Finding accurate data on accounting salaries in Oklahoma can be challenging.
In this post, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of accountant compensation across various roles and employers in the Sooner State.
You'll see median salaries for positions like staff accountant, accounting manager, CFO, and more. We'll also compare pay at top Oklahoma companies and examine factors impacting earning potential.
Introduction to Accounting Salaries in the Sooner State
Accounting is a stable and essential field across all industries. With Oklahoma's key sectors including energy, healthcare, and education, accountants help organizations efficiently manage finances and operations. This section explores accounting salaries and top employers in the Sooner State.
The Landscape of Accounting Salaries in Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers accountants competitive salaries thanks to its low cost of living and business-friendly tax policies. The state economy leans on energy, aerospace, transportation equipment, and food processing. This drives demand for accountants, especially in Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro regions.
With major employers like Chesapeake Energy, Hertz, and OU Health based in Oklahoma, salaries for accountants range on average from $45,000 for entry-level roles to $120,000 for senior management positions.
Exploring Various Accounting Roles in Oklahoma
Below are average Oklahoma salaries for some in-demand accounting jobs:
- Staff Accountant: $52,000
- Accounts Receivable Specialist: $38,500
- Accounting Manager: $68,000
- Controller: $92,000
- CFO: $163,000
Salaries can vary based on location, experience, education level, and employer. But overall, Oklahoma offers accountants competitive pay compared to national averages.
Key Players: Top Employers for Accountants in Oklahoma
Major Oklahoma-based companies hiring accounting professionals include:
- Energy: Chesapeake, Devon, OGE
- Transportation: Hertz, Mammoth Energy
- Healthcare: OU Health, INTEGRIS, Avem Health Partners
These leading employers offer accountants roles with strong earning potential and opportunities to advance their careers while working for household names in pivotal Oklahoma industries.
With essential skills and expertise in high demand, accountants can find rewarding career paths with competitive salaries at top Sooner State employers.
What is the highest paying state for accountants?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for accountants and auditors are:
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New York - With an average annual salary of $105,720, New York offers the highest pay for accounting professionals in the US. The New York City metro area, with its concentration of major corporations and financial services firms, drives demand and high wages for accountants.
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California - At an average salary of $98,530 per year, California ranks second for accountant pay. Major metro regions like San Francisco and San Jose, with their thriving tech and startup scenes, boast very high wages to attract top talent.
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Virginia - With its proximity to Washington D.C. and numerous government agencies, Virginia comes in third with average accountant salaries of $92,900 annually. The state is home to many government contractors and regulatory bodies that employ droves of number crunchers.
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Texas - Major urban centers like Houston and Dallas fuel strong demand - and $91,980 average yearly pay - for accounting professionals in the Lone Star State. The energy and oil & gas sectors also attract talent.
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Delaware - This tiny state borders both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, allowing it to offer average salaries of $88,610 to draw accountants from those competitive, high-paying labor markets. Many major banks and credit card companies are headquartered in Delaware.
So while Washington D.C. itself tops the list with its federal agencies and contracting firms, the broader metro area places Virginia near the top for accountant pay nationwide. Major metropolitan hubs like NYC, SF, and Houston also boast very high wages to attract top talent from the accounting world.
How much do staff accountants make in OKC?
The average salary for a staff accountant in Oklahoma City is around $41,500 per year. However, salaries can range between $27,500 to $60,000 depending on various factors:
Experience and Skills
More experienced staff accountants tend to earn higher salaries. Those with 5+ years of experience may earn $15,000+ more than entry-level accountants. Specialized skills like CPA certification or expertise in taxation, auditing, or GAAP principles also boost pay.
Company Size
Larger companies and corporations typically pay higher salaries for accounting roles. For example, staff accountants at Fortune 500 headquarters based in OKC like Chesapeake Energy, Hertz, and Devon Energy tend to offer above-average compensation compared to small or mid-sized local businesses.
Industry
Accounting salaries also vary across industries. Higher-paying sectors include energy, healthcare, finance, and technology companies. Lower-paying industries are typically retail, hospitality, education, and non-profit organizations.
