
• Industry: Working in industries like investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds tends to result in higher pay compared to corporate finance roles
• Company Size: Bigger companies, especially Fortune 500 firms, tend to offer better compensation packages overall

Major employers of finance professionals in Arizona include companies like American Express, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Honeywell, Intel, Amazon, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

So in summary, a finance major in Arizona can expect to earn an average salary of around $86,000, with top earners making over $100k. Salaries can vary significantly based on position, experience, industry, and company.

What field of accounting pays the most?

The highest paying accounting jobs are typically in upper management and leadership roles. According to salary data, some of the top paying accounting jobs include:

• CFO (Chief Financial Officer): $141,000 to $400,000 per year. CFOs oversee all financial operations and strategy for an organization.

• Audit Partner: $215,000 to $360,000 per year. Audit partners manage teams that perform financial statement audits for companies and organizations.

• Paymaster: $31,000 to $350,000 per year. Paymasters manage payroll operations and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.

• Chief Accounting Officer: $131,000 to $278,000 per year. CAOs oversee all accounting functions and financial reporting for a company.

• Vice President of Finance: Over $200,000 per year. VPs of Finance analyze financial performance, prepare budgets, and develop strategic plans.

Other high paying accounting roles include Fund Controller, Finance Manager, and Chief Accountant. These positions generally pay over $100,000 per year on average.

The highest salaries tend to be at large corporations and public accounting firms. Industry focus also impacts pay, with accounting professionals in investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds earning among the top salaries in the field.

What is the highest paying state for accountants?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for accountants in 2022 were:

1. District of Columbia, with an average salary of $105,240
2. New York, with an average salary of $103,620
3. New Jersey, with an average salary of $96,550
4. Virginia, with an average salary of $94,330
5. California, with an average salary of $89,250

Some key reasons these states tend to have higher accountant salaries include:

• High cost of living - States like New York, New Jersey, California, and Virginia have very high costs of living, especially in major metro areas. To compensate, salaries also tend to be higher.

• Numerous large companies - States like New York and California are home to many massive multinational companies that can pay top dollar for accounting talent.

• High demand for specialized skills - The New York financial sector has huge demand for accountants with specialized expertise like SEC reporting, investment accounting, etc. These niche skills command very high salaries.

So in summary, high costs of living, abundant large corporations, and demand for specialized accounting skills drive salaries upwards in those top 5 states for accountant pay. An accountant looking to maximize pay may want to focus their job search on landing a position with a major company in those key states.

How much does an Accountant earn near Scottsdale AZ?

The average salary for an Accountant in Phoenix – Mesa – Scottsdale, AZ is $64,300. This is based on recent salary data in the area.

Some key points about Accountant salaries in this region:

• The average base pay tends to be around $62,000. With bonuses and profit sharing, total compensation can reach approximately $64,300 on average.

• More experienced Accountants and those with specialized certifications (like CPAs) typically earn higher salaries. The average for a Senior Accountant role is around $75,000 in the area.

• Entry-level Accountant salaries start around $50,000 for those just entering the profession. With a few years of experience, pay usually increases to $60,000+ on average.

• The city of Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs tend to have very similar Accountant salary ranges overall. Some major employers are concentrated in Scottsdale, which can provide increased high-paying job opportunities.

• Strong accounting and finance activity in the region keeps demand high for talented Accounting professionals. Major corporations with headquarters/offices nearby help drive competitive salaries.

So in summary, the average total compensation package for an Accountant in the Scottsdale/Phoenix metro area tends to be approximately $64,300. Experience level, certifications, and type of employer can impact salary amounts. But overall, strong job demand creates ample high-paying Accountant job opportunities in the area.

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Entry-Level to Senior Accounting Salaries in Key Arizona Cities

Phoenix: Median Accountant Pay and Entry-Level Opportunities

The Phoenix metro area offers competitive salaries for entry-level accounting roles. According to recent data, the median annual pay for an Accounting Clerk in Phoenix is $38,800. Those just starting out as Entry-Level Accountants can expect to earn around $45,000 per year on average.

With major companies like Avnet, Freeport-McMoRan, and PetSmart headquartered in Phoenix, there is strong demand for accounting professionals at all levels. This creates ample opportunities for those looking to begin their accounting careers and gain experience.

Tucson: Compensation for Junior to Senior Accountants

Accounting salaries in Tucson, while lower than Phoenix on average, can still be quite generous - especially for those in mid-level to senior roles. The median pay for a Junior Accountant is approximately $51,000 per year. Those in Staff Accountant roles typically earn around $60,000 annually.

For experienced professionals in leadership positions like Senior Accountant, average compensation is close to $75,000 per year in Tucson. There is also demand for accounting managers and directors, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to over $120,000.

