Accountant in Clovis, NM

The Salary Picture: Where Clovis Stands

As a local career analyst who’s watched Clovis’s job market for years, I can tell you this: accountants here do okay, but you need to know the landscape. The median salary for accountants in the Clovis metro area is $84,401/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.58. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local hiring data and BLS trends, not national averages.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Salary Range (Clovis)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper	$52,000 - $65,000	AP/AR, general ledger entries, basic reporting.
Mid-Career	Accountant, Senior Bookkeeper	$70,000 - $90,000	Financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting.
Senior	Senior Accountant, Controller	$85,000 - $115,000	Complex financial analysis, audit prep, team management.
Expert	CPA, CFO, Partner	$110,000+	Strategic planning, tax strategy, firm leadership.

Clovis vs. Other NM Cities:

• Albuquerque: Median is $88,500, but cost of living is 5-8% higher.
• Santa Fe: Median is $92,300, but housing costs are nearly double Clovis’s.
• Roswell: Median is $81,200, very similar to Clovis, but with fewer large employers.

The 10-year job growth in the metro is only 4%, which is modest. This means you won't see explosive hiring, but turnover creates steady openings. There are currently about 76 accountant jobs posted in the metro at any given time, mostly in larger firms and corporate roles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what $84,401/year means in your pocket. In New Mexico, the state income tax is progressive, ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. For a single filer with no dependents, you’re looking at roughly 25-28% total tax withholding (federal + state + FICA).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Clovis Accountant:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,033
• Estimated Net (Take-Home) Monthly: $5,300 (this varies based on health insurance, 401k contributions, etc.)
• Average 1BR Rent: $935/month (this is a city-wide average; see neighborhoods below for specifics)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): ~$200/month
• Car Insurance & Fuel: Clovis is car-dependent; budget $250/month for a reliable vehicle.
• Groceries & Essentials: $400/month (Clovis has lower grocery costs than coastal cities)
• Healthcare (if not fully covered by employer): $250/month (for a mid-tier plan)
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $400/month

Total Essential Expenses: $2,435/month
Remaining (Savings/Debt/Investing): $2,865/month

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The key is the Cost of Living Index is 93.5 (US avg = 100). Clovis is 6.5% cheaper than the national average. The median home price in Clovis is around $185,000. With a 20% down payment ($37,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of about $930 (principal & interest). Add taxes and insurance, and you’re still likely under $1,200/month—cheaper than renting a house. This is a major advantage for accountants building wealth here.

Where the Jobs Are: Clovis's Major Employers

Clovis’s economy is anchored by a few key sectors: government, healthcare, agriculture, and education. Accountants are essential in all of them. Here are the specific employers you should be targeting:

1. Cannon Air Force Base & Associated Defense Contractors: The base is the economic engine of the region. While direct civilian accounting jobs with the DoD are competitive, they exist (check USAJobs.gov). The real opportunities are with the defense contractors that support base operations—companies like PAE, Amentum, and V2X. These firms handle logistics, maintenance, and facility management, all requiring robust accounting teams. Hiring tends to be tied to government contract cycles, so be flexible.

2. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU): ENMU is a major employer in Portales (just 15 minutes east) and Clovis. They have a regular need for accountants, budget analysts, and financial aid administrators. University jobs offer excellent benefits (including tuition waivers) and a stable, 9-month or 12-month schedule. Check their HR portal frequently.

3. Clovis Healthcare System (including Plains Regional Medical Center): This is the largest healthcare provider in a 100-mile radius. Healthcare accounting is a complex specialty (revenue cycle management, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement). The hospital has a dedicated finance department, and there are opportunities for staff accountants, financial analysts, and revenue cycle specialists. Hiring is fairly consistent due to the essential nature of healthcare.

4. Northwest New Mexico Public Accountants (Local & Regional Firms): While Clovis isn't a big city, it has a handful of reputable local CPA firms. Walters, Duncan & Associates and Stephens & Company are two examples. These firms handle tax, audit, and consulting for local agribusinesses, small businesses, and individuals. They offer a classic public accounting path for those looking to get their CPA and gain diverse experience. Starting here is a great way to build a local network.