So while the average Oklahoma City staff accountant makes around $41,500, salaries range widely based on skills, experience, company size, bonuses, and industry. Those working for large energy corporations likely earn $55,000+ whereas entry-level bookkeepers at small businesses may start around $30,000. Understanding these factors can help job seekers negotiate better pay.
What is the highest pay for accounting?
The highest paying accounting jobs typically require significant education and experience. Some of the top positions by salary include:
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Salary range: $141,000 - $400,000 per year
- Requires 10+ years of accounting experience and a CPA license
- Oversees all financial operations and strategy for an organization
Audit Partner
- Salary range: $215,000 - $360,000 per year
- Requires 12+ years of public accounting experience
- Leads audit teams and manages client relationships as an equity partner at a firm
Chief Accounting Officer
- Salary range: $131,000 - $278,000
- Requires 10+ years of leadership experience
- Responsible for an organization's overall accounting strategy and financial compliance
Vice President of Finance
- Salary range: $150,000 - $300,000
- Requires 8-10 years of experience in financial analysis and management
- Oversees the finance department and supports the CFO
Other high paying accounting roles include Fund Controller, Finance Manager, Tax Partner, and Senior Accountants or Accounting Managers with specialized expertise. Geographic location, company size and industry can also impact salary ranges.
How much does an accounting specialist earn in Oklahoma?
The average salary for an accounting specialist in Oklahoma is around $39,000 per year. However, salaries can range anywhere from $25,500 to $62,000 depending on various factors:
Experience and Qualifications
More experienced accounting specialists tend to earn higher salaries. Those with certifications like a CPA license also command higher pay. Entry-level positions generally start around $25,500, while senior-level roles can earn over $62,000.
Location Within Oklahoma
Accounting salaries also vary by location. Jobs based in major metro areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa tend to pay more than positions in smaller towns.
Industry
Some industries simply pay higher accounting salaries. For example, high-paying sectors like energy and healthcare tend to offer better compensation for accounting roles. Major Oklahoma companies like Chesapeake Energy, Devon Energy, and INTEGRIS Health are known for strong pay.
Company Size
Larger corporations and organizations also usually pay more than small businesses. For instance, a Staff Accountant role at Hertz may pay $15,000 more than the same job at a local Oklahoma bookkeeping firm.
So in summary, a wide range of factors from experience to employer can influence Oklahoma accounting salaries. But overall, the typical range falls between about $25,500 for entry-level bookkeeping roles up to over $60,000 for senior accounting positions at major corporations. Those with CPAs, specialized skills, and experience in high-paying industries are most likely to land the top salaries.
Breaking Down Staff Accountant Salaries in Oklahoma
Staff accountants are critical members of any finance and accounting team. Their responsibilities include preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts, analyzing data, and supporting month-end close activities. As such, they command competitive salaries in Oklahoma's job market.
Entry-Level Staff Accountant Earnings
Entry-level staff accountants in Oklahoma with 0-2 years of experience can expect to earn between $45,000 and $55,000 per year. This salary range accounts for variation across industries like energy, healthcare, and professional services. Key factors impacting earnings potential include:
- Education level - Candidates with a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance tend to command higher starting salaries.
- Firm size - Larger corporations and enterprises tend to pay more for entry-level accounting roles.
- Location - Accountants based in Oklahoma City and Tulsa earn moderately higher salaries than other regions.
Median Pay for Oklahoma Staff Accountants
The median salary for staff accountants in Oklahoma with 2-5 years of experience is approximately $62,000 per year. Half of all mid-career professionals in this role earn less than this benchmark, while the other half earn more. Variables impacting median pay include:
- Years of experience - Each additional year typically correlates with a 5-10% boost in base compensation.
- Industry - Accountants in thriving sectors like energy and technology tend to see higher salaries.
- Firm growth - Fast-growing companies often pay more to attract and retain talent.
What Senior Staff Accountants Make in the Sooner State
In Oklahoma, senior-level staff accountants with 5+ years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of around $75,000 per year. However, total compensation can range from $65,000 on the low end up to $90,000 at the highest levels. Key factors influencing senior salaries include:
- Management duties - Overseeing teams or important functions warrants better pay.
