Accountant in Council Bluffs, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Council Bluffs Stands

As a local who’s watched the accounting scene here for over a decade, I can tell you that Council Bluffs offers a stable, mid-market salary that, when paired with the city’s low cost of living, provides a solid financial foundation. The Council Bluffs–Omaha metro area (which the Bureau of Labor Statistics often treats as a single unit) is a hub for finance, healthcare, and logistics, creating consistent demand for accounting professionals.

Let’s break down the numbers. The median salary for an Accountant in the Council Bluffs metro area is $84,143/year, which translates to a median hourly rate of $40.45/hour. This figure sits just slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, which is a common and manageable gap for many professionals, especially when offset by the region's affordability.

The job market here is modest but steady. There are approximately 125 accounting jobs available in the metro at any given time, reflecting a tight but active market. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which aligns with the national average for the profession. This isn’t a boomtown market like some tech hubs, but it’s reliable, with low turnover and a strong network of local firms.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in accounting are heavily dependent on experience, certification (like CPA), and industry specialty. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Council Bluffs area:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Council Bluffs)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Accountant	$55,000 - $70,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic financial statement prep, data entry.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Accountant, Senior Accountant	$70,000 - $90,000	Month-end close, complex reconciliations, budgeting, internal controls, some client interaction.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	Accounting Manager, Controller	$90,000 - $115,000	Financial reporting, team management, tax strategy, audit liaison, high-level forecasting.
Expert (12+ yrs, CPA)	Controller, Director of Finance, Partner	$115,000 - $140,000+	Strategic financial planning, CFO support, mergers & acquisitions, business development.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

Council Bluffs’s salary is competitive within the state, especially when considering cost of living.

• Des Moines: Salaries are higher (median around $90,000+), but so is the cost of living (index ~95). The job market is larger, with more Fortune 500 opportunities (e.g., Wells Fargo, Principal Financial).
• Cedar Rapids: Similar size and salary to Council Bluffs (median ~$82,000 - $85,000). The economy is more industrial (Cargill, Collins Aerospace), which creates different accounting specializations.
• Davenport: Part of the Quad-Cities metro, salaries are slightly lower (median ~$78,000 - $80,000) with a similar cost of living to Council Bluffs.

Insider Tip: For an accountant with a CPA and 5+ years of experience, the salary ceiling in Council Bluffs is around $115,000 for a senior manager role. To exceed that, you typically need to move into a specialized niche (like forensic accounting for insurance firms, which are plentiful here) or target a director/C-suite role at a major local employer like CHI Health or the casino.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $84,143 is a gross figure. After federal taxes, state taxes (5.5% for Iowa), and FICA, your monthly take-home pay is likely in the range of $5,100 - $5,300. We’ll use $5,200 for this breakdown.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Council Bluffs is $971/month. This is your anchor expense.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Accountant: $84,143/year)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$971	Average across the city. You can find units from $850 (older buildings) to $1,200+ (luxury).
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	varies by season; winter heating costs can be higher.
Groceries & Household	$450	Council Bluffs has good grocery options (Hy-Vee, Fareway, Supermercado).
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a modest car loan/lease and full coverage. Iowa insurance rates are moderate.
Gas & Transportation	$120	Most residents commute by car. Public transit (Metro Area Transit) is limited.
Healthcare (Premiums & OOP)	$300	Employer plans vary; this is a conservative estimate for a single person.
Entertainment & Dining	$300	Council Bluffs has a growing food scene.
Student Loans/Other Debt	$250	Highly variable.
Savings/Investments	$1,259	Leftover for retirement, emergency fund, or discretionary spending.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the median home price in Council Bluffs around $220,000, a 20% down payment is $44,000. At a $84,143 salary, you’re well within the typical lender’s 3x income rule (you’d qualify for a loan up to ~$252,000). A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $220,000 home would be roughly $1,400 - $1,500. This is higher than rent, but you build equity. Many local accountants buy in neighborhoods like Northside or Glacier Creek within 5-7 years of starting their career.

