Accountant in Centennial, CO

Accountant's Career Guide: Centennial, Colorado

As a local career analyst who has watched Centennial's economic landscape evolve for over a decade, I can tell you this city offers a unique blend of suburban stability and professional opportunity for accountants. Centennial isn't the flashy downtown core of Denver, but that's precisely its appeal—it's a well-managed, family-oriented city with a strong tax base and a surprising number of major employers. If you're considering a move here, you're likely looking for a solid career in a community that values work-life balance. Let's break down the realities, from the paycheck to the neighborhoods.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Colorado Board of Accountancy, and local market studies. We'll get into the specifics so you can make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Centennial Stands

Accountants in the Centennial area (which pulls from the broader Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro) are compensated well, often slightly above the national average. The city's cost of living is modest by Colorado Front Range standards, making the salary go further than in Denver proper or Boulder.

Here’s the baseline data for the metro area, which directly applies to Centennial:

• Median Salary: $87,500/year
• Hourly Rate: $42.07/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 213 (as of latest BLS data for this specific metro division)
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4% (slightly below national average, indicating a stable but not explosive market)

The table below breaks down what you can expect to earn based on experience level. These figures are adjusted for the local market and reflect typical salary bands for accountants (CPAs, senior accountants, controllers) in the South Denver metro area.

Experience Level	Typical Job Title	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Staff Accountant, Jr. Accountant	$65,000 - $78,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic financial reporting, assisting with audits.
Mid-Career	Senior Accountant, CPA	$87,500 - $105,000	Full-cycle accounting, month-end close, complex reconciliation, client management.
Senior	Accounting Manager, Controller	$105,000 - $135,000	Overseeing accounting teams, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), internal controls.
Expert	Director of Finance, VP of Finance	$135,000+	Executive-level strategy, mergers & acquisitions, investor relations, C-suite reporting.

How does Centennial compare to other Colorado cities?

• Denver: Salaries are roughly 5-10% higher, but the cost of living, especially rent and home prices, is significantly steeper. The commute from Centennial to downtown Denver can be 30-45 minutes, which factors into the equation.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are commensurate or slightly lower than Centennial, but the cost of living is also marginally less. The job market is more focused on defense and government contracting.
• Boulder: Salaries for tech and biotech accountants can be much higher, but the cost of living is one of the highest in the state. Centennial offers a more balanced, suburban alternative.

Insider Tip: The $87,500 median is a solid benchmark. In Centennial, you'll find many mid-career accountants clustered in that range, especially in corporate roles at the city's major employers. Local firms of all sizes are competing for this talent, which keeps wages competitive.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Centennial? Let's calculate a realistic monthly budget for an accountant earning the median $87,500 annual salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $87,500 / 12 = $7,292
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% (CO has a flat 4.4% state income tax) = -$1,604
• Net Monthly Income: $5,688
• Average 1BR Rent in Centennial: $1,635/month (Source: Zumper, local market reports)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Income: $5,688
• Rent: $1,635 (28.7% of net income - a healthy ratio)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): ~$200
• Groceries & Household: ~$500
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: ~$600 (Centennial is car-dependent; public transit exists but is limited)
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored): ~$300 (after employer contribution)
• Retirement Savings (10% pre-tax): ~$730
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Subscriptions): ~$1,000
• Remaining Buffer: ~$723

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Centennial is approximately $600,000. With a 20% down payment ($120,000), a mortgage at current rates would be roughly $3,000-$3,500/month including taxes and insurance. For someone earning $87,500, a mortgage at that level would be over 50% of their net income, which is financially risky and likely not sustainable without a dual income. Verdict: Renting is the clear, affordable choice for a single-income household at this salary. Home buying in Centennial typically requires a dual-income household or a significant down payment from savings or equity. The Cost of Living Index of 105.5 (US avg = 100) confirms that while not extreme, expenses are above the national average, primarily driven by housing.