- Controller promotion path - Progressing to controller roles increases earnings potential.
- Industry leadership - Working for recognized leading corporations often correlates with higher pay.
In summary, staff accountant salaries in Oklahoma span a wide gamut based on experience, industry, role type, and other variables. However, the earning potential remains strong for accounting professionals at all career levels.
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Accounting Management and Directorship: A Look at Salaries
Accounting managers and directors in Oklahoma play a vital role in overseeing teams and high-level accounting functions within organizations across the state. Their compensation reflects the significant responsibilities they undertake.
Financial Leadership: Accounting Managers' Compensation
Accounting managers in Oklahoma earn an average salary of $97,000 per year. With substantial experience, salaries can reach $130,000 annually. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing day-to-day accounting operations
- Managing accounts payable/receivable
- Ensuring accuracy of financial reporting
- Leading a team of accountants and bookkeepers
Managers ensure adherence to accounting principles and standards. They analyze financial data to advise senior leadership on business performance and strategy.
The Pay Scale for Accounting Directors in the Sooner State
On average, accounting directors in Oklahoma receive $125,000 in annual compensation. With deep expertise, salaries exceed $163,000 per year. Directors are responsible for:
- Developing financial strategy and accounting policies
- Directing all aspects of the accounting department
- Managing multiple teams of accountants and managers
- Reporting directly to CFO and key executive decision makers
They lead long-term fiscal planning and ensure financial statements comply with all regulations.
Comparing Managerial and Directorial Accounting Roles in Oklahoma
While accounting managers focus more on daily accounting operations, directors take a strategic leadership approach. Directors oversee a wider purview of departmental activities and report directly to senior leadership. Their compensation is 25-30% higher than accounting managers due to advanced qualifications and enterprise-wide responsibilities. While managers analyze existing finances, directors forecast future performance to guide business growth. Both roles are critical for organizational success.
Examining Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salaries in Oklahoma
CFO Compensation Variations by Oklahoma Company Size
CFO salaries in Oklahoma can vary significantly depending on the size of the company. According to recent data, average base salaries for CFOs in Oklahoma are:
- Startups (<$5M revenue): $110,000 - $150,000
- Small companies ($5M - $20M revenue): $150,000 - $225,000
- Mid-size companies ($20M - $100M revenue): $200,000 - $300,000
- Large companies (>$100M revenue): $275,000 - $400,000+
As expected, CFO pay tends to increase with company growth and responsibility. However, even Oklahoma startups and small companies can offer six-figure salaries to attract top financial talent.
Incentives Beyond Salary for Oklahoma CFOs
In addition to base pay, many Oklahoma CFOs receive bonuses and equity incentives tied to performance:
- Bonuses: Average bonuses range from 20-50% of base pay. Larger bonuses go to CFOs significantly expanding revenues, profits, securing funding.
- Equity: Startup/early stage CFOs may get 0.5-2% equity vesting over 4+ years. Provides major upside if company sells or goes public.
These incentives help motivate CFOs to drive growth, manage costs, and create shareholder value. According to industry sources, total CFO compensation at successful Oklahoma companies can exceed $750K+ when combining salary, bonus and equity gains.
Benefit Packages for CFOs in the Sooner State
Besides compensation, full-time CFO jobs in Oklahoma typically include attractive benefits:
- Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision - fully or partially covered
- Retirement: 401K matching contributions up to 5% of salary
- Time Off: ~15-25 days PTO, 10 Holidays
- Perks: Professional development budget, flexible scheduling, remote work options
Strong benefits help Oklahoma companies attract and retain top financial talent supporting their strategic growth. Healthcare, retirement savings plans and paid time off are highly valued by CFOs.
Accounting Salaries at Prominent Oklahoma Companies
This section analyzes salaries and work environments at leading companies hiring accountants in Oklahoma across various industries.
Accounting in the Energy Sector: Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, and OGE Energy
The energy sector is a major employer of accountants in Oklahoma. Top firms like Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, and OGE Energy offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.
The average base salary for a Staff Accountant at these companies ranges from $65,000 to $75,000, with bonuses and profit sharing potentially adding $10,000 to $20,000 more. Senior Accountants earn between $75,000 and $90,000 on average.
