Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Broomfield, Colorado.

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Career Guide for Accountants: Broomfield, CO

Broomfield, Colorado, sits in a unique position. It’s not quite Denver, not quite Boulder, but a strategic hybrid of both. For an accountant, this means a job market that taps into the high-growth tech and healthcare of Boulder County while offering a slightly more suburban, accessible lifestyle than the city centers. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of building a career as an accountant in Broomfield.

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

Broomfield’s accounting salaries are competitive, slightly edging out the national average but reflecting the higher cost of living. It’s not the top-paying market in Colorado (that would be Denver or Boulder proper), but it offers a strong value proposition when you factor in commute times and lifestyle.

Let’s break down what you can expect to earn based on experience.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Role	Estimated Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Staff Accountant, Jr. Accountant	$55,000 - $70,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	Controller, Senior Manager	$95,000 - $125,000
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	Director, VP of Finance, Partner	$130,000+

Data Source: Aggregated from BLS Metro Area Data and local job postings.

The Broomfield Baseline: The median salary for an accountant in this metro is $87,500 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $42.07. This is marginally higher than the national average of $86,080. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is steady but not explosive. The metro has approximately 153 accounting job openings at any given time, indicating a consistent, stable demand.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities:

• Boulder: Salaries are typically 5-10% higher ($92,000+ median), driven by the tech startup and biotech sectors.
• Denver: Median salary is similar ($88,000), but the volume of jobs is significantly higher.
• Fort Collins: Slightly lower ($83,000 median), with a focus on agribusiness and education sectors.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Broomfield employers often offer strong benefits packages, including bonuses, 401(k) matches, and health insurance, which can add $10,000-$15,000 in value to your total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Living in Broomfield is comfortable but not cheap. You need to understand your net income to gauge your true purchasing power.

Assumptions for a Single Filer: $87,500 gross annual salary. We estimate federal tax (22% bracket), state tax (CO flat 4.4%), FICA, and local deductions. This leaves you with a net monthly take-home pay of approximately $5,300.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Accountant Earning $87,500)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,300	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,835	Average for Broomfield metro
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season
Groceries & Household	$400
Transportation (Car/Gas/Ins)	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$150	Employer-subsidized estimate
Debt (Student Loans, CC)	$300	Varies by individual
Savings & Retirement	$1,200	Crucial for long-term growth
Entertainment & Misc.	$865	Leftover for dining, activities
Total Expenses	$5,300

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Broomfield is approximately $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $2,800-$3,000. Given your net monthly income of $5,300, a mortgage would consume over 50% of your take-home pay—a ratio most lenders deem unaffordable. Verdict: Buying a home solo on a median accountant's salary in Broomfield is a significant stretch. It’s more feasible for dual-income households or those earning well into the senior bracket ($110k+).

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield’s economy is anchored in healthcare, technology, and energy. Accounting roles are concentrated in the corporate offices, hospitals, and mid-sized firms that serve these industries.

1. SCL Health (Intermountain Healthcare)

• Location: Broomfield Hospital, 10065 W. 109th Ave.
• Accounting Need: Massive. The hospital system requires staff for revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and financial reporting.
• Hiring Trend: Steady. As healthcare expands, so does the need for financial oversight. Look for roles like “Accountant, Patient Financial Services.”

2. Ball Corporation

• Location: Global HQ in Broomfield (12992 W. Alameda Pkwy).
• Accounting Need: Corporate finance, SEC reporting, and internal audit. This is a Fortune 500 company with complex multinational accounting needs.
• Hiring Trend: Strong, especially for CPAs with 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or aerospace.

3. MI Windows and Doors (formerly Atrium)

• Location: Broomfield Operations.
• Accounting Need: Cost accounting is king here. They need professionals who can manage inventory valuation, manufacturing overhead, and plant-level P&Ls.
• Hiring Trend: Cyclical but consistent. Tied to the housing and construction market.

4. Crocs, Inc.

• Location: HQ in Broomfield (1 Crocs Drive).
• Accounting Need: Retail accounting, inventory accounting, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A). Global operations add complexity.
• Hiring Trend: Growing as the brand expands. Look for roles in corporate accounting and retail finance.

5. Jefferson County School District (Jeffco)

• Location: Administrative offices are near Broomfield.
• Accounting Need: Governmental accounting, grant management, and budgeting. Requires knowledge of GASB standards.
• Hiring Trend: Stable. Government entities have consistent turnover and openings.

6. Local & Regional CPA Firms

• Examples: Firms like EKS&H (now part of Plante Moran) and smaller local practices.
• Accounting Need: Tax preparation, audit, and consulting for local businesses.
• Hiring Trend: Seasonal surges (tax season) and steady permanent hires for growth. Great for obtaining diverse experience.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

To practice as a CPA in Colorado, you must follow the State Board of Accountancy rules. This process is non-negotiable if you want to advance to senior roles.

The Requirements (CPA Licensure):

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree with specific accounting and business courses. A master’s degree is common but not required.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Education: 1-2 years post-bachelor’s (if you need the 150 credits).
• Exam Prep & Fees: The exam itself costs $1,000-$1,500 in application and exam fees. Review courses (like Becker or Roger) range from $1,500 to $3,000.
• Licensure Fee: $150 initial license fee, plus $250 every two years for renewal.
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,000 - $5,000 (excluding tuition).