Mesa, Chandler, & Glendale: Financial Accountant and Cost Accountant Salaries

For accounting professionals in the Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale suburbs of Phoenix, salaries largely align with the rest of the metro. On average, Financial Accountants earn approximately $68,000 per year, while Cost Accountants make around $63,000 annually.

Opportunities with major corporations and rapidly growing tech companies contribute to competitive salaries in these areas. And lower costs of living compared to central Phoenix allow accounting salaries to stretch further when it comes to housing and other expenses.

Salaries by Accounting Specialization and Certification

Accounting is a broad field with many specializations. In Arizona, salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific accounting role and certifications held.

CPA Salary Arizona: The Financial Rewards of Certification

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requires passing a rigorous exam but offers strong financial rewards. According to salary data, CPAs in Arizona earn an average salary of $79,940 per year. This represents a premium of over 27% compared to accountants without a CPA license.

Factors impacting CPA salaries in Arizona include:

• Years of experience - Recently licensed CPAs earn less than seasoned professionals with 5-10+ years under their belt.
• Firm size - CPAs at large national and regional firms tend to earn higher salaries.
• Industry - CPAs in banking, finance, and technology tend to be the highest paid.

Overall the financial return for obtaining a CPA license in Arizona is significant across most specializations.

Financial Reporting Accountant and Cost Accountant Salaries

Two key accounting specializations are Financial Reporting and Cost Accounting. While both focus on using financial data to advise business decisions, their day-to-day responsibilities differ.

In Arizona, Financial Reporting Accountants earn approximately $68,000 per year on average. With 5+ years experience, salaries can reach $75,000-90,000 for senior roles. Key drivers include CPA certification and experience preparing external financial statements.

Cost Accountants in Arizona earn slightly less with an average salary of $66,000. Their specialized knowledge in areas like budgeting, cost optimization, and pricing analytics is in high demand. Seasoned Cost Accountants can expect $70,000-85,000 per year.

Senior Accountant Salary Arizona: Experience Pays Off

Landing a Senior Accountant role in Arizona requires 5+ years experience. The differentiating factors for Senior Accountants include project leadership experience, technical expertise, and analytical skills.

These capabilities directly translate into higher salaries - Senior Accountants in Arizona earn approximately 20-30% more than entry-level roles. Average pay exceeds $80,000 for many Senior Accountants with specialized industry knowledge.

In summary, Arizona offers competitive salaries for accountants at all levels. Becoming a CPA and gaining specialized experience in areas like Financial Reporting or Cost Accounting can unlock $75,000+ earning potential.

Accounting Salaries in Arizona's Fortune 500 Companies

Arizona is home to over 20 Fortune 500 companies, providing abundant career opportunities for accounting professionals. Major corporations like Avnet, Freeport-McMoRan, and PetSmart are headquartered here, along with large regional presences from companies like Amazon and Intel.

As the job market grows increasingly competitive, Arizona's leading employers offer attractive compensation packages to recruit top talent. This article examines current salary trends and benefits in two key cities.

Compensation Packages in Tempe's Top Corporations

With Arizona State University's business school ranked in the top 30 nationwide, Tempe draws many ambitious graduates. Major local employers like Insight Enterprises and Mobile Mini cater to this talent pipeline with competitive salaries.

The average base pay for a staff accountant here is $55,000, with total compensation approaching $70,000 after factoring in annual bonuses, profit sharing, and employer retirement contributions. Senior accountants average around $75,000 in base salary, with total comp exceeding $90,000.

Beyond pay, Tempe companies tout strong benefits to attract accountants, including:

• Flexible remote-work options: Most firms offer hybrid or fully-remote schedules. This appeals to those seeking better work-life balance.
• Generous time-off allowances: The average PTO allowance exceeds 15 days for entry-level roles and 20 days for more senior positions. Some companies offer unlimited PTO.
• Comprehensive health insurance: Low deductible HMO and PPO plans with premiums fully or partially subsidized. Dental and vision coverage is also common.
• Ongoing training opportunities: Many Tempe corporations invest heavily in employee development through seminars, certification reimbursement, and tuition assistance. This enables professional growth.

The combination of strong pay, flexibility, and development options entices many to launch or advance their accounting careers with Tempe's elite employers.

Salary and Benefits in Glendale's Leading Firms

Major names like Honeywell, Nestlé, and Sprouts Farmers Market operate large support centers in Glendale. The city's affordable cost of living and business-friendly tax policies also attract regional headquarters.

Base pay for staff accountants averages around $52,000 here. Adding bonus incentives and various perks brings total compensation to nearly $67,000 for early career professionals. Those in senior roles enjoy base salaries approaching $70,000, with total comp potential exceeding $85,000.

