The Concord Accountant: A Local's Guide to Your Next Career Move

Moving to Concord, New Hampshire, as an accountant isn't about chasing the fast-paced energy of Boston or the sprawling opportunities of a major metropolis. It's about a calculated choice for a specific lifestyle. Concord is the state capital, a hub of government, healthcare, and regional business, nestled between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. I've lived here long enough to know that you choose Concord for its manageable scale, its sense of community, and its strategic position in New England. This guide is for the accountant who values a direct commute, a reasonable cost of living, and a career that supports a life, not consumes it.

Let's get into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

First, let’s be direct about the compensation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an accountant in the Concord metro area is $88,404 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.50. This is slightly above the national average of $86,080 per year, a key advantage for Concord. It means your earning power, when adjusted for the local economy, is competitive.

However, your specific take-home is heavily influenced by experience and specialization. Let's break it down.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Concord, NH)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, basic tax prep, supporting seniors.
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, complex tax filing, supervision of junior staff.
Senior/Manager (8-12 years)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Financial analysis, audit management, strategic planning, client relationship management.
Expert/Specialist (CPA, 12+ years)	$120,000 - $160,000+	Partner-track in a firm, CFO-level corporate roles, specialized tax advisory (e.g., trusts, non-profits).

How does Concord compare to other New Hampshire cities?

• Manchester/Lawrence (NH-MA Metro): Salaries are often 5-10% higher here, but the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly steeper. The commute from Concord to Manchester is about 25-30 minutes, a viable option for those seeking a higher salary without moving.
• Portsmouth/Seacoast: Salaries are comparable or slightly higher, but the cost of living is dramatically higher, primarily due to housing and coastal tourism premiums. Commuting to the Seacoast from Concord is a 50+ minute drive each way, which can be a deal-breaker.
• Rochester/Dover: Salaries are often 5-8% lower than Concord, but the cost of living is also lower. This can be an attractive option for those willing to drive 30-40 minutes for a Concord-based job.

Insider Tip: The $88,404 median is a solid benchmark. In Concord, you'll find that public sector and non-profit accounting roles (prevalent here) often pay at the median or slightly below. Corporate and public accounting roles (especially in larger firms) are more likely to pay above the median, particularly for specialized skills in audit or tax.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get to the bottom line. Earning the median salary of $88,404 in Concord requires a realistic budget. Here’s a monthly breakdown for a single filer (using 2023 tax brackets and standard deductions).

Assumptions: Filing single, claiming standard deduction, no other dependents. NH has no state income tax, but we account for federal and FICA.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,367
• Federal Income Tax (est.): ~$1,200
• FICA (7.65%): ~$564
• NH "Sales Tax" (I&L): ~$15 (a negligible fee on dividend/interest income)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,588

Now, let's factor in the local cost of living.

• Average 1BR Rent in Concord: $1,471/month
• Cost of Living Index: 109.0 (U.S. average = 100). This means Concord is about 9% more expensive than the U.S. average, driven primarily by housing and healthcare.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: $5,588):

• Rent (1BR): $1,471 (26.3% of take-home - very affordable)
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $300 (Assumes a used car; public transit exists but is limited)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-covered): $300
• Debt/Student Loans: $400
• Savings/Retirement (10-15%): $600 - $800
• Remaining for Discretionary: $700 - $900

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median single-family home price in Concord is approximately $375,000. For an accountant earning the median salary, a 20% down payment ($75,000) is a significant hurdle. A typical mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, could run $2,000 - $2,300/month. This would push housing costs to the 35-40% of take-home range—tight but manageable for a dual-income household or with a larger down payment. It's very doable for senior-level accountants earning $120,000+ but challenging for entry and mid-level professionals on a single income.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

Concord's job market for accountants is stable, with a public-sector backbone and a healthy private-sector niche. Unlike tech hubs, the openings are constant but not explosive. The BLS reports only 88 accounting jobs in the Concord metro area, highlighting the importance of networking and targeting the right employers.