The Jobs Are: Council Bluffs's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of corporate HQs, regional branches, and local firms. It’s a "relationship-driven" market—you’ll often find jobs through networking at events like the Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) Omaha chapter meetings.

1. CHI Health: With four major hospitals in the metro (including Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy and Mercy in Council Bluffs), CHI is a top employer for healthcare accountants. They hire for roles in revenue cycle, payroll, and budgeting. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on financial analysts for system-wide cost containment.
2. Horseshoe Casino / Caesars Entertainment: The casino is a massive employer in the city. They have a large, dedicated accounting department for gaming revenue, cash management, and regulatory reporting. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for accountants with strong internal controls and cash-handling experience.
3. Union Pacific Railroad: While their main Omaha HQ is across the river, their rail operations and maintenance facilities in Council Bluffs employ a significant number of accountants and financial analysts. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on asset accounting and operational finance.
4. Mid-America Center (MAC): This multi-purpose arena and convention center hosts events and requires event accounting, ticket revenue management, and facility budgeting. Hiring Trend: Seasonal peaks, but often hires full-time staff for financial operations.
5. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Lutz & Co., Miller & Associates, local partnerships): These firms are the backbone of the local profession. They provide audit, tax, and consulting services to hundreds of local businesses. Hiring Trend: They often hire directly from local colleges (like Creighton University, though in Omaha) and promote from within. They are the best path to becoming a partner.
6. City of Council Bluffs & Pottawattamie County: Government accounting is a stable sector here. Roles focus on public fund accounting, grants management, and budgeting. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady. Civil service exams are often required.
7. Manufacturing & Logistics: Companies like Bridgestone (tire manufacturing) and Werner Enterprises (trucking logistics) have significant footprints. They need cost accountants and corporate accountants for their operations. Hiring Trend: Tied to the broader economy; stable in a strong supply chain year.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs at CHI, Union Pacific, and Horseshoe are posted on their internal career sites first. It’s worth setting up job alerts on their websites, not just LinkedIn.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

To use the title "Accountant" or "CPA" in Iowa, you must be licensed by the Iowa Board of Accountancy. The process is straightforward but requires dedication.

Key Requirements:

1. Education: A 120-credit hour bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is the minimum. To sit for the CPA exam, you need 150 hours. Most local candidates complete a master’s in accounting (at Creighton or University of Nebraska-Omaha) or double-major to meet this.
2. CPA Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You have 18 months to pass all four once you pass the first one.
3. Experience: You need one year of accounting experience (1,800 hours) under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: You must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Time to Get Started: If you already have your 150 hours, you can apply to the board, register for the exam, and start testing within 3-6 months. The experience requirement takes the full year.
• Estimated Costs (2024):
  • CPA Exam Fees (4 sections): ~$1,500 (varies by state)
  • Application/Licensing Fees (Iowa Board): ~$150
  • Ethics Exam: ~$150
  • Study Materials (Becker, Roger, etc.): $2,000 - $4,000
  • Total Estimated Cost: $3,800 - $5,800

Iowa-Specific Note: Iowa requires continuing professional education (CPE) of 120 hours every three years, with a minimum of 20 hours per year. The Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) is a vital resource for networking, CPE courses, and job postings.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Living in Council Bluffs is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. Most accountants work in the "Medical Corridor" (around CHI Health) or downtown commercial areas.