These energy companies highlight stability, career growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance and 401(k) matching, and generous time off allowances as advantages of working there. The work culture tends to be fast-paced and demanding but collaborative.
Healthcare Accounting: Salaries at INTEGRIS Health and GlobalHealth
Major healthcare providers in Oklahoma like INTEGRIS Health and GlobalHealth offer accountants competitive pay, strong benefits, and meaningful work supporting patient care operations.
Salaries for Staff Accountants range from $55,000 to $68,000 on average. Senior Accountants earn approximately $70,000 to $85,000. Specialized roles like Cost Accountants are compensated between $75,000 and $95,000.
These healthcare firms emphasize the mission-driven environment, comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance as workplace perks. The culture tends to be team-oriented with a focus on patient experience.
Academic Accounting: University of Oklahoma and OU Health Sciences Center
The University of Oklahoma system provides stable accounting jobs with good work-life balance. Base salaries for accountants at OU and OU Health Sciences Center range from $50,000 to $75,000 depending on experience and role.
Benefits include health/dental insurance, generous paid time off, tuition waivers, and retirement contributions. Accountants highlight the positive work culture, opportunity to support students and faculty, and family-friendly environment. Roles tend to be less stressful than private sector accounting jobs.
Forecasting Job Growth for Oklahoma Accountants
The accounting profession in Oklahoma is poised for steady growth over the next decade. Several key factors are driving demand, opening up a range of opportunities across accounting specializations.
Anticipated Job Growth in Oklahoma Accounting
Accounting roles in Oklahoma are projected to increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, adding over 1,800 new positions statewide. This outpaces the national projected growth rate for accountants of 7%.
Key drivers contributing to this growth include:
- Expanding industries like energy, aerospace, and healthcare
- Small business growth and formation
- Automation leading to new accounting specialties
As current accountants retire over the next 10 years, plentiful job openings will emerge at all experience levels.
Economic Drivers of Accounting Job Growth in the Sooner State
Oklahoma enjoys a diverse economy encompassing key growth sectors:
- Energy - Major players like Chesapeake Energy, Devon Energy and global leader Halliburton drive demand. Upstream, midstream and downstream processes require extensive accounting expertise.
- Aerospace and aviation - Home to American Airlines and Nordam maintenance facilities, the state sees rising needs for cost analysts, financial reporting, and inventory accountants.
- Healthcare - With over 6,000 healthcare establishments statewide, medical billing, healthcare finance and revenue cycle management roles will multiply.
Small business growth also contributes as entrepreneurs launch new ventures based on Oklahoma's low costs and business-friendly tax policies. Self-employed accountants are in demand to handle small business accounting, payroll, QuickBooks and tax prep.
As routine tasks become automated, accountants can upskill into more analytical roles like data analytics, business insights and strategic planning.
High-Demand Accounting Specialties in Oklahoma
Within accounting, these specialties are likely to see particularly high demand:
- Financial analysis - Energy sector growth and mergers & acquisitions activity is accelerating demand for financial modeling, forecasting and investment analysis skills.
- Cost accounting - Manufacturing, construction and energy sectors need expertise in budgeting, cost containment and resource optimization.
- Payroll and bookkeeping services - Small business growth is driving demand for outsourced payroll, AP/AR and financial recordkeeping.
In summary, Oklahoma presents growing career opportunities for accountants of all specialties over the next decade. Economic expansion and business development coupled with retirement trends ensure plentiful openings statewide.
Comparing Oklahoma City and Tulsa Accounting Markets
This section compares salaries, industries, and growth between Oklahoma's two major accounting hubs Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Accounting Opportunities in Oklahoma City
Overview of salaries, top employers and projected growth specific to accounting professionals in OKC metro region.
The Oklahoma City metro area offers a robust job market for accounting professionals. Top employers include major companies like Chesapeake Energy, Hertz, and OGE Energy as well as hospitals and healthcare organizations such as OU Health and Integris Health.
The average salary for an accountant in Oklahoma City is $62,000. Experienced controllers and CFOs can earn over $150,000 per year. Entry-level bookkeeping and accounts payable roles start around $35,000 annually.