Where the Jobs Are: Centennial's Major Employers

Centennial's economy is diverse, anchored by healthcare, technology, and established corporate campuses. Unlike a downtown-centric economy, jobs are spread across the city, often in office parks off I-25 or in the southeastern corridor. Here are the key players hiring accountants:

1. Centura Health: One of Colorado's largest healthcare systems, with multiple facilities in and around Centennial (e.g., Littleton Adventist Hospital, Parker Adventist). They have a massive need for accountants specializing in revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and compliance. Hiring is steady, driven by the region's growing population.
2. Charles Schwab: Their massive Lone Tree campus (adjacent to Centennial) is a major employer for financial services professionals, including accountants for their internal corporate functions and client services. They value CPA credentials and offer robust training programs.
3. Lockheed Martin (Waterton Canyon Facility): While the main campus is in Littleton, it's a core part of the "south metro" job market. Accountants here work on government contracts, requiring expertise in FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DCAA audits. This is a niche but high-demand skill set.
4. Charles County Government: Centennial is part of Arapahoe County. The county government and the City of Centennial itself are stable employers for public sector accountants. These roles offer great benefits and work-life balance, though salaries may be slightly below the private sector median.
5. Local CPA Firms: Centennial is home to numerous mid-sized and boutique CPA firms (e.g., firms like Anton, Collins & Mitchell or Kendall & Associates have a strong local presence). These firms serve the city's small and medium-sized businesses, offering a path for generalist accountants who want variety and client interaction.
6. Tech & Aerospace Corridor: The area along I-25 from Centennial to Denver Tech Center is filled with tech and aerospace companies (e.g., Ball Aerospace, L3Harris). They need financial analysts and accountants who understand project-based accounting and R&D capitalization.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The 4% 10-year growth reflects a mature economy. The most in-demand roles are for CPAs with 3-7 years of experience and those with expertise in ERP systems (like NetSuite, SAP) and financial reporting. There is also steady demand for cost accountants in the manufacturing and aerospace sectors.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

For those pursuing or maintaining a CPA license, Colorado's requirements are standard but have specific nuances.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Education: 150-semester hours, including 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business-related courses.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: 1,800 hours of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA, with at least 500 hours in attest services (audits, reviews).
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state).
• Licensing Fee: ~$150 (initial application).
• Continuing Education (CPE): 40 hours annually, including 4 hours of ethics.
• Timeline: From starting your education (if needed) to full licensure is typically 2-3 years. If you already have the 150 credits, you can sit for the exam and complete the experience requirement in about 18-24 months.

Insider Tip: Colorado has reciprocity with many states. If you're already licensed elsewhere, the process is streamlined. The Colorado Board of Accountancy website is your best resource. Networking with local chapters of the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA) is crucial for finding a supervising CPA and staying on top of state-specific regulations.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Centennial is a city of neighborhoods, not a single downtown. Commute times are generally short by metro standards, but location still matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Accountants
The Centennial "Core" (near Arapahoe Rd & I-25)	Central, mixed-use, walkable to some amenities. Easy access to major employers like Schwab.	$1,650	Best for: Those working in the central office parks. Minimal commute, more urban feel.
Southglenn (near Arapahoe Rd & Quebec St)	Family-oriented, established, excellent schools. Close to both I-25 and Cherry Creek State Park.	$1,600	Best for: Mid-career professionals with families or who value suburban amenities.
Homestead (south of C-470)	Quieter, more residential, newer builds. Slightly longer commute but more house for the money.	$1,550	Best for: Those seeking a quieter lifestyle and who don't mind a 15-20 minute commute.
Arapahoe Park (east of I-25)	Affordable, diverse, with quick access to E-470 for a faster commute to the DTC or airport.	$1,500	Best for: First-time renters and those on a tighter budget who still want proximity to jobs.
The Farm (south of Belleview)	Upscale, newer community with a focus on outdoor living.	$1,700+	Best for: Senior-level accountants and finance directors who want a premium suburban lifestyle.