Here are the major local employers who consistently hire accountants:

1. State of New Hampshire: The largest single employer. The Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Department of Revenue Administration, and various state agencies (like the Department of Health and Human Services) need staff accountants, auditors, and budget analysts. These are stable jobs with excellent benefits but salaries that often land at or slightly below the median. Insider Tip: State jobs are posted on the official NH careers portal. The process is slow, but the benefits package is among the best in the region.
2. Concord Hospital: A major regional medical center. Their finance department hires accountants for billing, cost accounting, and financial reporting. Healthcare accounting is a specialty in itself, with a focus on Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. The hospital is a major part of the "South End" economy.
3. Local Public Accounting Firms: While not the Big Four, Concord is home to several reputable regional firms like Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell and KPMG (which has a major office in nearby Manchester, serving Concord clients). These firms handle local business and non-profit clients. Hiring is steady, with a clear path from staff to senior to manager. This is your best bet for fast credential growth (getting your CPA hours signed off).
4. Chewy.com (Concord Fulfillment Center): While not an accounting role, Chewy's massive facility on the city's outskirts is a huge employer. Its financial operations, including regional accounting and logistics cost analysis, create opportunities for accountants with a corporate or industrial focus.
5. Local Non-Profits & Foundations: Concord has a vibrant non-profit scene, anchored by organizations like the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (headquartered in Concord) and various community health and social service agencies. These roles require expertise in fund accounting, grants management, and compliance (e.g., IRS Form 990). They are mission-driven but typically offer lower salaries.
6. Manufacturing & Construction Firms: Concord is home to specialized manufacturers and construction companies (e.g., Chopper Trading (a tech firm with a financial backbone), various construction firms). These private companies need controllers and staff accountants to manage project-based accounting and inventory.

Hiring Trends: Demand is stable, not booming. The most marketable skills are non-profit accounting, government auditing, and corporate finance for mid-sized companies. The network is everything; knowing someone at Concord Hospital or a state agency can make all the difference.

Getting Licensed in NH

To move up the ladder, you'll want the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. New Hampshire's Board of Accountancy sets clear, strict requirements.

Key Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (120 semester hours) is the minimum, but you need 150 semester hours to be licensed. Most candidates complete this via a 5th year of master's work or through a combination of college credits and CPE.
2. Uniform CPA Exam: Passed all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in New Hampshire once you have at least 120 hours.
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This is non-negotiable and must be verifiable.
4. Ethics Exam: You must pass the AICPA's Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Timeline: From starting your education to full licensure, expect 5-7 years. The exam itself can be completed in 12-18 months, but the experience requirement adds a year.
• Costs (Approximate):
  • CPA Exam Fees: $1,000 - $1,500 (for all four sections).
  • Study Materials (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000. This is a major investment but critical for success.
  • State Application & Licensing Fee: ~$200.
  • Total Upfront Cost: $2,700 - $4,700.

Insider Tip: Many Concord public accounting firms offer tuition reimbursement for a master's degree (to hit 150 hours) and CPA exam fee coverage. It's a key benefit to ask about during interviews. The "one year of experience" can be gained at any firm in the state; you don't have to work in Concord to get licensed here.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Concord matters more than you might think, as the city is spread out. Traffic is minimal, but your commute can be pleasant or tedious based on where you work and live.

1. Downtown / Downtown Historic District:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, close to restaurants, the Capitol, and the State House. Popular with young professionals and those who want a short commute.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,750/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those working for the State of New Hampshire, downtown law firms, or enjoying city life. The commute to the South End (hospital) is 5-10 minutes.

2. West End / Penacook (West Concord):

   • Vibe: Historic, charming, with larger Victorian homes and a strong sense of community. It's more residential and family-oriented.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,550/month for a 1BR or a small apartment.
   • Best For: Accountants working at Concord Hospital or local accounting firms. The commute to downtown is a quick 10-minute drive. It's quieter and more affordable than downtown.

