Accountant in Coral Springs, FL

Here is a complete career guide for Accountants considering a move to Coral Springs, FL.

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The Salary Picture: Where Coral Springs Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Coral Springs isn't a major financial hub like Miami or Tampa, but it’s a stable, affluent community with a strong demand for accounting professionals who understand the local business landscape. The salaries here are solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living compared to South Florida's coastal cities.

The median salary for an Accountant in Coral Springs is $89,127/year, with an hourly rate of $42.85/hour. This places it slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, which is a good sign for a suburban market. However, the job market is modest, with only 269 accounting positions in the metro area. Growth is steady but not explosive, with a 10-year job growth of 4%.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, junior tax preparation, data entry.
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $95,000	Financial reporting, general ledger management, complex tax filings, payroll supervision.
Senior-Level	$95,000 - $120,000	Department management, audit coordination, strategic planning, CPA supervision.
Expert/Managerial	$120,000+	CFO-level advisory, firm partnership, high-net-worth individual tax strategy, forensic accounting.

How does Coral Springs compare to other Florida cities?

• Miami/Ft. Lauderdale: Salaries are higher (often 10-15% more), but the cost of living and rent are significantly higher. The pace is faster, and the specialization in international tax and finance is greater.
• Orlando: Salaries are comparable, but the job market is more diverse with tourism and entertainment accounting. Rent is slightly lower than Coral Springs.
• Tampa/St. Petersburg: Similar salary benchmarks, but with a different industry mix (ports, healthcare, finance). The lifestyle is more urban and coastal.
• Jacksonville: Salaries can be slightly lower, but the cost of living and rent are some of the most affordable in Florida. The job market is larger and more corporate-driven.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Coral Springs firms, especially in healthcare and professional services (law, engineering), offer excellent health benefits and 401(k) matches, which can add $10,000+ in value annually. Always negotiate the total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. The average 1BR rent in Coral Springs is $1,621/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 111.8 (US avg = 100). This means Coral Springs is about 12% more expensive than the national average, driven largely by housing.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for an Accountant earning the median salary of $89,127/year. (Note: This uses estimated deductions for federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, and a 401(k) contribution of 5% of salary.)

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Income	$7,427	$89,127 / 12 months
Estimated Deductions	-$1,635	Federal Tax, FICA, 401(k) (5%)
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,792	This is your "in-hand" cash
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,621	28% of take-home pay (healthy ratio)
Utilities	-$250	Electric, water, internet (FPL is common here)
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	Car is a must; insurance is high in FL
Groceries & Gas	-$650	$400 for groceries, $250 for gas
Health Insurance	-$300	Employer-subsidized (estimate)
Entertainment/Personal	-$500	Restaurants, movies, hobbies
Remaining Savings/Debt	$1,971	This is your cushion for savings, student loans, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home?
With a $1,971 monthly surplus, you have room to save for a down payment. The median home price in Coral Springs is around $450,000 - $500,000. A 20% down payment on a $475,000 home is $95,000.

• Timeline: Saving $1,971/month, it would take about 4 years to save $95,000 with no other major goals (like paying off student loans aggressively).
• Mortgage Reality: A $380,000 mortgage (after $95k down) at a ~7% interest rate would be about $2,500/month (including taxes and insurance), which would be 43% of your take-home pay. This is tight. You may need a dual-income household or to target a lower-priced condo/townhome to make housing costs comfortable.

Insider Tip: Many locals choose to rent in Coral Springs while saving, then buy in nearby, more affordable towns like Margate or Pompano Beach (10-15 minute commute) where prices are 10-15% lower.

Where the Jobs Are: Coral Springs's Major Employers

Coral Springs is a "bedroom community" with a strong professional and medical services sector. Major employers are a mix of local institutions, regional healthcare giants, and the city government itself.

1. Coral Springs Medical Center (part of Broward Health): A major hospital system. Accountants work in hospital finance, budgeting, and revenue cycle management. They have a constant need for professionals who understand healthcare billing (DRG, Medicare/Medicaid).
2. The City of Coral Springs: Municipal accounting is a stable career path here. The city employs accountants for public works budgeting, tax collection, and grant management. Jobs are posted on the city's website and offer great benefits.
3. Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department: Another publicly funded entity requiring accountants for budget oversight, equipment procurement, and grant accounting for federal/state funding.
4. Kaplan Test Prep (Headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, but major office in Coral Springs): This education company has a significant local footprint. Accountants here handle corporate financial reporting, international revenue, and tax compliance for a global business.
5. Chick-fil-A (Corporate & Franchise Support): While the corporate HQ is in Atlanta, the franchise support center for the Southeast region has a large presence in South Florida, including Coral Springs. This offers roles in franchise accounting, audits, and financial analysis.
6. Professional Services Firms (Law, Engineering, Architecture): Coral Springs has a thriving network of mid-sized professional firms (like Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh for law, or Carter, Mays, & Associates for engineering). These firms need accountants for client billing, trust accounting (for law firms), and internal financial management.
7. The School District of Broward County: While the district office is in Fort Lauderdale, many accountants and budget analysts live in Coral Springs. The district is one of the largest employers in the state, offering stable, well-compensated jobs.

Hiring Trends: The local market is stable, not speculative. The biggest hiring waves are in healthcare finance (due to aging population) and municipal/government accounting (steady growth). Public accounting firms in the area (like Kerkering, Barberio & Co. which has an office in nearby Ft. Lauderdale) are always looking for seasonal tax help and audit staff, providing a good entry point.

