Accountant in Brockton, MA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Brockton, MA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Brockton Stands

Let’s cut right to the numbers. In Brockton, MA, the median salary for an Accountant is $89,075/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.82/hour. This is slightly above the national average for the profession, which sits at $86,080/year. It’s a solid, competitive wage for the area, though it’s important to contextualize it within the broader Massachusetts landscape.

While Brockton offers a respectable salary, it generally lags behind the major financial hubs of Boston and Cambridge, where accountants can command significantly higher premiums due to the concentration of high-stakes corporate finance, biotech, and venture capital firms. However, Brockton provides a crucial value proposition: a lower cost of living relative to the Greater Boston area, allowing your salary to stretch further. The job market itself is stable but not booming; there are approximately 209 accounting jobs available in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%. This indicates a steady, predictable market rather than a high-growth one, ideal for those seeking stability over aggressive expansion.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the region:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Brockton Area)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$62,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$78,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$96,000 - $115,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$115,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior-level is often where you see the most significant salary increase, especially if you specialize in areas like tax, audit, or management accounting. The $89,075 median sits squarely in the upper range of the mid-level bracket, suggesting that many local roles are for experienced professionals.

Comparison to Other MA Cities:

• Boston/Cambridge: Salaries are typically 15-25% higher, but the cost of living is exponentially greater.
• Worcester: Very comparable to Brockton, often within a 5% salary differential.
• New Bedford/Fall River: Slightly lower salaries, but also a lower cost of living.
• Springfield: Similar to Brockton, with a stable government and healthcare job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Brockton’s cost of living index is 111.6, which is 11.6% higher than the U.S. average. However, this is significantly more manageable than Boston’s index, which often exceeds 160. The key factor is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Brockton is $1,488/month.

Let’s break down the monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary of $89,075. (Note: These are estimates; actual take-home pay depends on health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and specific tax withholdings).

Monthly Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,423	($89,075 / 12)
Estimated Taxes (Fed/State/FICA)	-$1,780	~24% effective rate for this bracket
Net Take-Home Pay	~$5,643
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,488
Utilities	-$180	Includes electric, gas, internet
Groceries	-$400	For one person
Car Payment/Gas/Insurance	-$500	Essential in suburban Brockton
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	-$200	Varies by employer
Retirement (401k 5%)	-$371	Pre-tax deduction
Remaining for Misc/Savings	~$2,504

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is one of Brockton’s biggest advantages. While the median home price in Brockton is around $400,000 (higher than the national average but far below Boston-area prices), the monthly mortgage payment would be roughly $2,400-$2,600 with current interest rates and a 20% down payment. With the above budget, a mortgage would consume about 42% of your net take-home pay, which is tight but potentially feasible for a dual-income household or with a larger down payment. For a single-income accountant at the median salary, renting is the more financially comfortable choice initially. The key is that homeownership is a tangible goal here, not an impossible dream as it can be in parts of Eastern Massachusetts.

Where the Jobs Are: Brockton's Major Employers

Brockton’s economy is anchored in healthcare, government, education, and regional retail/services. Accountants here often work in the finance departments of large local entities or for regional accounting firms serving small to medium-sized businesses.

1. Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital: As the city’s largest healthcare provider and a Level III Trauma Center, this hospital employs a significant number of accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. They handle complex Medicaid/Medicare reimbursements and have a stable need for regulatory compliance. Hiring trends show a consistent need for accountants with healthcare revenue cycle experience.

2. Brockton Public Schools: The district is a major municipal employer. Accountants here work in the business office, managing multi-million dollar budgets, grants (like Title I funds), and payroll for hundreds of staff. These roles offer great job security and benefits, though salaries may be slightly below the private sector median.

3. City of Brockton (Government): The City’s Finance Department requires accountants for budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting for all municipal operations. This is a classic government accounting role. Positions are often posted on the city’s official website and follow a structured civil service hiring process.

4. Dell Technologies (Formerly EMC): While its footprint has evolved, Dell maintains a significant office presence in nearby Hopkinton (about a 30-minute commute). Many Brockton residents commute there for corporate accounting, internal audit, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A) roles, which offer higher salaries.

5. Old Colony Planning Council: This regional planning agency, based in Brockton, serves multiple communities. They employ accountants to manage grants, oversee project budgets for infrastructure and development, and ensure fiscal compliance for member municipalities.

6. Local CPA & Accounting Firms: Firms like Gelinas & Company, LLP and Weaver, Farmer & Associates serve the local small business community. These are excellent entry points for recent graduates to gain exposure to tax, audit, and bookkeeping for a diverse client base.

Insider Tip: Many accountants in Brockton work for employers in the wider South Shore region (e.g., in Abington, Rockland, or even the Boston suburbs). A 30-45 minute commute can open up higher-paying opportunities while still allowing you to enjoy Brockton’s more affordable cost of living.

Getting Licensed in Massachusetts

To practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Massachusetts, you must follow the requirements set by the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy.

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree with specific coursework in accounting and business. If you have 120 hours, you can sit for the CPA exam, but you must complete the full 150 hours to receive the license.
2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: You need one year of qualifying experience (at least 2,000 hours) in accounting, under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
5. Cost: Total costs (exam fees, review courses, application fees) typically range from $3,000 to $5,000. The exam itself costs approximately $1,500-$1,800 for all four sections.
6. Timeline: The process typically takes 18 months to 3 years from starting your education to becoming fully licensed, depending on your starting point.