5. Agribusiness & Cooperatives: Clovis is surrounded by farmland. Major entities include Farmers Cooperative Association and Southern Union Gas (though in Roswell, they serve this area). These co-ops handle massive volumes of grain, feed, and commodities. Their accounting needs revolve around inventory management, cost accounting, and commodity trading—all specialized skills that pay a premium.

6. Clovis Municipal Schools: The school district is a large government entity with a multi-million dollar budget. They employ accountants and financial clerks to manage state funding, grants, and daily operations. It’s a stable, unionized job with great benefits and summers off for those with school-age children.

Hiring Trends: Jobs at ENMU and the school district are posted on their websites. Hospital roles are on the Plains Regional Medical Center careers page. Defense contractor jobs are often on LinkedIn or Indeed, but you should also network with professionals at the base. Local CPA firms hire primarily through word-of-mouth and local referrals, so being active in the Clovis Chamber of Commerce is a smart move.

Getting Licensed in NM

For accountants aiming for the title of CPA (Certified Public Accountant), New Mexico follows the Uniform Accountancy Act. Here’s the local breakdown:

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree and specific accounting and business courses. The closest four-year university for this is ENMU in Portales. Their accounting program is well-regarded and affordable for in-state students. This is a $30,000-$50,000 investment for a four-year degree, plus the cost of the extra 30 hours (often done via a master’s in accounting or extra undergraduate credits).

2. Exam (CPA): You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam. The cost per section is $225.95 (as of 2023), so the total exam fee is around $904. You must have your education verified by the New Mexico State Board of Accountancy before you can sit for the exam.

3. Experience: New Mexico requires one year of work experience (2,000 hours) in accounting under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. The key is having a CPA sign off on your experience. This is where working at a local firm like Walters, Duncan, or a larger entity with a CPA in-house becomes crucial.

4. Ethics Exam: You must pass an ethics exam (usually the AICPA course), which costs about $200.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1-4: Complete 150-hour accounting degree (ENMU is the local option).
• Year 5: Pass all four CPA exam sections. You can sit for exams while working, but it's intense.
• Year 5-6: Complete one year of qualifying work experience under a CPA.
• Total Time & Cost: Expect 5-6 years and $5,000-$10,000 in exam, licensing, and study material costs (not including your degree).

Insider Tip: The New Mexico State Board of Accountancy website is your bible. Start by contacting them with your specific academic transcript to see what you need. Many CPAs in Clovis are alumni of ENMU; connecting with them on LinkedIn is a great way to find a mentor.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Clovis isn’t a sprawling metro, so commutes are short. The choice comes down to lifestyle, budget, and proximity to work. Here are the top areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
North Side (near Hillcrest Park)	Established, family-friendly, quiet. 10-15 min to downtown, hospital, or ENMU.	$900 - $1,100	Accountants working at the hospital or local schools. Low traffic.
Central Clovis (Downtown & Surrounds)	Urban, walkable to coffee shops (like Java Joe’s), restaurants, and the Norman Petty Studio. 5-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	Young professionals, those at the municipal government or local CPA firms.
South Clovis (Near the Mall & Llano Estacado Blvd)	Commercial, newer apartments, easy access to US 70. 10-20 min to base or hospital.	$800 - $1,000	Budget-conscious, defense contractors, those who frequent the shopping area.
Portales (Just East of Clovis)	College town (ENMU), cheaper than Clovis, more rentals. 15-20 min commute to Clovis jobs.	$650 - $850	Accountants starting at ENMU or on a tight budget. Great access to university resources.
Northside (near Cannon AFB)	Mix of military families and civilians. Very close to base. 15 min to downtown.	$950 - $1,200	Those working directly on or in close support of Cannon AFB.