Getting Licensed in FL

In Florida, you need to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to hold certain positions, especially in public accounting or corporate controller roles. The requirements are set by the Florida Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

1. Education: A 120-credit hour bachelor's degree is the minimum to sit for the exam, but a 150-credit hour requirement is needed for the full license. Most candidates get a Master of Accounting (MAcc) or take extra courses.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (FAR, AUD, BEC, REG). You must apply to the Florida Board first to get your Notice to Schedule (NTS).
3. Experience: Requires one year (2,000 hours) of general accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Exam Application Fee (Florida): $175
• Exam Fees (per section): ~$250 (x4 = $1,000)
• Review Course (Essential): $1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger)
• Total Estimated Cost (before education): $2,675 - $4,175
• Timeline: If you start with all 150 credits, you can take the exam over 18 months. The experience requirement can be completed concurrently with exam prep. Total time to licensure can be 2-3 years post-graduation.

Insider Tip: Florida has some of the most straightforward licensing requirements. The key is the 150-credit rule. If you have a 120-credit bachelor's, you'll need 30 more credits. Many local professionals take online courses from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) or Broward College to fulfill this economically.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Coral Springs impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is generally safe and family-friendly.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Central Coral Springs	The heart of the city. Walking distance to the Downtown Mall, restaurants, and City Hall. Shortest commute to local employers.	$1,650 - $1,800	Those who want a walkable, central lifestyle and minimal commute.
West Coral Springs	Quieter, more residential, closer to the Sawgrass Expressway (SR-869). Easy access to the Turnpike for commuting to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.	$1,550 - $1,700	Commuters heading south or those who prefer a suburban, quiet setting.
North Coral Springs	Borders Parkland. More established homes, larger lots, and excellent school districts. Feels more exclusive.	$1,700 - $1,900	Those prioritizing school quality and a more spacious, tranquil environment.
Near the Tennis Center	Active, community-focused area. Close to parks and the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.	$1,600 - $1,750	Young professionals and couples who value an active, social community.
The Crossings	A large, master-planned community with pools, playgrounds, and HOA amenities. Feels like a small town within the city.	$1,500 - $1,650	Those seeking a community feel with built-in amenities and a predictable budget.

Insider Tip: Traffic on University Drive and Atlantic Boulevard can be heavy during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4:6 PM). If you work at the Medical Center (on University), living in Central or West Coral Springs keeps your commute under 15 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Coral Springs will likely be defined by specialization and networking within the local South Florida business community.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Accounting: Professionals with experience in hospital revenue cycles or physician practice management can command a 5-10% salary premium.
• Forensic Accounting: With Florida's high incidence of insurance fraud, forensic accountants are in demand. This often requires a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.
• Tax Specialization (High-Net-Worth): Coral Springs has affluent residents. CPAs specializing in complex individual and trust tax returns can build a lucrative private practice or join a firm that serves this niche.
• Government & Non-Profit Accounting: Expertise in GAAP for governments or non-profits (like the many local charities and civic organizations) is a stable, valuable niche.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Path: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner (at a local/regional firm) OR Controller/CFO at a client company.
2. Corporate Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller or VP of Finance (often at a local private company or hospital).
3. Government Path: Accountant → Budget Analyst → Finance Director (for a municipality or school district).

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth suggests a steady market, not a boom. Your best bet for significant advancement is to leverage the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale metro area. Many Coral Springs professionals take jobs in Miami for 5-7 years to gain experience at larger firms (Big 4, national banks) and then move back to a Coral Springs corporate role for a better work-life balance. The remote work trend is also a game-changer—you can live in Coral Springs and work for a company based anywhere.

The Verdict: Is Coral Springs Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent, safe, family-oriented community with top-rated schools.	Salary ceiling is lower than in Miami or Tampa.
Strong job stability in healthcare, government, and professional services.	Limited local networking events compared to a major city.
Affordable within the South Florida context (cheaper rent than coastal cities).	Car dependency is absolute—no meaningful public transit.
Central location for accessing both Miami and Ft. Lauderdale markets.	Limited entertainment/nightlife for young, single professionals.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.	Traffic congestion on main arteries (SR-869, University Dr.).

Final Recommendation:
Coral Springs is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants, especially those with families or who value work-life balance. It offers a stable, well-compensated career path with a high quality of life. It's less ideal for someone in the early stages of their career seeking the high-energy networking and rapid advancement of a downtown corporate hub.

Best for you if: You have or plan to have a family, you want a suburban home base with easy (driving) access to major cities, and you value stability over a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Reconsider if: You are a young, single professional who thrives on urban energy, or your primary career goal is to become a partner at a Big 4 accounting firm (which are all headquartered in Miami or Tampa).

FAQs

1. What's the commute like from Coral Springs to Miami for a job?
It's a tough but doable 60-90 minute drive each way on a good day, but can be over 2 hours with traffic or an accident. Most locals avoid this if possible and look for jobs in Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton).

2. Is the local job market competitive for accountants?
It's competitive for senior and management roles, as many qualified locals stay in the area long-term. Entry-level and mid-level roles are more accessible, especially with a CPA and 2-3 years of experience.

3. Do I really need a car?
Yes, 100%. There is no viable public transit to speak of. You will need a car for everything—commuting, groceries, social life. Factor car insurance into your budget, as Florida rates are high.

4. Are there good networking opportunities locally?
Yes, but you have to be proactive. The South Florida Association of CPAs (SFACPA) has events in Broward County. The Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce is very active and a great place to meet local business owners who need accounting services.

5. How does the Florida licensing work with a CPA from another state?
Florida is a "substantial equivalency" state. If you hold a CPA license from another state with substantially similar requirements, you can apply to the Florida Board for licensure by reciprocity. You'll need to verify your experience and may need to take the Florida-specific ethics exam. Check the Florida Board of Accountancy website for the latest process.