Aside from compensation, Glendale firms promote alluring benefits like:

• 401(k) matching: Most companies offer a 50% match on employee retirement contributions up to 6% of salary. This effectively boosts pay by 3%.
• Equity compensation: Some Glendale companies provide stock options or restricted stock units, enabling employees to share in profits.
• Onsite amenities: Leading companies invest in modern campuses with fitness centers, cafeterias, and more to improve the work experience.
• Professional advancement initiatives: Rotational programs, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement support long-term career growth.

With low taxes, reasonable living expenses, and employers offering salaries and benefits on par with larger metro areas, Glendale emerges as an unexpected hidden gem for accounting professionals.

Navigating the Accounting Career Ladder in Arizona

Accounting is a stable and rewarding career path in Arizona. Here is some guidance on progressing from entry-level to senior accounting roles.

How to Become an Accountant in Arizona

The first step to becoming an accountant in Arizona is earning a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field like finance. Many employers prefer candidates with a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license as well. Here are the main steps:

• Earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Business schools at Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University offer quality accounting programs.
• Complete at least 150 semester hours of education. 30 hours beyond a bachelor's degree can count toward this requirement.
• Obtain 1-2 years of accounting work experience under the supervision of a CPA.
• Pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of CPAs.
• Apply for a CPA license with the Arizona Board of Accountancy.

Gaining professional work experience through internships and talking with accounting mentors can help you decide what career path interests you. Common options include public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting, and internal auditing.

Senior Accounting Salaries in Arizona: Climbing the Ladder

The average salary for an accountant in Arizona is $62,000 according to recent data, with significant growth potential into senior roles.

The average salaries for senior-level accounting jobs in Arizona are:

• Senior Accountant - $75,000
• Controller - $97,000
• Finance Manager - $117,000
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - $201,000

Becoming a licensed CPA and demonstrating leadership ability can unlock higher status roles and salaries. For example, senior accountants with 5-10 years experience and a CPA license can earn $15-20,000 more on average. Leadership training programs and an MBA degree also boost prospects.

The Role of Account Coordinators and Specialists

Account coordinators handle day-to-day accounting support tasks including account reconciliations, data entry, reporting, and customer invoicing. The average salary is $41,000 for this entry-level role.

Accounting specialists have more advanced training in specific areas like accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, or tax accounting. They take on more complex tasks within their specialty and earn approximately $51,000 on average.

Gaining cross-training and expertise in multiple areas helps coordinators and specialists get promoted to senior accountant roles. Both positions allow recent graduates to gain vital experience in the accounting workflow.

Comparing Compensation in Arizona's Finance Sector

Arizona's finance sector offers competitive salaries for qualified professionals. As a growing hub for major corporations, the state provides ample job opportunities and above-average compensation.

Tax Accountant Jobs: Salary Insights

The average salary for a tax accountant in Arizona is $62,000. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on location and experience level:

• Entry-level tax accountants in Phoenix earn approximately $48,000 per year.
• Those with 5-10 years of experience average around $75,000 annually.
• Senior tax accountants with 10+ years of expertise can make over $90,000.

Major employers like H&R Block, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young tend to offer higher pay.

Fund Accountant Jobs: Understanding the Market

Demand for fund accountants is strong in Arizona's expanding financial sector. Typical salaries range from $55,000 for entry-level roles to over $80,000 for senior positions.

Major funds and asset management firms in Phoenix and Tucson provide average salaries of $65,000. Larger corporations can offer compensation packages up to $95,000 for specialized fund accounting roles.

Financial Accountant Jobs: Salary Trends

The median salary for financial accountants in Arizona is approximately $70,000. However, salaries vary by location:

• In Phoenix, financial accountants earn a median pay of $75,000.
• Tucson offers median salaries around $67,000 for similar roles.
• In higher cost areas like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, financial accountant pay can reach $85,000 or more.

Higher salaries are attainable with professional certifications like the CPA, CMA, or CIA credentials.

Conclusion and Next Steps for Aspiring Accountants in Arizona

Key Takeaways on Accounting Salaries in Arizona

Accounting is a stable and lucrative career path in Arizona. Median salaries for accountants range from $50,000 for entry-level positions to over $100,000 for senior roles, with strong growth and advancement opportunities. Intangible benefits like work-life balance, job security, and intellectual stimulation also make accounting an attractive profession.

Strategies for Landing Finance Jobs in Arizona

To land an accounting or finance job in Arizona, develop specialized expertise, highlight transferable skills from past experiences, network within the local business community, pursue professional credentials like a CPA license, and craft a polished resume specifically tailored for Arizona employers.

Crafting a Winning Resume for Accounting Positions

An effective accounting resume for Arizona jobs should summarize your education, credentials, and relevant work experiences. Emphasize skills in areas like financial reporting, budget analysis, audit, and tax preparation. Use keywords from the job description and showcase technical expertise with various accounting software programs. Keep the resume concise and formatted for easy scanning by recruiters.

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