Accountant in Biddeford, ME

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Biddeford, ME.

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The Salary Picture: Where Biddeford Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Biddeford isn't a sprawling metropolis for finance, but what it lacks in Fortune 500 headquarters, it makes up for with stable, well-paying opportunities in healthcare, education, and local manufacturing. The accounting scene is professional, tight-knit, and offers a solid compensation package, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

Let's talk numbers. The median salary for an Accountant in the Biddeford area is $87,009/year, which breaks down to a steady $41.83/hour. This is marginally higher than the national average for the profession, which sits at $86,080/year. While the difference isn't staggering, it's a positive indicator when combined with Maine's lower-than-average housing costs. The metro area has 44 active accounting jobs, reflecting a consistent, though not explosive, demand. Over the past decade, the 10-year job growth for the profession in this region has been a modest but steady 4%.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Title Range	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	Staff Accountant, Junior Accountant	$55,000 - $70,000
Mid-Level	Accountant, Senior Accountant	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$95,000 - $115,000
Expert	Controller, Finance Director, CPA Partner	$115,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry trends. The median salary of $87,009 sits squarely in the mid-to-senior level.

Comparison to Other Maine Cities

Biddeford holds its own when compared to other hubs in the state. It offers a competitive salary, often more in line with Portland than with smaller, more rural towns. However, its true value becomes clear when you pair it with the cost of living.

City	Median Accountant Salary	Average 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index
Biddeford	$87,009	$1,139	103.6
Portland	~$88,500	$1,850+	118.2
Augusta	~$79,000	$950	95.5
Bangor	~$76,000	$975	96.1

Sources: Salary data from BLS & local job postings; Rent data from local market analysis; Cost of Living Index from national data aggregators.

Insider Tip: Biddeford's sweet spot is its proximity to Portland. You can earn a Portland-level salary (or close to it) without paying Portland-level rent. Many professionals live in Biddeford or nearby Saco and commute the 20 minutes south to Portland for work, accessing a larger job market while keeping their housing costs manageable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down what a $87,009 salary actually means for your monthly budget. We’ll use Maine’s 2024 state income tax brackets (6.5% on income over ~$50k for a single filer) and a conservative 22% for federal withholding and FICA.

• Gross Annual Salary: $87,009
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$24,000
• Estimated Net Annual Income: ~$63,000
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,250

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $87,009

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$1,139	Median for the area. Newer complexes in North Biddeford or Saco may be higher.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, heat (oil/gas can be a variable in winter), water, and internet.
Groceries	$400	Biddeford has a Hannaford, Shaw's, and a seasonal farmers market.
Transportation	$350	Assumes a car payment/insurance/gas. Public transit is limited; a car is essential.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer. Many local firms offer solid plans.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$2,861	This is your buffer for dining out, entertainment, retirement, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a monthly take-home of $5,250 and housing costs under $1,200, you have significant room for a mortgage payment. The median home price in Biddeford is roughly $350,000. A 20% down payment ($70,000) would lead to a monthly mortgage payment of around $1,800-$2,000 (including taxes and insurance), which is well within reach for someone earning the median salary, especially with a dual-income household. This is a major advantage over cities like Portland, where the median home price is over $500,000.

Where the Jobs Are: Biddeford's Major Employers

The accounting jobs in Biddeford are anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, light manufacturing, and professional services. You won't find a massive Wall Street-style firm here, but you will find stable, long-term careers.

1. Maine Medical Center Partners / Sanford Medical Center: While the main campus is in Portland, the greater Biddeford-Saco area is a massive healthcare hub. The Sanford Medical Center, just a few minutes up I-95, is a major employer of accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. These roles focus on revenue cycle management, grant accounting, and compliance.

2. University of New England (UNE): With its primary campus in Biddeford, UNE is a constant source of accounting jobs. They need accountants for university-wide financial operations, research grant accounting, and departmental budgeting. The work is stable and comes with excellent benefits, including tuition discounts.

3. Town of Biddeford & City of Saco: Municipal accounting is a significant source of employment. These roles involve managing public funds, preparing audits, and overseeing budgets for police, fire, public works, and schools. It's a great path for those who value public service and job security.

4. Regional Credit Unions: Biddeford is home to several branches of Maine-based credit unions like cPort Credit Union and Maine Savings FCU. They employ accountants and financial officers for internal auditing, loan portfolio management, and member services.

5. Local Manufacturing & Distribution: Biddeford has a legacy of manufacturing. Companies like Berry Global (plastics) and various smaller, family-owned manufacturing firms have local facilities. They require cost accountants and plant controllers to manage inventory, production costs, and financial reporting.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand for accountants who are proficient in modern software like QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, and ERP systems. The move toward cloud-based accounting is happening here, just as it is everywhere else. CPAs are always in high demand, especially those with audit experience for the numerous non-profits and small businesses in the region.

Getting Licensed in ME

If you're aiming for a CPA license or simply need to meet state requirements, Maine's process is straightforward but requires diligence.

State-Specific Requirements:
To become a CPA in Maine, you must meet the "Three E's":

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business-related courses. Specific courses are outlined by the Maine Board of Accountancy.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying supervised accounting experience.