Commute Insight: The worst traffic is on I-25 southbound in the morning and northbound in the evening. Living in a neighborhood that allows you to use E-470 (a toll road) or side streets like Yosemite can save significant time. Most commutes within Centennial are under 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth doesn't tell the whole story. Within that stable market, there are clear paths to higher earnings.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with CPA licensure can expect to earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs at the same experience level. Specializing in Forensic Accounting, IT Auditing, or Mergers & Acquisitions can push salaries into the $120,000+ range. In the tech/aerospace corridor, Project Accountants with security clearance (for contractors like Lockheed) command a significant premium.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Controller → CFO. In Centennial, you can also move laterally from public accounting to a corporate role, or from a mid-size company to a large, publicly traded firm (many of which have campuses in the Denver metro). Another growing path is into FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), which is less about historical reporting and more about forecasting and strategy, often leading to higher pay and executive visibility.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth is slow but steady. The demand won't be driven by explosive startup growth, but by the churn of an aging workforce and the ongoing need for financial expertise in established industries (healthcare, finance, government). Upskilling in data analytics (SQL, Tableau) and advanced ERP systems will be critical to remaining competitive. The accountant who can translate numbers into business strategy will always be in demand.

The Verdict: Is Centennial Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary relative to national average ($87,500).	Housing costs are high; buying a home is challenging on a single income.
Diverse employer base (healthcare, finance, aerospace, gov't).	Car-dependent city; limited public transportation options.
Excellent work-life balance and family-friendly environment.	Job growth is modest (4%); fewer "disruptive" opportunities than in Denver/Boulder.
Short, manageable commutes within the city.	Lack of urban nightlife/culture; you'll go to Denver or Cherry Creek for that.
Lower cost of living than Denver's core, with similar amenities.	Competition for top-tier jobs can be fierce due to proximity to Denver.

Final Recommendation:
Centennial is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (CPAs and senior accountants) seeking stability, a strong salary, and a high quality of life. It's ideal for those with families or who value suburban comfort over urban excitement. If your priority is rapid career growth in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment, you might prefer Denver. But if you want a predictable, well-compensated career in a community that makes daily life easy and affordable (by Colorado standards), Centennial is a compelling fit. The key is to secure a role at one of the major employers and leverage the local network to climb the ladder.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth getting my CPA license if I'm moving to Centennial?
A: Absolutely. The premium for a CPA in this market is real, opening doors to higher-paying roles at major employers like Charles Schwab and Lockheed Martin. The local job market values the credential highly, and it's a prerequisite for advancement to controller or director levels.

Q: What's the commute like from Centennial to Denver Tech Center (DTC)?
A: It's very manageable, typically 15-25 minutes by car via I-25. Many accountants live in Centennial and commute to the DTC, taking advantage of the slightly lower housing costs. Southbound morning traffic is lighter than northbound.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
A: Yes. Post-pandemic, many of Centennial's employers (especially in tech, finance, and accounting firms) offer hybrid schedules, often 2-3 days remote. Fully remote roles are also available but are often tied to companies based elsewhere. Your best bet is to look for roles advertised as "hybrid" in the Centennial/Lone Tree area.

Q: How competitive is the job market for someone relocating?
A: Moderately competitive. With only 213 jobs in the metro, openings are filled quickly. Your best strategy is to target applications during peak hiring seasons (Q1 and Q3) and leverage LinkedIn to connect with recruiters at target companies. Having your Colorado CPA license (or having applied for reciprocity) before you move will give you a significant edge.

Q: What's the networking scene like for accountants in Centennial?
A: It's professional and active but less formal than in downtown Denver. The COCPA South Metro chapter holds regular events. Many accountants network through industry-specific events (e.g., healthcare finance meetings, aerospace conferences) and through their employers. Building relationships within your specific industry sector is more effective than broad, city-wide networking in Centennial.