3. South End / Maple Street Area:

   • Vibe: A mix of residential and commercial. This is where Concord Hospital is located, along with many suburban-style shopping plazas (like the Steeplegate Mall area).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Anyone working at Concord Hospital or in the corporate parks on the South End. The commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. It's practical and convenient for work.

4. East Side / Loudon Road Corridor:

   • Vibe: More commercial and suburban. This is the route to I-93, heading to Manchester. It's less about "neighborhood" and more about convenience.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month for a 1BR (often in complexes or garden-style apartments).
   • Best For: Accountants who work at Chewy or plan to commute to Manchester for a higher salary. It's a strategic choice for someone who values highway access over walkability.

Insider Tip: Avoid living in the area immediately north of the railroad tracks (near the airport) if you're looking for a classic residential feel. It's more industrial and less desirable. Your best bet for a true "neighborhood" feel is the West End or the areas around the hospital.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Concord for the long haul requires a strategic plan. The market is stable but not expansive, so you need to create your own growth.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a higher salary in Concord with specific expertise:
  • Government/Non-Profit Accounting: In high demand, especially for state and hospital roles. This can get you to the $90,000 - $110,000 range as a senior.
  • Tax Specialization: Corporate or estate tax expertise is valuable for local firms serving business owners.
  • Auditing: Internal audit roles at the hospital or state government are stable and well-compensated.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Public Accounting Path: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager (10-12 years to reach $110,000+). This path is the fastest for credential growth.
  2. Corporate/Industry Path: Staff Accountant → Senior → Controller (can take 15+ years). The Controller role in a Concord-based company can pay $130,000 - $160,000.
  3. Government Path: Entry-level → Senior → Finance Director (a long but very stable path with county/state pension).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is about average. This means job openings won't flood the market. Your best opportunities for significant salary increases will come from moving from a small local firm to a regional one, transitioning from non-profit to corporate, or taking a senior role at the state. For financial growth, many Concord-based professionals eventually work remotely for Boston-based firms or commute to Manchester, leveraging Concord's affordability to live while earning a higher metro salary.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Concord offers a clear trade-off: you accept a slightly smaller, less dynamic job market in exchange for a high quality of life, manageable costs, and proximity to nature. It's not for the accountant who craves the 70-hour weeks and multi-million dollar deals of a global financial center. It's for the accountant who wants to own a home, see stars at night, and be at a trailhead within 20 minutes.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Housing relative to salaries. A median salary ($88,404) can support a comfortable life.	Limited Job Market. Only 88 accounting jobs in the metro; networking is critical.
Zero State Income Tax. Your take-home pay goes further.	Slower Career Growth. Advancement to the highest-paying roles can take longer than in a major city.
Short, Scenic Commutes. 10-15 minutes is the norm for most.	Winter Weather. Nor'easters and cold are real; factor in snow tires and heating costs.
Access to Nature. Lakes, mountains, and hiking are at your doorstep.	Cultural Scene is Modest. It's not Boston or Portland; you'll drive for major concerts or pro sports.
Strong Public Sector. Stable government jobs with great benefits.	Limited Public Transit. A car is a necessity.

Final Recommendation: Concord is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) seeking stability and work-life balance. It's perfect for those with a median salary ($88,404) or higher, who can afford to buy a home and start a family without the financial pressure of larger cities. It's less ideal for entry-level accountants who need a high-energy start with rapid job-hopping opportunities, or for those whose primary goal is doubling their salary in 5 years.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find an accounting job in Concord without experience?
It's challenging but possible. The best entry points are in bookkeeping roles at small businesses or in the AP/AR departments at larger employers like Concord Hospital or the State. Consider a temp or contract role first to get your foot in the door and build local references.

2. Do I really need a CPA here?
For a senior or managerial role, especially in public accounting or corporate finance,