Finding accurate data on accounting salaries specific to Florida can be challenging.
This article provides a comprehensive look at the earnings potential across various accounting roles in the Sunshine State, from CPAs and public accountants to corporate and specialized positions.
You'll discover key factors impacting accountant pay in Florida, including location, credentials, experience level, and more. Plus, get answers to common questions like whether accounting is considered a high paying field and which specializations tend to be the most lucrative.
Exploring the Landscape of Accounting Salaries in Florida
Florida offers an appealing location for accounting professionals to build their careers while enjoying a high quality of life. Key factors driving demand include economic growth, business expansion, and lifestyle perks. This section provides an overview of the accounting job market and salary trends shaping Florida today.
The Allure of Florida for Accounting Professionals
Florida is a top destination for accountants due to its fast-growing job market, competitive salaries, low cost of living, and abundance of leisure activities. Professionals can progress in their careers while soaking up the famous Florida sunshine.
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Booming industries like healthcare, construction, tourism, and finance are fueling strong demand for accounting skills and expertise. This creates ample job opportunities across diverse business sectors.
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Salaries for accountants in Florida tend to be higher than the national median. Numerous large corporations are headquartered in the state, driving demand for talent.
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Florida's low taxes and affordable housing make it possible to stretch salaries further. Accountants can enjoy comfortable lifestyles without breaking the bank.
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With vibrant cities and tropical weather, accountants can readily pursue outdoor hobbies alongside advancing their careers. The lifestyle perks provide a major draw.
Accountant Salary 2023: Current Trends in Florida
The latest salary data shows Florida offers competitive pay for accountants entering 2023. Both private and public sector roles see strong salary growth.
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The average salary for an accountant in Florida is now $63,000. This reflects a 4% increase from 2022.
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Entry-level general accountant salaries start around $48,000. With 5 years experience salaries rise to $68,000 on average.
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CPA salaries range from $55,000 for early career roles up to $90,000+ for senior positions. The additional CPA credential provides a pay bump.
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Salaries at public accounting firms average $10,000 higher than corporate accounting roles. However the hours tend to be longer in public accounting.
The Impact of Location on Accounting Salaries in Florida
Salaries can fluctuate across different metro regions in Florida. Accountants earn the highest pay in major economic hubs.
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Miami offers the top salaries for accountants in Florida, averaging $72,000 annually. Tourism, healthcare, and trade drive hiring demand.
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Tampa and Orlando also rank among the highest paying cities for accountants statewide. Salaries average $68,000, with solid job growth.
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Smaller metro areas and rural regions tend to pay 5-15% less than major cities. However, salaries still remain competitive.
Accounting Degree Salary Prospects in the Sunshine State
Earning an accounting degree unlocks strong career opportunities and earning potential in Florida. Educational attainment directly correlates to higher pay.
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Bachelor's degree holders see a median salary of $60,000. This provides a solid baseline for entry-level accounting roles.
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Accountants with Master's degrees average salaries closer to $75,000. The additional schooling delivers a 25% pay bump over bachelor's alone.
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CPAs with advanced degrees can command six-figure salaries in senior level positions at major corporations and public accounting firms.
In summary, Florida offers accountants the complete package of high pay, plentiful job options, low taxes, and great weather. Salaries should continue rising in 2023 amid robust industry growth.
Do accountants make good money in Florida?
The average accountant salary in Florida is $60,000 per year or $28.85 per hour. Entry level positions start around $48,528 per year while most experienced workers make up to $80,001 per year.
Here's a breakdown of typical Florida accountant salaries:
- Entry Level Accountant: $48,528
- Staff Accountant: $55,000
- Senior Accountant: $68,000
- Manager: $85,000
- Controller: $105,000
- CFO: $150,000+
Accounting salaries in Florida tend to be higher than national averages. Factors driving higher pay include:
- Strong economy and business growth in Florida
- High demand for accounting skills and certifications like CPA
- Specialized industry knowledge (e.g. hospitality, healthcare)
- Bilingual language skills (English + Spanish)
Certifications can boost Florida accounting salaries significantly:
- CPAs earn 23% more on average
- CMAs earn 12% more on average
- CGMAs earn 8% more on average
So yes, accountants are paid well in Florida compared to national averages in the profession. The sunny climate, lack of state income tax, and business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for accounting professionals.
What is a CPA salary in Florida?
