Accountant in Davie, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

As a local who’s navigated the South Florida job market for years, I can tell you that accounting salaries in Davie are a mixed bag—solid for the region, but not enough to make you feel rich in a high-cost area. The median salary for an Accountant here is $89,127/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.85/hour. That’s slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, but don’t get too excited. The cost of living in Davie (and Broward County at large) eats into that advantage quickly.

To give you a realistic sense of what you can expect at different career stages, here’s a breakdown based on local job postings and regional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Davie Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	Basic bookkeeping, AP/AR, assisting with month-end close, data entry.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, supervising junior staff, tax preparation.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Department management, complex financial analysis, budgeting, audit liaison.
Expert/CPA (15+ years)	$120,000 - $150,000+	CFO-level strategic planning, controller duties, merger/acquisition support.

Insider Tip: If you’re a CPA with experience in South Florida’s unique industries—like healthcare, logistics, or international trade—you can command a 15-20% premium over these ranges. Many local firms specifically seek accountants familiar with Florida’s sales tax nuances and federal regulations for businesses operating in Latin America.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

Davie’s median of $89,127 holds its own against other mid-sized Florida metros but trails behind the major hubs. It’s a more affordable alternative to Miami-Dade while still offering access to the broader South Florida economy. The metro area, which includes Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, has roughly 215 accounting jobs listed at any given time, showing steady, if not explosive, demand.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Davie, FL (Metro)	$89,127	111.8
Miami, FL	$92,500	123.4
Tampa, FL	$88,500	108.2
Orlando, FL	$85,000	106.5
Jacksonville, FL	$82,000	99.5

The 10-year job growth projection for the Davie metro area is 4%, which aligns with steady, predictable demand rather than a boom. This is typical for mature markets—plenty of opportunity, but you’ll need to be strategic about your specialization.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real. Your salary is just a number until you subtract taxes and the high cost of living. For an accountant earning the median salary of $89,127 in Florida, here’s a rough monthly budget breakdown. Florida has no state income tax, which is a huge plus, but federal taxes, FICA, and soaring rents will take a significant chunk.

Assumptions: Single filer, standard deduction, taking home roughly 72% of gross after federal taxes and FICA. This is an estimate; consult a tax professional for your exact situation.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,427	Based on $89,127 annual salary / 12
Net Pay (Est. Take-Home)	$5,348	After ~28% for federal taxes & FICA
Average 1BR Rent	$1,621	This is the citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Florida’s AC costs are no joke, especially in summer.
Car Insurance & Fuel	$350	Mandatory in car-dependent Davie; rates are high in Broward.
Groceries & Essentials	$500	Based on USDA low-cost food plan for one adult.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$400	Varies widely; some employers cover 70-80%.
Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment)	$600	A modest budget for the area.
Total Monthly Expenses	$4,171
Remaining for Savings/Debt/Goals	$1,177

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median salary, it’s a significant challenge. The median home price in Davie is around $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), you’d need a mortgage of $340,000. At current interest rates (~7%), your monthly payment (PITI) would exceed $2,700. That’s more than half of your net take-home pay, which is not advisable. Homeownership here typically requires a dual-income household or a salary well above the median.

Insider Tip: Many accountants in Davie partner with a local credit union (like Broward Teachers Credit Union) for slightly better mortgage rates and lower fees. They also look for homes in western Davie or neighboring Sunrise for slightly lower prices.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie’s job market for accountants is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, logistics/distribution, education, and professional services. Many residents also commute to downtown Fort Lauderdale, which is a 20-30 minute drive without traffic.

1. Memorial Healthcare System

   • Details: One of the largest employers in Broward County, with multiple locations including Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
   • Hiring Trend: Constant demand for accountants specializing in healthcare revenue cycle, grant accounting, and compliance (HIPAA). They favor CPAs with hospital or clinic experience.

2. Broward College

   • Details: A major public college with a campus in Davie. Their finance department handles a multi-million dollar budget.
   • Hiring Trend: Steady, with openings for staff accountants, budget analysts, and grant accountants. Governmental accounting experience (GASB) is a major plus.

3. DHL Supply Chain / Amazon Fulfillment Centers

   • Details: Davie’s proximity to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) and major highways (I-595, Turnpike) has made it a logistics hub. DHL and Amazon have large distribution centers in the area, including in nearby Miramar and Sunrise.
   • Hiring Trend: High volume of positions for cost accountants, inventory accountants, and financial analysts. These roles are fast-paced and often require experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle.

4. Local CPA & Advisory Firms

   • Examples: Firms like Kaufman Rossin, Ernst & Young (Fort Lauderdale office), and numerous local practices in the Weston/Davie corridor.
   • Hiring Trend: Strong demand for tax and audit professionals. The best way in is through a public accounting internship, which often leads to full-time offers. Firms love hiring local graduates from FAU or FIU.

5. Broward County Government

   • Details: The county seat is Fort Lauderdale, but many departments have administrative offices in Davie or nearby.
   • Hiring Trend: Governmental accounting is a stable field. Positions open for internal auditors, financial managers, and budget accountants. The process is slower (civil service exams), but the benefits are excellent.

6. Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

   • Details: A large private university with a massive campus in Davie. They have a complex financial structure.
   • Hiring Trend: Similar to Broward College, with roles for accountants familiar with higher education accounting, endowment management, and research grant compliance.

Insider Tip: Don’t ignore the small and mid-sized businesses in the Sawgrass Mills and Weston commercial corridors. Many family-owned import/export, retail, and professional services firms need dedicated accountants and offer competitive packages to retain talent.

Getting Licensed in FL

To practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Florida, you must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The process is rigorous and requires significant investment of time and money.