1. Downtown Council Bluffs: The historic core. Walkable, with new apartments and lofts (avg. rent $1,100 - $1,500). Close to the courthouse, government offices, and some corporate offices. Great for young professionals who want nightlife and restaurants. Commute: Easy to most jobs (5-10 mins).
2. Northside/Old Towne: A charming, established neighborhood with older homes (many for rent or sale). More suburban feel, quiet, and family-friendly. Rent is more affordable ($800 - $1,100 for a house or duplex). Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employment centers. Very popular with accountants buying their first home.
3. Glacier Creek / Southwest Council Bluffs: This is the newer, master-planned area with modern apartment complexes and single-family homes. Rent is higher ($1,100 - $1,400), but amenities are top-tier (pools, fitness centers). Very close to the I-80 corridor and Horseshoe Casino. Commute: 5-12 minutes to major employers.
4. Fairview / East Council Bluffs: A mix of older and newer homes, offering good value. Rent is closer to the city average ($900 - $1,100). It’s a quiet, residential area with easy access to the highway for commuting to Omaha if needed. Commute: 10-15 minutes.
5. Council Bluffs South (near I-29/Hwy 275): More suburban and rural. You can find larger homes with yards for the same price as a 1BR in downtown. Ideal if you work from home or don't mind a slightly longer commute. Rent varies widely ($950 - $1,300). Commute: 15-20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth over 10 years tells the story: this is a stable market, not a high-growth one. Your advancement here is about specialization and networking, not jumping to a new company every 18 months.

• Specialty Premiums: A CPA license is the single biggest salary booster. In Council Bluffs, a CPA typically earns 15-25% more than a non-CPA at the same level. Specializing in healthcare revenue cycle management (for CHI) or gaming/internal audit (for Horseshoe) can add another 5-10% premium.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is:
  1. Staff Accountant at a local firm or small business.
  2. Senior Accountant after 3-5 years and CPA certification.
  3. Manager/Controller at a mid-sized company (e.g., a local manufacturer or the casino).
  4. Director of Finance or Partner at a local CPA firm.
• The 10-Year Outlook: The demand won't explode, but it won't vanish. Automation (like RPA for AP/AR) will handle more transactional work, increasing the value of accountants who can analyze data, manage projects, and provide strategic advice. Your job security is highest if you have your CPA and are willing to mentor less-experienced staff.

The Verdict: Is Council Bluffs Right for You?

Council Bluffs isn't a flashy, fast-growing city. It's a practical, affordable, and steady place to build a life and a career in accounting. The community is tight-knit, and you'll likely know other accountants in the city within a few years.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $84,143 salary goes much further here than in Des Moines or Omaha.	Limited High-End Opportunities: Ceiling for salaries is lower than in major metros.
Stable Job Market: The "125 jobs" figure is reliable; turnover is low.	Slower Pace of Change: Less exposure to cutting-edge tech or industries.
Strong Professional Community: Active ISCPA chapter and local networking is easy.	Dependence on a Few Key Employers: A downturn at CHI or the casino affects the whole market.
Short Commutes: You can live anywhere in the city and be at work in 15 minutes.	Limited Cultural/Diversity Offerings: Smaller, less diverse than a major city.
Easy Path to Homeownership: A CPA can buy a home within a few years.	Weather: Hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

Final Recommendation: Council Bluffs is an excellent choice for an accountant who values work-life balance, stability, and affordability over rapid career ascent and high salary potential. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career accountants starting their CPA journey.
• Mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and raise a family.
• Seasoned accountants seeking a slower pace without sacrificing their professional network.

If you’re chasing a $200,000+ salary or want to work at a cutting-edge tech startup, look elsewhere. But if you want a fulfilling career that supports a comfortable, grounded lifestyle, Council Bluffs is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to get a job in Council Bluffs without a CPA?
Yes, for entry-level and mid-level roles, especially in industry (manufacturing, healthcare, retail). However, for senior roles and all public accounting positions, a CPA is strongly preferred or required. Many local employers will support your CPA exam costs if you commit to staying with the company.

2. How does the Omaha job market affect Council Bluffs accountants?
Proximity to Omaha (a 10-minute drive) is a huge advantage. Many Council Bluffs accountants work for Omaha-based companies (like KPMG, Wells Fargo) and commute. This effectively doubles your job pool. Omaha salaries are slightly higher, but you can live in Council Bluffs for less.

3. What’s the best way to network in the local accounting scene?
Join the Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) Omaha Chapter. Attend their monthly luncheons and annual conference. Also, volunteer with organizations like the United Way of the Midlands or the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce—many local business leaders and finance directors are involved.

4. I have a family. What’s the school district like?
The Council Bluffs Community School District