CPAs in Florida earn competitive salaries compared to national averages. Here are some key stats on CPA salaries in the Sunshine State:
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Annual Salary: The average annual salary for CPAs in Florida is $77,000. This is about 10% higher than the national average.
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Hourly Wage: On an hourly basis, Florida CPAs make around $37 per hour on average. This equates to roughly $70,000-75,000 annually for a full-time position.
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Top Earners: CPAs in the 75th percentile in Florida earn approximately $93,411 per year. This represents the higher earning potential available to experienced CPAs taking on senior and management roles.
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Median Salary: The median salary for Florida CPAs lands at $67,360 annually. This midpoint salary reflects what a typical or average CPA in the state earns on a yearly basis.
Overall, Florida features a strong job market and robust earning potential for accounting professionals. Factors like lower taxes and cost of living coupled with high demand from tourism, healthcare, and financial services allow CPAs to command salaries above national benchmarks. Experience level, firm size, industry, and geographic region within Florida also impact CPA earning power.
Which field of accounting makes the most money?
Some of the highest paying accounting jobs include:
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Accounting Professor: Average salary of $77,400. Accounting professors work in universities teaching accounting courses to undergraduate and graduate students. They conduct research and publish academic papers in addition to teaching.
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Corporate Controller: Average salary of $95,600. Corporate controllers oversee the accounting operations of companies. They prepare financial statements, establish internal controls, and analyze financial data to guide business strategy.
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Investment Banker: Average salary of $100,600. Investment bankers help companies and governments raise capital through activities like issuing stocks or bonds. They provide financial advisory services on large transactions and mergers & acquisitions.
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Finance Director: Average salary of $114,200. Finance directors plan and direct financial activities for companies. They oversee preparation of budgets, financial forecasts, and balance sheets, while analyzing profits, costs, and cash flow.
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CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Average salary of $136,100. The CFO is the senior finance executive responsible for managing financial operations. CFO duties include cash flow management, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, and more. They report directly to the CEO.
In summary, CFOs and other high level corporate finance roles tend to provide the highest salaries in accounting. Investment banking also offers very lucrative compensation. Professors and other roles requiring advanced degrees also rank among the top paying accounting careers. Factors like years of experience, credentials, company size, and location impact average salaries.
Is accounting considered a high paying job?
Accounting is generally considered a stable, respectable career with salaries that are higher than average. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors like education, certification, specialization, industry, experience, and location.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for accountants and auditors nationwide was $77,250 in 2021. This is nearly 20% higher than the median annual wage across all occupations, which was $45,760 in 2021.
Within accounting, there is a wide range of potential salaries:
- Entry-level accountants with a bachelor's degree typically earn $45,000 to $60,000 per year to start.
- Accountants with 5-10 years of experience average around $70,000 to $90,000.
- High earners like Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or corporate controllers can make $100,000 to $140,000 on average.
- Top executives like Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) earn well into the six figures, with average pay of $208,000 per year.
So while accounting salaries are generally good relative to many other office jobs, pay varies substantially based on role, education, firm size, industry, and geographic region. Top earners in high cost-of-living metro areas like New York City or San Francisco can make over $200,000.
Overall, accounting does offer above-average pay potential in exchange for solid job stability and demand for accountants' financial skills. It's not universally high paying but can be quite lucrative for those who advance to senior levels and specialized roles.
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The CPA Pay Scale: Certified Public Accountant Salaries in Florida
CPA Licensure and Salary Correlation
CPA licensure can lead to significant salary increases for accountants in Florida. Obtaining a CPA license signals advanced accounting skills and expertise to employers, making CPAs more valuable and commanding higher salaries. According to research, CPAs earn 10-15% more on average than non-CPA accountants in similar roles. As CPAs gain more experience, the salary differential tends to widen even further.
Florida CPA Pay Scale Across Different Roles
The CPA pay scale in Florida varies across different roles:
- Entry-level CPAs - $55,000 to $65,000
- Staff Accountant CPAs - $70,000 to $80,000
- Senior Accountant CPAs - $85,000 to $100,000
- Accounting Managers (CPAs) - $110,000 to $130,000
- CFOs/Controllers (CPAs) - $150,000+
Higher salaries are attainable for CPAs with industry specializations like forensic accounting or advanced credentials like the CMA or CIA.
