Accountant in Conway, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Conway Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because for an accountant, that’s the language that matters most. Conway’s accounting salary landscape is solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for Accountants in Conway is $83,265 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.03. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the gap is narrow and often misleading without context. The real story is in the local purchasing power.

Here’s how compensation typically breaks down by experience level in the Conway metro area. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local job postings and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Arkansas, adjusted for the Conway market.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Conway Salary Range (Estimated)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $65,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep, data entry.
Mid-Level	3-7	$65,000 - $85,000	Financial reporting, payroll, tax planning, client management.
Senior/Manager	8-15	$85,000 - $115,000	Team leadership, complex tax strategy, audit oversight, budgeting.
Expert/Partner	15+	$115,000+	Firm leadership, high-net-worth client portfolios, M&A advisory.

Compared to other Arkansas cities, Conway holds a unique position. It’s part of the "Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway" metropolitan statistical area (MSA), but the cost of living here is a significant advantage.

• Little Rock: Salaries are often 5-10% higher (median ~$87,000), but the commute and higher housing costs (especially in West Little Rock) can eat into that advantage. For a single accountant, the take-home may be similar.
• Fayetteville (Arkansas): Home to the University of Arkansas, the Northwest Arkansas market is hotter and more competitive, with salaries closer to the national average (median ~$88,000). However, the cost of living has risen sharply, with 1BR rents often exceeding $1,200/month.
• Jonesboro: A smaller metro with a lower cost of living, but the accounting job market is less diverse. Salaries can be 10-15% below Conway (median ~$75,000), with fewer large corporate employers.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the gross salary. An $83,265 salary in Conway often feels more like a $95,000 salary in Fayetteville due to the Cost of Living Index of 89.1 (US average = 100). You’re getting 11% more purchasing power for your dollar.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down what that $83,265 median salary actually means for your monthly budget. We’ll use a single filer with no dependents for this example, using approximate 2024 tax rates (federal, state, Social Security, Medicare). This is illustrative; your personal tax situation will vary.

Annual Gross Salary: $83,265
Monthly Gross: $6,938.75

Estimated Monthly Deductions:

• Federal Income Tax: ~$550
• Arkansas State Income Tax (4.9% bracket): ~$340
• Social Security (6.2%): ~$430
• Medicare (1.45%): ~$100
• Total Estimated Taxes & Deductions: ~$1,420

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,518

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$950	Average for Conway; can range $800-$1,200.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$180	Varies with season and apartment size.
Groceries & Household	$400
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$550	Assuming a modest car payment; no car note is possible but rare.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$250	Premiums vary; this is a reasonable estimate.
Retirement (401k - 5% of gross)	$347	Strongly recommended. Reduces taxable income.
Total Essential Expenses	$2,677
Remaining Discretionary Income	$2,841	For dining, entertainment, savings, travel, etc.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a median home price in Conway around $250,000 (as of early 2024, per local MLS data), a 20% down payment is $50,000. A 30-year mortgage at ~7% would have a monthly payment of approximately $1,330 (principal & interest, not including taxes and insurance).

Given a take-home pay of $5,518, a $1,330 mortgage payment is 24% of your take-home pay. This is well within the safe lending guidelines (typically 28-36% of gross income). An accountant earning the median salary in Conway can comfortably afford to purchase a home, even in the first few years of their career, if they save diligently for the down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Conway's Major Employers

Conway’s economy is uniquely bolstered by "The Faulkner County Trio"—three major institutions that create a steady demand for accounting professionals. The job market here is stable, with 139 accounting jobs in the metro area (BLS data). Hiring is consistent, often driven by growth at these key employers and their associated services.