Costs and Timeline:

• Costs: Expect to spend between $3,000 and $5,000 total. This includes university coursework (if needed), CPA exam application and registration fees ($1,000), review courses (Becker, Roger, etc. can be $1,500-$3,000), and licensing fees ($400).
• Timeline: This is not a quick process.
  • Education: 4-5 years (for a bachelor's + master's or extra credits).
  • Exam Prep & Sitting: 12-18 months is a common timeframe for working professionals to pass all four sections.
  • Experience & Licensing: 1 year of work.

Getting Started: Begin by reviewing the specific course requirements with the Maine Board of Accountancy. If you need additional credits, the University of Southern Maine (in Portland) and the University of New England (in Biddeford) both have strong accounting programs and graduate-level courses that can help you meet the 150-hour rule.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Biddeford depends on your lifestyle. The city is geographically split by I-95 and the Saco River, creating distinct vibes.

1. Downtown Biddeford: The revitalizing heart of the city. You'll find historic mills converted into modern loft-style apartments and condos. It's walkable to local cafes, breweries (like Banded Rocking), and the new library. Commutes are easy, and it's perfect for those who want an urban feel without the Portland price tag. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a modern 1BR.

2. North Biddeford (Hillside): Primarily residential with single-family homes and apartment complexes. It's quieter, more suburban, and offers great value. You're a short drive from all amenities and have easy access to I-95 for commuting north to Portland or south to Portsmouth. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR apartment.

3. Saco (Adjacent City): Technically its own city, but seamlessly connected. Saco has a charming downtown (with a great movie theater), more beach access (Popham Beach is a 25-minute drive), and excellent schools. It’s a very popular choice for young professionals and families. The commute to Biddeford jobs is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR.

4. The Waterfront / Camp Ellis: This area is more seasonal and residential, located on the Saco River and near the coast. It's less about year-round apartment living and more about single-family homes. The lifestyle is oriented toward outdoor recreation—boating, fishing, and beach trips. Commutes are still easy. Rent Estimate: Harder to find rentals; single-family homes start around $2,200/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Biddeford, career growth is more about depth and specialization than climbing a massive corporate ladder.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: This is the single biggest career accelerator. A CPA can command a $10,000 - $20,000 salary premium over a non-certified accountant in the same role.
• Audit Experience: Experience with governmental or non-profit auditing is highly valued given the number of municipalities, hospitals, and schools in the region.
• Forensic Accounting: While a niche, there's a need for this skill set in insurance and legal firms that serve the area.
• ERP System Expertise: Skill in systems like SAP, Oracle, or even advanced QuickBooks Enterprise can set you apart for corporate roles.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager or Controller. In smaller firms or non-profits, you might advance to a Finance Director role. Another common path is to start in public accounting at a local firm (handling multiple clients) and then transition to a senior role in-house at a stable employer like UNE or a regional hospital.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% 10-year job growth is telling. This isn't a field poised for explosive growth, but it is incredibly resilient. As long as businesses, governments, and non-profits exist, they need accountants. The trend will be toward more advisory and analytical roles. The accountant of the future in Biddeford won't just be crunching numbers; they'll be interpreting data to help a hospital manage costs or a university allocate resources. Technology will handle the transactional work, freeing up professionals for higher-level analysis.

The Verdict: Is Biddeford Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio	Smaller, less dynamic job market than Portland or Boston
Strong, Stable Employers (Healthcare, Education)	Car-dependency is high; public transit is limited
Easy Commute & Proximity to Portland's Amenities	Winters can be long, cold, and quiet
Outdoor Recreation Access (Beaches, Rivers, Trails)	Nightlife and cultural scene are modest compared to larger cities
Tight-Knit Professional Community	Fewer "big firm" opportunities for rapid career acceleration

Final Recommendation:

Biddeford is an ideal choice for an Accountant who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It's perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, or escape the high cost of living in major metros without sacrificing a professional career. If you're an early-career accountant seeking the fast-paced environment of a major financial center, you might find Biddeford limiting. But if you want a solid career with a median salary of $87,009 that affords a comfortable lifestyle and a path to homeownership, Biddeford is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an accountant in Biddeford?
Yes, absolutely. While the downtown core is walkable, the major employers (hospitals, university, industrial parks) are spread out. Public bus service exists but is not comprehensive for commuting. A reliable car is a necessity.

2. Is it difficult to find a job in Biddeford without a CPA license?
Not necessarily, but it limits your options. You can find excellent staff and senior accountant roles, particularly in private industry and municipal government, without a CPA. However, for controller-level positions and at public accounting firms, the CPA is typically required. Many employers will support you in getting your license if you show potential.

3. How does the cost of living really feel compared to a major city?
The relief is significant. A monthly take-home of $5,250 feels much more substantial when your rent is $1,139 versus $2,500 in Boston or NYC. You have more disposable income for savings, travel, and leisure. The trade-off is fewer free, city-funded events and a much quieter social scene.

4. What's the professional networking scene like?
It's intimate and accessible. The local chapters of the Maine Society of CPAs and the Institute of Management Accountants hold events in Portland and occasionally Biddeford. It's easy to get to know people. Because the market is small, your reputation travels fast—both a blessing and a curse.

5. Is Biddeford a good place to start my own accounting practice?
It can be, but it's competitive. Many small firms and sole practitioners already serve local small businesses. A successful niche, like specializing in dental practices, non-profits, or a specific type of manufacturing, is key. It's a better move after you've spent a few years working for an established firm and have built a local client network.