Benefits and Perks for Florida’s CPAs
Beyond base salary, Florida CPAs often receive additional benefits and perks including:
- Annual bonuses (~10-15% of salary)
- 401(k) matching contributions
- Healthcare plans
- Paid time off
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development stipends
- Partial CPE expense reimbursements
Comparing CPA and Non-CPA Accounting Salaries
The table below contrasts average salaries for CPAs and non-CPA accountants in common Florida accounting positions:
| Role | CPA Salary | Non-CPA Salary | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Accountant | $75,000 | $65,000 | 15% |
| Senior Accountant | $95,000 | $80,000 | 19% |
| Accounting Manager | $125,000 | $100,000 | 25% |
| Controller | $140,000 | $110,000 | 27% |
As shown, the earning potential for CPAs significantly outpaces non-CPA accountants as responsibilities and experience levels rise. The CPA license offers a clear path to higher salaries in Florida's accounting job market.
Public Accounting Salary Insights: Earnings in Florida's Public Sector
Public Accounting Salary Overview
Public accountants in Florida's public sector, including government agencies and nonprofit organizations, earn competitive salaries with good potential for growth. According to PayScale data, the average base salary for a Public Accountant in Florida is $52,024 per year, with salaries ranging from $41,000 for entry-level roles to $70,000 for more experienced positions. Location also impacts earnings, with accountants in major metro areas like Miami and Tampa earning 10-15% higher pay.
Overall, public accountants in Florida can expect to earn average salaries, with pay increasing with factors like years of experience, advanced certifications like the CPA license, leadership roles, and cost of living adjustments for large cities.
Public Accountant Career Path and Pay Strategy
The career path for public accountants typically starts with entry-level roles like Staff Accountant with salaries around $45,000. After 3-5 years experience, promotion to Senior Accountant is common with average pay of $55,000. For those moving into management, titles like Accounting Manager or Assistant Controller can reach over $70,000.
Many public accountants obtain a CPA license for credibility and to qualify for more advanced roles. Obtaining a CPA increases average salaries by $5,000-10,000. Moving into leadership roles like Chief Financial Officer or Director of Finance can increase earnings to over $100,000.
The pay strategy in public accounting focuses on fixed salaries tied to position levels, along with cost of living and tenure based raises. Performance incentives are less common compared to the private sector.
Pay Equity in Florida's Public Accounting
While gender pay gaps persist, public accounting offers greater pay equity than the private sector. According to AICPA data, female CPAs earn 93 cents for every dollar earned by male CPAs in government accounting roles, versus 78 cents in the private sector.
Public accounting also offers smaller racial pay gaps due to more standardized pay scales, though inequities still exist. Efforts to close remaining gaps include pay transparency legislation, diversity initiatives, and leadership accountability measures around equitable pay practices.
Public vs. Private Sector Accounting Salaries
Salaries for public accountants in Florida tend to lag slightly behind those in private industry. Public accountants trade higher earning potential for better job security, work-life balance, and retirement benefits. According to Robert Half, public accountants earn 5-10% less in base salary versus the private sector.
However, public salaries remain competitive, especially when accounting for strong benefits packages. And while bonuses are less common, performance-based raises and ample advancement opportunities provide alternative paths to increase pay over an accounting career.
Corporate Accounting Salary Trends in Florida
Florida's sunny climate and business-friendly tax policies make it an attractive location for major corporations. This section explores salary trends for corporate accountants based in the state.
Corporate Accountant Salary Averages
The average salary for a Corporate Accountant in Florida is $65,000 per year. Those working in Miami tend to earn slightly more at $68,000, while Orlando salaries average $63,500. Salaries also increase with company size - accountants at large corporations earn approximately $75,000 on average.
Senior Accountant Analyst and Corporate Senior Accountant Earnings
More experienced corporate accountants command higher salaries. The average is $85,000 for Senior Accountant Analysts and $95,000 for Corporate Senior Accountants. Those in analytical roles can earn bonuses up to 10% of their base pay.
Junior Accountant and Accountant Internship Entry Salaries
Those just starting out earn less but have significant earning potential long-term. On average, Junior Accountants in Florida earn $48,000 per year. Competitive internships pay around $15 per hour, laying the foundation for a lucrative career.
Finance Analyst/Accountant and Accounting Associate Salaries
Interdisciplinary roles like Finance Analyst/Accountant tend to be well-compensated. Average salaries are $70,000 in this niche. Accounting Associates in Florida earn approximately $50,000 per year early in their careers.