1. Acxiom Corporation: A global data and marketing technology firm headquartered in Conway. They have in-house corporate accounting, finance, and audit teams. Hiring trends: Steady for mid to senior-level roles, especially in financial analysis and internal audit. They look for CPAs with tech industry experience.
2. University of Central Arkansas (UCA): As the largest employer in the city, UCA’s finance department is robust. They handle university-wide budgeting, grant accounting, and endowment management. Hiring trends: Cyclical, tied to the academic calendar. Community manager and staff accountant roles are common. A great place for those seeking stable, government-adjacent benefits.
3. Conway Regional Health System: The major healthcare provider for the area. Their finance department manages everything from patient billing to multi-million dollar capital budgets. Hiring trends: Consistent need for revenue cycle analysts, staff accountants, and financial planners, especially as healthcare costs remain a national focus.
4. Government Roles (City of Conway, Faulkner County): Municipal and county governments are significant employers. The City of Conway has a dedicated finance department handling public funds, audits, and budgeting. Hiring trends: Stable, with openings often posted on municipal websites. These roles offer excellent job security and pension benefits.
5. Large Accounting Firms (Local & Regional): While not headquarters, Conway is home to local offices of firms like Landmark Professional Accounting and Rives & Associates. They serve the local business community (construction, retail, services). Hiring trends: They hire entry-level staff for seasonal tax work (Jan-April) and grow them into full-time roles. A classic "start local, gain experience, then move up" path.
6. Manufacturing & Industrial: Companies like Welspun (textiles) and Mitsubishi Electric have facilities in or near Conway, requiring plant controllers and cost accountants. Hiring trends: Tied to the industrial economy; more specialized but with good pay.

Insider Tip: The most common "hidden" job source is word-of-mouth at the local Chamber of Commerce events. The Conway business community is tight-knit. Attending a monthly luncheon can be more effective than a blind application.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

To practice as a CPA in Arkansas, you must meet the state board's requirements. The process is structured but straightforward.

Requirements (Arkansas State Board of Accountancy):

1. Education: A 120-credit-hour bachelor’s degree is the minimum to sit for the CPA exam, but you need 150 credit hours to get the license. Most Arkansas universities (UCA, UA Little Rock) offer 5-year combined Bachelor’s/Master’s programs to meet this.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam with 120 hours, but you won't get the license until you have 150.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting experience in public accounting, industry, government, or academia. The experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Arkansas CPA Ethics Examination.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees (NASBA): ~$1,500 for all four sections (varies by state).
• Ethics Exam Fee: ~$200.
• Arkansas License Application Fee: $150.
• Total Estimated Professional Costs: $1,850+ (excluding university tuition).

Timeline to Get Started:
You can start the process of sitting for the exam once you have your 120-credit-hour bachelor’s degree. Many students in Arkansas take one section of the exam in their final semester. The license is typically granted within 3-6 months after passing all exams and completing experience requirements.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving to Conway from another state, Arkansas has reciprocity. You can apply to transfer your CPA license if you already have it in another state, which saves you from re-taking the exam. Check the Arkansas State Board of Accountancy website for the specific reciprocity application.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in Conway depends on your lifestyle and commute. Here’s a local’s guide.

1. East Conway (Near UCA & Downtown):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, with a mix of renovated bungalows and apartment complexes. Close to the university, coffee shops, and the downtown arts district.
   • Commute: Easy access to UCA, downtown offices, and I-40. A 5-10 minute drive to most jobs.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want a social atmosphere and a short commute.

2. West Conway (The "Old" Neighborhoods):

   • Vibe: Quiet, established, tree-lined streets. Mostly single-family homes with larger lots. Feels more suburban.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most major employers. Easy access to shopping centers and schools.
   • Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments; consider a small house. Rent for a 1BR in a house may be $800 - $1,000.
   • Best For: Those prioritizing space, quiet, and a family-friendly feel.

3. South Conway / Industrial Park Area:

   • Vibe: More commercial, convenient. Newer apartment complexes and townhomes. Close to major retail chains and the interstate.
   • Commute: Very short for anyone working at Acxiom, Mitsubishi, or nearby industrial parks. 15 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for modern 1BR units.
   • Best For: Those who want convenience and a modern apartment, with a very short commute to specific employers.