Insider Tip: Colorado is a "two-tier" state. You can sit for the exam with 120 credits but need 150 to be licensed. If you're moving to Broomfield with 120 credits, enroll in a local program like Metropolitan State University of Denver or the University of Colorado Boulder Extension to get the final credits.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Broomfield affects your commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for accounting professionals.

1. The Broomfield Urban Core (Downtown)

• Vibe: Walkable, with a growing mix of shops, restaurants, and parks. Close to the Broomfield Auditorium.
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to Ball Corp, Crocs, or most corporate offices. Easy access to US-36 for Boulder/Denver.
• Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200/month for a modern 1BR.
• Best For: Young professionals who want minimal commute and a social scene.

2. The Bradley/120th Corridor

• Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, with newer developments and excellent schools.
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to major employers. Heavier traffic during peak hours on 120th.
• Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000/month for a 1BR in a complex.
• Best For: Accountants seeking more space and a quieter environment.

3. Arvada (Western Edge)

• Vibe: Historic downtown Arvada is charming, with a strong sense of community. Technically a separate city but a 10-minute drive to Broomfield.
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to Broomfield core. Access to I-70.
• Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $1,900/month for a 1BR.
• Best For: Those who want a more established, character-rich neighborhood and don’t mind a slightly longer commute.

4. Westminster (Near Broomfield Border)

• Vibe: Dense, practical, and affordable. Close to shopping centers (Westminster Promenade) and recreational areas.
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to most Broomfield offices.
• Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,800/month for a 1BR.
• Best For: Budget-conscious professionals who prioritize proximity to amenities and I-25/I-36 corridors.

5. Superior

• Vibe: Upscale, master-planned community with a focus on parks and trails. Borders Boulder.
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to Broomfield. Can be congested on US-36.
• Rent Estimate: $1,850 - $2,200/month for a 1BR.
• Best For: Those who work in Boulder (or remotely) and want easy access to both cities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Broomfield, your career trajectory will depend on specialization and networking.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: Adds a 10-15% premium to your salary. Essential for Controller or Partner tracks.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in manufacturing (MI Windows, Ball) and can add 5-8% to your salary.
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor): In demand at tech firms and large corporations for IT audit and controls.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting to Industry: Many start at a local CPA firm, then jump to a corporate role at Ball or Crocs for better work-life balance.
2. Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller: The classic corporate ladder. In Broomfield, reaching Controller at a mid-sized company often means a salary of $110,000 - $130,000.
3. Niche Specialization: Focus on a sector like healthcare finance (SCL Health) or government accounting (Jeffco). Expertise in these areas makes you recession-resistant.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth over the next decade suggests stability, not boom times. Automation will handle more transactional accounting (AP/AR), increasing demand for strategic accountants—those who can analyze data, forecast, and advise on business decisions. Upskilling in data analytics (Excel, SQL, Tableau) will be critical to stay relevant.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Broomfield offers a balanced career for accountants: solid pay, a stable job market, and a high quality of life. However, the cost of living is a real factor.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare and established corporations.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are above national averages.
Strategic Location: Easy commute to Boulder and Denver job markets.	Buying a Home is Challenging: On a single median income, it's a stretch.
Work-Life Balance: Less intense than Denver/Boulder; shorter commutes.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity.
Outdoor Access: Immediate access to hiking, biking, and mountains.	Job Growth is Modest (4%): Not a city for rapid career jumps.
Strong Community Feel: It’s a city, but it doesn’t feel anonymous.	Corporate Culture Can Be Conservative: Less startup energy than Boulder.

Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (3-10 years of experience) who value stability, want to avoid a long commute, and enjoy a suburban lifestyle with easy access to nature. It’s also a great base for those aiming for a CPA license and seeking a role in corporate finance. It may be a tough sell for entry-level accountants who need to build a network (better done in Denver or Boulder) or for those whose primary goal is rapid salary growth. For the accountant who wants a fulfilling career and a life outside the office, Broomfield is a compelling option.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Broomfield?
Yes, absolutely. While there is a bus system (RTD) and some bike paths, the city is spread out, and most employers (like Ball and SCL Health) have large campuses with limited public transit access. A car is essential for groceries, commuting, and enjoying the outdoors.

2. How competitive is the job market for a CPA with 5 years of experience?
Very competitive, but in your favor. There are always 153+ jobs in the metro, and experienced CPAs are in demand. You will likely have multiple offers, especially if you can show experience in a relevant industry (healthcare, manufacturing, tech).

3. What’s the biggest challenge for new accountants moving here?
The cost of living. Your first job offer might look good on paper, but after $1,835/month in rent and other expenses, your disposable income may be less than you expect. Negotiate hard and budget carefully from day one.

4. Are there remote work opportunities for accountants in Broomfield?
Yes, increasingly so, especially since the pandemic. Many local companies like Crocs and Ball offer hybrid or fully remote roles for senior accountants and financial analysts. However, most entry-level and mid-level roles still require an in-office presence.

5. What’s the best way to network locally?
Join the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA) and attend their Boulder/Denver chapter events. Also, look for groups on Meetup.com for finance professionals. Many Broomfield employers also host open networking events, particularly Ball Corporation and larger healthcare organizations.