Key Requirements:

1. Education: A 120-credit hour bachelor’s degree is the minimum to sit for the exam, but you need 150 credit hours to be licensed. Most candidates complete a master’s in accounting or a Master of Taxation (M.Tax) to meet this.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). The average pass rate for first-time candidates in Florida is around 50-55%.
3. Experience: You must have one year (2,000 hours) of general accounting experience under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Florida-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

Item	Estimated Cost	Timeline
CPA Exam Fees	$1,000 - $1,500	6-18 months (studying + testing)
Review Course (Becker, Roger)	$1,500 - $3,000	6-12 months
Licensing & Application Fees	$300 - $500	1-2 months (post-exam)
Master’s Degree (150 credits)	$15,000 - $40,000+	1-2 years (if needed)
Total (no Master's)	~$2,800 - $5,000	1.5 - 2 years
Total (with Master's)	~$17,800 - $45,000+	2.5 - 4 years

Insider Tip: Florida is a "two-tier" state. You can be a CPA without the experience requirement (called a "CPA candidate"), but you cannot sign reports or practice independently. The experience requirement is the most common hurdle. Starting at a public accounting firm is the most straightforward path to fulfill it.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Davie is a sprawling, suburban town. Your choice depends on your commute tolerance, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Western Davie (e.g., near Orange Lake, Hiatus Road)

   • Vibe: Newer construction, larger homes, more family-oriented. Farther from the highways.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to downtown Fort Lauderdale, longer to Miami.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $1,900/month
   • Best For: Those who work remotely or commute against traffic to the western suburbs (e.g., Weston). Good value for space.

2. Central Davie (near Davie Road & Griffin Road)

   • Vibe: Mixed older and newer homes, close to Nova Southeastern University, shopping, and restaurants. Classic suburban feel.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most major employment centers. Central for commuting to Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, or Miami.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,750/month
   • Best For: The best balance of commute times and amenities. The most popular area for young professionals.

3. East Davie (near I-595 and US-441)

   • Vibe: Older, closer to highways, and more transient. More industrial and commercial pockets.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to Fort Lauderdale, 25+ to Miami. Easiest highway access.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650/month
   • Best For: Those who prioritize a short commute and have a car. Can be noisier and less scenic.

4. Davie-Adjacent: Sunrise (Sawgrass Mills Area)

   • Vibe: Commercial powerhouse with the massive Sawgrass Mills mall. More apartments and condos.
   • Commute: 15 minutes to Fort Lauderdale, 30+ to Miami.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $1,850/month
   • Best For: Shoppers and those who want a vibrant, commercial environment. Direct access to the Turnpike.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-595 and the Turnpike is brutal during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). If you’re commuting to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, living east of I-595 can save you 15-20 minutes each way. Always test the commute during your interview process.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for accountants in the Davie metro is projected at 4%. This isn’t a field that will see explosive growth, but it’s incredibly resilient. Accounting is the language of business, and South Florida’s diverse economy will always need fluent speakers.

Specialty Premiums:

• Forensic Accounting: High demand for disputes and fraud investigation, especially in litigation-prone South Florida.
• International Tax: Major premium for those who can navigate U.S. tax treaties and Latin American currency issues.
• IT Audit/Systems Accounting: With every company using ERPs, accountants who understand systems and data security (CISA) are invaluable.

Advancement Paths:
The classic path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. In public accounting, it’s Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner/Principal. In Davie, the most lucrative path is often to stay in public accounting for 5-7 years, then jump to a senior corporate role in healthcare or logistics.

10-Year Outlook:
Automation (AI, RPA) will handle more transactional work (AP, basic bookkeeping). The value will be in analysis, advisory, and strategic planning. Accountants who can interpret data and tell the story behind the numbers will thrive. The best way to future-proof your career is to specialize early, earn your CPA, and gain experience in a high-growth local industry like healthcare or tech-enabled logistics.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Davie offers a stable, solid accounting career with access to the major South Florida market. It’s a practical choice for career-focused professionals who value a suburban quality of life over urban buzz.

Pros	Cons
No state income tax boosts take-home pay.	High cost of living (111.8 index) erodes the salary advantage.
Strong job market in healthcare, logistics, education.	Car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Strategic location between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.	Traffic congestion can be severe on major highways.
Family-friendly suburbs with good dining and parks.	Salaries are stagnant; growth is slow (4% over 10 years).
Access to major CPA firms for training and career growth.	Homeownership is challenging on a single median salary.

Final Recommendation:
Move to Davie if: You are a mid-career accountant (or a CPA) with specialized skills in healthcare, logistics, or tax. You value a stable, suburban lifestyle, have a family, or are partnered with another high earner. You’re okay with a commute for a bigger home and a yard.

Think twice if: You are early in your career, on a single income, and dream of owning a home quickly. You prefer walkable urban environments and a vibrant nightlife. You’re seeking rapid salary growth; you’ll need to job-hop or specialize aggressively.

Insider’s Last Word: Davie is a "workhorse" market. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. The key is to leverage the proximity to Fort Lauderdale’s corporate HQs and Miami’s international business scene without paying Miami’s rent. Get your CPA, specialize in a high-demand local industry, and you can build a very comfortable life here.

FAQs

1. I’m an entry-level accountant. Is it worth moving to Davie for a job?
Probably not for a single median salary offer. The cost of living is high. If you get an offer, try to negotiate closer to the top of the entry-level range ($75,000). Consider starting in a lower-cost Florida city like Tampa or Jacksonville and relocating later with more experience and a higher salary.

2. How competitive is the job market for non-CPAs?
It’s competitive, but there are plenty of staff and bookkeeping roles in small and mid-sized businesses. However, the ceiling for salary and promotion is significantly lower