4. Vilonia & Greenbrier (Outlying Communities):

   • Vibe: Small-town, rural feel, strong community. About a 15-20 minute drive from Conway.
   • Commute: A daily drive, but against traffic. Easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate: Significantly cheaper, around $700 - $850 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those seeking maximum affordability and a slower pace of life, willing to commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Conway, career growth for accountants is less about explosive jumps and more about steady, reliable advancement. The 10-year job growth for the profession is 4%, which is modest but stable. Here’s how to maximize your path.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: The single biggest career multiplier. It can add 10-20% to your salary potential immediately and is required for senior management in most firms.
• Forensic Accounting / Audit: With the presence of large corporations (Acxiom) and government, there’s a niche need for auditors. Specializing here can lead to consulting opportunities.
• Tax Planning for Small Business: Conway’s economy is built on small businesses. An accountant who can advise on tax strategy for local retailers, restaurants, and contractors will be invaluable.
• Technology Integration (ERP Systems): Companies like Acxiom and regional manufacturers run on complex systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.). Accountants with technical skills in these systems are in high demand.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting (Local Firm): Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner. The partnership track is alive and well in local firms that serve the community.
2. Corporate (Acxiom, Conway Regional): Junior Accountant → Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This path is clear and structured, especially in larger organizations.
3. Government/University: Staff Accountant → Budget Analyst → Finance Director. The pace is slower but offers unparalleled job security and benefits (pension).

The 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain steady. As long as Conway’s "Trio" employers grow, so will the accounting need. The key to growth in this market is specialization and local network. The CPAs who are most successful here are those who sit on non-profit boards, join the local Rotary club, and build a reputation as a trusted business advisor.

The Verdict: Is Conway Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $83,265 salary goes much further here.	Limited Ultra-High-End Jobs: You won’t find the same concentration of Fortune 500 CFO roles as in a major coastal city.
Stable Job Market: Dominated by three major, growing employers.	Modest 4% Growth: The market is stable but not booming. Career changes may require patience.
Easy Commute: No traffic compared to metro areas. Most commutes are under 15 minutes.	"Small Pond" Feel: The professional network is tight-knit; it can be hard to break in if you don’t network.
Strong Community: Great for families or those who value local connections.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: Compared to Little Rock or Fayetteville, options are smaller.
Gateway to Outdoor Recreation: Easy access to Lake Conway, the Arkansas River, and the Ozarks.	Weather: Hot, humid summers; potential for severe storms and tornadoes.

Final Recommendation:
Conway is an excellent choice for an accountant who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for early- to mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or establish a strong local reputation. It’s less suited for those seeking a fast-paced, ultra-competitive corporate ladder or a vibrant, large-city nightlife. For the right person, Conway offers a sustainable, rewarding career path where you can build wealth and a life, not just a resume.

FAQs

1. I’m moving from a big city. Will I experience culture shock?
Likely, but in a positive way. The pace is slower, people are genuinely friendly, and the lack of traffic is a daily gift. The "culture" is more community-focused (church, school sports, local events) than big-city nightlife. It takes effort to build a new social circle, but it’s very doable.

2. How competitive is the job market for a non-CPA?
It’s competitive for the best roles, but not impossible. Many entry-level and staff accountant positions don’t require a CPA immediately. However, to reach senior management or partner track in a firm, the CPA is essential. If you don’t plan to get your CPA, focus on corporate accounting roles at companies like Acxiom or Conway Regional, where experience can sometimes trump the license.

3. What’s the best way to network in Conway as a new accountant?
Start with the Conway Chamber of Commerce. Attend a "Business After Hours" event. Join the Arkansas Society of CPAs (ASCPA) and attend their local chapter meetings. Also, volunteer for a local non-profit’s finance committee—it’s a great way to meet business leaders.

4. Is the $83,265 median salary achievable for a new graduate?
No, that’s the median for all experience levels. New graduates should expect to start in the $55,000 - $65,000 range. The median is reached with 5-8 years of experience and/or a CPA license. The low cost of living makes the starting salary manageable.

**5. What’s the biggest hidden cost of living