Insider Tip: If you're working at Cannon AFB or with a defense contractor, living on the Northside cuts your commute to under 10 minutes. For hospital employees, the North Side or Central Clovis offers the easiest access. Portales is a hidden gem for renters—your dollar stretches further, and the commute is trivial.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for accountants in Clovis is stable, not explosive. The 4% job growth means you need to be strategic about specialization to advance.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management: Specialists at Plains Regional Medical Center can earn 15-20% above the median salary. This is a niche skill that is always in demand in rural healthcare.
• Government/Grant Accounting: Experience with federal funding (like for schools or non-profits) is valuable. ENMU and Clovis Municipal Schools often seek this.
• Tax Expertise: With a growing retiree population, tax planning for individuals and small businesses is a consistent need for local CPA firms.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Path: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner at a local firm. This path leads to the highest earning potential ($110K+) but requires a CPA and a book of business.
2. Industry Path (Hospital/Manufacturing): Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. The Controller role at a place like Plains Regional Medical Center can be a top-tier local salary.
3. Government/Non-Profit Path: Accountant → Financial Analyst → Budget Director. This path offers stability and great work-life balance.

10-Year Outlook: Clovis will need accountants to manage the financial complexities of its core institutions (base, hospital, university). Automation will reduce demand for basic bookkeeping, but increase demand for analysts and strategic advisors. To thrive, you must specialize and get your CPA. The local network is small; a bad reputation can last, but so can a good one.

The Verdict: Is Clovis Right for You?

Clovis offers a unique value proposition for accountants: a moderate salary paired with a low cost of living, leading to real purchasing power and home-ownership potential. However, it’s not for everyone.

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Low traffic, safe, friendly community.	Limited Culture/Entertainment: Few museums, concerts, or niche restaurants.
Affordable Housing: Own a home on a single accountant's salary.	Economic Reliance: Heavily tied to defense spending and federal funding.
Stable Employers: Hospital, university, base, school district.	Limited Job Market: Only 76 jobs; competition for the best roles can be tough.
Short Commutes: Under 20 minutes anywhere in town.	Isolation: 3 hours from Albuquerque, 4+ hours from major cities.
Strong Community: Easy to build a local network quickly.	Slower Pace: Less career dynamism than a major metro.

Final Recommendation:
Clovis is an excellent choice for an accountant who:

• Values homeownership and financial stability over a high-profile career.
• Is willing to specialize (e.g., healthcare, government) to stand out.
• Prefers a slower-paced, community-oriented lifestyle.
• Is already or plans to be a CPA.

It’s not the right fit for:

• An accountant seeking rapid promotions in a cut-throat corporate environment.
• Someone who craves the constant amenities of a large city.
• Those unwilling to network locally to find opportunities.

Clovis rewards patience and local insiders. If that’s you, it’s a place where your accounting skills can build a comfortable, debt-free life.

FAQs

1. What’s the first step if I’m moving to Clovis without a job?
Start networking before you move. Join the Clovis Chamber of Commerce’s online events and connect with finance professionals on LinkedIn who work at Plains Regional Medical Center, ENMU, or local firms. Use the 3-6 month period before your move to apply for jobs. Having a CPA or relevant certification will make you a much stronger candidate.

2. Is there a demand for bookkeepers without a CPA?
Yes, but it’s competitive. Small businesses, non-profits, and some sole practitioners need bookkeepers. The pay is typically in the $40,000 - $55,000 range. The best way to find these jobs is through local word-of-mouth and services like Thumbtack. Many bookkeepers in Clovis start their own practices after building a client base.

3. How important is it to know Spanish?
While not required, Spanish proficiency is a significant asset in Clovis, given the large Hispanic population. It’s especially helpful in healthcare (patient billing), agriculture (working with vendors), and public accounting serving diverse clients. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a differentiator.

4. What about remote work?
With Clovis’s low cost of living and reliable internet (providers include Xfinity and CenturyLink), remote work is a viable option. Some Clovis accountants work for firms in Albuquerque or even out-of-state. This can bring in a salary closer to the national average ($86,080) while enjoying Clovis’s cost of living. Check remote job boards and be upfront about your location.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for the CPA exam while working in Clovis?
ENMU has a good business library and study resources. Form a study group with other local candidates—there are usually a few. Many local firms offer a CPA bonus (often $3,000 - $5,000) to help with exam costs. The key is discipline; the social scene is small, so you can focus on studying without major distractions.