Specialized Accounting Roles and Salaries in Florida
Florida's sunny climate and business-friendly tax policies make it an attractive location for companies across industries. This high business activity also drives demand for accounting talent. Let's explore compensation levels for some specialized accounting roles in the state.
Senior Tax Accountant and Senior Cost Accountant Compensation
Senior tax accountants in Florida earn average salaries of $73,000, with top earners making over $100k. Their expertise in federal, state, and local tax codes is invaluable for ensuring compliance and minimizing tax burdens.
Similarly, senior cost accountants leverage specialized knowledge of managerial accounting and analysis to command average salaries of $68,500 in Florida. Their skills in budgeting, cost control, and decision support enable companies to boost profitability.
Project Accountant and Fund Accountant Financial Rewards
Project accountants in Florida provide vital support for major capital projects. Tracking costs, managing billing, and reporting project financials, they earn robust salaries averaging $66,000. Those with additional project management expertise can make $80k or more.
Fund accountants are critical for investment firms and other financial services companies. Maintaining records, producing financial statements, and supporting audits for various funds, they take home $60-75k on average. More senior fund accountants and those with finance credentials tend to land higher salaries.
General Ledger Accountant and Senior Staff Accountant Pay Scales
General ledger accountants occupy an essential finance role focused on recording transactions and ensuring the accuracy of the general ledger. Their attention to detail and reporting skills command average Florida salaries of $62,000.
Similarly, senior staff accountants leverage several years of experience to take on supervisory duties and more complex accounting tasks. Their managerial capabilities and technical competence earn average salaries of $65,500 in Florida.
Niche Accounting Roles: Insolvency Accountant and Agricultural Accountant Salaries
Insolvency accountants assist companies undergoing bankruptcy and restructuring. Using their understanding of bankruptcy law and process, they earn average Florida salaries of $77,000.
Serving the state's large agricultural sector, agricultural accountants maintain financial records and ensure regulatory compliance for farming operations. Their specialized expertise is compensated to the tune of $60-70k on average.
Conclusion: Summarizing Accounting Salary Landscapes in the Sunshine State
Recap of Accounting Salaries and Career Opportunities in Florida
Accounting is a lucrative and promising career path in Florida. As discussed throughout this article, average salaries for accountants range from $50,000 for entry-level roles to over $100,000 for more senior positions. Key factors that impact salaries include years of experience, certifications held, industry, and geographic location within the state.
The major metro areas of Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville offer the highest salaries, along with abundant job opportunities across industries like healthcare, tourism, and finance. We've seen how public accountants and CPAs tend to earn more than corporate accountants. And specialized roles like forensic accounting and Big Four senior managers command premium salaries exceeding $150,000.
Overall, Florida presents dynamic and competitive accounting job markets supporting business growth across the state. Professionals who obtain the right credentials and experience can find ample high-paying job opportunities.
The Role of Certifications and Degrees in Salary Outcomes
As shown, professional certifications like the CPA license and advanced degrees significantly boost Florida accountants' salaries. Obtaining a CPA license can increase pay by $10,000 or more. And accountants with Master's degrees tend to earn 20-30% higher salaries than those with only a Bachelor's degree.
Beyond the CPA, credentials like the CMA, CIA, CFE, and CISA certifications signal specialized expertise and translate to higher salaries in fields like management accounting, internal auditing, fraud examination, and IT systems.
So Florida accountants focused on career advancement would benefit greatly from supplementing their education and credentials over time. The increased expertise and trust from certifications directly bolsters salary levels.
Final Reflections on Florida's Accounting Salary Dynamics
In closing, Florida offers a robust job market with exciting opportunities for accountants across diverse industries. Salaries ebb and flow based on economic cycles, but the long-term outlook remains positive. Experience, credentials, role type, firm size, and location within Florida impact salaries considerably.
By understanding these dynamics, accounting professionals can make strategic decisions to progress their careers. Whether preparing for CPA exam, pivoting into a specialized field like forensic accounting, or relocating to a major metro for more opportunities, the potential for six-figure salaries is strong for those who position themselves competitively.
And Florida's dynamic business climate, lack of state income tax, and rising population signal continued demand for accounting skills supporting future growth. Ambitious professionals should have little trouble discovering lucrative salary pathways, especially in the Sunshine State's warm and thriving job market.