Insider Tip: Massachusetts has reciprocity with many states. If you’re already a licensed CPA in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement if you meet their experience and education standards.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Brockton is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and commute profile.

1. Downtown Brockton: This is the historic core and commercial heart. It’s walkable to City Hall, the court, and some local businesses. Commuting to local employers is a breeze. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,350-$1,500. Good for: Those who want an urban feel without the Boston price tag and easy access to the MBTA Commuter Rail (Brockton Station).
2. Brockton East (Near the Hospital): A more residential area with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. It’s very close to Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, making it ideal for those working there. Commute to other parts of the city is easy. Rent is typically $1,400-$1,600. Good for: Healthcare-focused accountants and those seeking a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood.
3. Montello: Located on the western side, Montello is a quiet, middle-class neighborhood with good access to Route 24 and I-95. This makes it an excellent base for commuters heading to Boston or the South Shore. Rent is comparable to the city average, around $1,450-$1,550. Good for: Commuters who want a suburban home base with quick highway access.
4. South Brockton: A more suburban area with larger lots and a mix of older and newer homes. It’s a bit more car-dependent but offers a peaceful setting. Rent can be slightly lower, from $1,300-$1,450. Good for: Those seeking more space and a quieter lifestyle, willing to drive 10-15 minutes to reach the city center.
5. Campello: Situated on the eastern edge, Campello is known for its historic village center and the Campello MBTA station (on the same line as Brockton). It has a charming, small-town feel and offers easy commuter rail access to Boston. Rent is similar to Montello, $1,400-$1,600. Good for: Those who use public transit for occasional trips to Boston and appreciate a more defined community vibe.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 4% is modest, indicating that career advancement may require strategic specialization or looking beyond the immediate city limits.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Tax Accounting: Always in demand, especially for CPAs. Expertise in state and local tax (SALT) can be valuable for regional businesses.
  • Government & Non-Profit Accounting: Skills in fund accounting, grant management, and compliance (GASB) are essential for city, school, and hospital jobs. This is a stable niche.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: With Brockton Hospital as a major employer, accountants who understand the intricacies of healthcare billing, coding, and reimbursement (e.g., Medicare/Medicaid) are highly valued.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager/Controller. In a smaller market like Brockton, the "Controller" role at a mid-sized company or division is often the ceiling. To reach CFO-level roles, many professionals either commute to larger corporations in the Boston area or take on regional leadership positions for companies based in the South Shore.
• 10-Year Outlook: The field is stable but will evolve. Automation of basic bookkeeping and data entry will continue, placing more value on accountants who can analyze data, provide strategic financial insights, and manage complex regulatory environments. Continuous learning (e.g., in data analytics software, ERP systems like QuickBooks Enterprise or SAP) is non-negotiable for long-term relevance.

The Verdict: Is Brockton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living relative to MA and especially Boston.	Job market is smaller and less dynamic than major metros.
Stable, Predictable Job Market in healthcare, government, and education.	4% job growth means less opportunity for rapid vertical jumps.
Median Salary ($89,075) is competitive for the region.	Salaries are lower than in Boston/Cambridge for similar roles.
Access to Commuter Rail to Boston for higher-paying opportunities.	Car-dependency is high; public transit within the city is limited.
Tangible Homeownership Potential on a single professional's salary.	The city has ongoing challenges with public perception and economic revitalization.

Final Recommendation:
Brockton is an excellent choice for the pragmatic accountant. If you value stability, a manageable commute, and a cost of living that doesn't consume your entire paycheck, Brockton delivers. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals planning to buy a home or start a family, or for those who can commute to Boston for a higher wage while living in an affordable community. It’s less ideal for a new graduate seeking a fast-paced, high-growth career in corporate finance or tech, or for those who thrive in a dense, urban environment.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as an accountant in Brockton without a CPA license?
A: Yes. Many entry-level and mid-level staff accountant, bookkeeper, and accounts payable/receivable roles do not require a CPA. However, to reach senior or managerial levels and the higher end of the salary spectrum, a CPA is strongly recommended and often required, especially in public accounting or corporate finance departments.

Q: How is the commute from Brockton to Boston for accounting jobs?
A: The MBTA Commuter Rail from Brockton Station to South Station takes about 45-50 minutes. Driving can be unpredictable; it's typically a 45-75 minute commute depending on traffic. Many accountants use this combination: live in Brockton for affordability, work a hybrid or fully remote role for a Boston-based company, or commute 2-3 days a week.

Q: What’s the tax situation in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate of 5%. There is also a 6.25% sales tax on most goods and services. Property taxes are levied by the municipality; Brockton’s rate is roughly $14.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is moderate for the region.

Q: Are there networking opportunities for accountants in Brockton?
A: Yes, but they are more localized than in Boston. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA) has events in the South Shore region. The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is active and offers networking. Additionally, local alumni groups from Bridgewater State, BSU, and other regional universities often host professional mixers.

Q: What’s the best way to budget for living in Brockton as a new accountant?
A: Start by securing a job with a salary near the median ($89k). Aim to keep rent at or below 30% of your gross income, which is feasible with the average 1BR rent. Prioritize building an emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses) and contributing to a 401(k) to get the employer match. Avoid car loans with high payments; a reliable used car is a smart choice for commuting.