Accounting salaries in OKC are projected to increase 4% per year over the next decade, faster than the national average. Job growth will be driven by the energy, aerospace, healthcare, and construction sectors.
The Accounting Scene in Tulsa
Analysis of earning potential, industry mix and job growth trends for accountants in the Tulsa accounting market.
Major employers of accountants in the Tulsa metro area include energy companies like Williams and ONEOK, global industrial manufacturers such as AAON Inc. and Fabritech, and large non-profits like the University of Tulsa.
On average, accountants in Tulsa earn approximately $58,000 per year. More specialized roles like controllers and senior accountants can make $75,000 - $95,000 annually.
Over the next 10 years, accounting salaries in Tulsa are expected to rise 3.2% per year on average. Job growth will likely be spurred by manufacturing, energy, and technology companies setting up offices in the region.
Oklahoma City vs. Tulsa: A Comparative Study of Accounting Salaries
Side-by-side comparison of salaries, costs of living and opportunities for accountants between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
While both metro areas offer good opportunities for accountants, salaries tend to be higher in Oklahoma City:
- The average salary for an accountant is $62,000 in OKC compared to $58,000 in Tulsa
- Controllers and CFOs earn over $150,000 in Oklahoma City versus $110,000 - $130,000 in Tulsa
- Oklahoma City salaries are projected to grow faster over the next decade
However, Tulsa does have a lower cost of living at 7% below the national average. Oklahoma City's cost of living is near the national benchmark.
So accounting professionals may be able to stretch their salaries further in Tulsa, although Oklahoma City provides higher overall earning potential especially in high-level corporate roles. Job seekers should weigh salary, career advancement prospects, and living expenses between the two cities.
Navigating the Oklahoma Accounting Job Market
Utilizing Oklahoma's Accounting Recruitment Resources
Oklahoma has several specialized accounting and finance recruitment agencies that can help connect job seekers with open positions across the state. Top local firms like Accountemps and Avem Health Partners maintain extensive networks and have deep insight into the accounting job market in Oklahoma.
Leveraging these well-established recruiters can help streamline the job search process. Their expertise and connections enable them to identify suitable openings that align with your skills, experience level, desired role type, salary expectations, and geographic preferences across Oklahoma.
Many also provide additional services like resume building, interview preparation, salary benchmarking, and negotiations. This can prove invaluable in securing that ideal accounting or finance opportunity in Oklahoma's competitive job market.
Strategies for Securing Competitive Accounting Salaries in Oklahoma
With Oklahoma accounting salaries ranking below national averages, strategic negotiation tactics can help job seekers maximize earnings.
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Research industry salary ranges - Use resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, Glassdoor, and local salary surveys to benchmark pay rates for your target role. This data gives you credibility in salary discussions.
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Highlight specialized skills - Emphasize niche abilities like advanced Excel, SQL, Power BI along with soft skills like communication and analytics. These can give you leverage to command higher base pay.
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Negotiate non-cash benefits - Flexible remote work options, professional development budgets, extra PTO, etc. have tangible financial value. Lead with salary but have these in your back pocket.
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Leverage competing offers - Politely sharing competitive offers, even if you don't plan to take them, can pressure employers to match or exceed them. But use this technique carefully.
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Time negotiations strategically - Broaching salary requirements too early can prematurely screen you out. But waiting until receiving an offer also reduces leverage. Find the right balancing point.
Projecting Long-Term Earnings in Oklahoma's Accounting Field
Oklahoma projects over 5% job growth for accountants and auditors through 2030, signaling expanding in-state opportunities long-term.
CPAs and specialized accounting professionals within high-demand sectors like healthcare and energy are particularly well-positioned for steady salary gains over their careers. Oklahoma's ongoing investments into industries like aerospace, biotech, and telecoms also bode well for accountants supporting forecasted economic growth.
Developing niche skills and certifications in areas like analytics, business intelligence, and information systems auditing can also boost salary potential and career upside over time.
So while Oklahoma accounting salaries may start below national levels, the state's solid job growth and strategic specialization provide a promising earnings trajectory for accounting professionals building careers here.
