Accountant in Fall River, MA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Fall River, MA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Fall River offers a compelling salary proposition for accountants, especially when you weigh it against the cost of living. The city’s proximity to both Boston and Providence creates a unique job market that pulls from both metro areas, but without the punishing price tags.

The median salary for an accountant in Fall River is $86,312/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.5/hour. This sits right at the national average, which is $86,080/year. While it might not seem like a huge premium, the real value is unlocked when you factor in the local economy. For context, a similar role in Boston might command a higher salary, but that premium is often completely erased by the city's astronomical housing and living costs.

The job market itself is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 187 accounting jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't a boomtown for finance, but it offers steady, reliable opportunities, particularly in corporate accounting, manufacturing, and healthcare—sectors that form the backbone of the local economy.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Fall River)
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $70,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$70,000 - $90,000
Senior	8-15	$90,000 - $115,000
Expert/Manager	15+	$115,000+

Insider Tip: Don't get bogged down by the "median" number. If you have your CPA and experience in a niche like manufacturing cost accounting (a huge industry here) or healthcare revenue cycle management (critical with our major hospitals), you can command a salary well above the median, even at the mid-career level.

How Fall River Compares to Other MA Cities

Fall River is an affordable outlier in a high-cost state. It’s a commuter haven for those who work in Providence, RI, or even the outer suburbs of Boston (like the Route 24 corridor), but it maintains its own distinct identity.

• Boston: Salaries are 25-40% higher, but the cost of living is over 100% higher. An $86k salary in Fall River requires a much higher income in Boston just to achieve the same standard of living.
• Worcester: Similar in size and economic profile. Salaries are comparable, but Fall River's immediate access to the coast and a major interstate (I-195) can be a draw for commuters.
• New Bedford: A sister city in many ways. Salaries and cost of living are nearly identical. The choice often comes down to personal preference and specific job openings in each municipality.
• Bristol County (Suburbs): Towns like Swansea, Somerset, and Dighton have slightly higher average incomes and property taxes, but the salary potential for an accountant remains similar. The trade-off is more suburban space versus Fall River's more urban, walkable neighborhoods.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. On a $86,312 annual salary, your take-home pay in Massachusetts will be impacted by federal tax, state income tax (5%), and FICA. You can expect a net take-home of roughly $62,000 - $64,000 annually, or about $5,200 - $5,350 per month.

The average 1-bedroom apartment in Fall River rents for $1,398/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary:

Budget Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,300	(After taxes)
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,398	Varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet)	-$200	Older apartments can be less efficient
Car Payment/Gas/Ins.	-$450	Essential. Public transit is limited
Groceries & Household	-$400
Health Insurance (if employer doesn't cover full premium)	-$200
Retirement (401k - 5% match)	-$360	Do this. It's free money.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, etc.)	-$1,292
Total Expenses	$4,300
Monthly Savings/Investment	$1,000

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the biggest draws of Fall River. The median home price here hovers around $350,000 - $400,000, significantly lower than the state average of over $600,000.

With your $1,000/month surplus from the budget above, you have a clear path to saving for a down payment. On a $375,000 home, a 10% down payment is $37,500. With disciplined saving, you could realistically reach this in 3-4 years.

Insider Tip: Look at the South End or the Flint Village neighborhoods. You can find well-maintained 2-3 family homes for under $400,000. Renting out one or two units can dramatically offset your mortgage, making homeownership not just affordable, but financially savvy.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

The accounting job market here is anchored by institutions that need robust financial oversight. You won't find the Big Four in downtown Fall River, but you will find stable, well-paying roles in corporate, healthcare, and public accounting.

1. Southcoast Health System: This is the largest employer in the region, encompassing St. Luke's Hospital in Fall River and its network of clinics. They have a dedicated corporate finance department with constant openings for staff accountants, revenue cycle analysts, and financial managers. Hiring trend: Steady growth, especially in revenue cycle and compliance roles due to ever-changing healthcare regulations.

2. Bristol Community College: A major local employer with a need for institutional accountants, grant managers, and financial aid officers. Roles here often come with excellent benefits and a strong work-life balance. Hiring trend: Stable, with openings tied to budget cycles and state funding.

3. Manufacturer Companies: Fall River has a rich history in manufacturing, and while the textile mills are mostly gone, the sector is alive with modern operations. Look for roles at companies like Saurer Intelligent Technology (textile machinery) or East Coast Silos. They need cost accountants and financial analysts to manage inventory, production costs, and supply chain finances. Hiring trend: Consistent demand for accountants who understand manufacturing processes and inventory valuation (FIFO/LIFO).

4. Local Government (City of Fall River): The City Hall and School Department employ accountants for municipal budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting. These are civil service positions with strong job security. Hiring trend: Slow but steady; openings are infrequent but highly competitive when they arise.

5. Public Accounting Firms: While smaller than in major metros, firms like DiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP and KLR (which has a strong South Coast presence) have offices in the area. They serve local businesses, non-profits, and individuals. Hiring trend: Great entry points for new CPAs. The focus is on tax and audit services for local entities.

6. Bristol County Savings Bank: As a major local financial institution, the bank needs accountants for internal financial reporting, loan auditing, and branch operations. Hiring trend: Growth in compliance and risk management roles.

7. State of Massachusetts: With a major office in nearby Attleboro and satellite functions in Fall River, the state employs accountants for tax processing, benefit administration, and departmental auditing. Hiring trend: Consistent, with many positions offering hybrid remote work.

Getting Licensed in MA

To practice as a CPA in Massachusetts, you must be licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy. The process is rigorous but straightforward.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credit hours) plus 30 additional credit hours (total 150) in accounting and business-related subjects. The specific course requirements are detailed on the Board's website.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam with 120 credit hours, but you need 150 to be licensed.
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience supervised by a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state and section).
• Application/Licensing Fees: ~$300-$500.
• Study Materials (Becker, Wiley, etc.): $1,500 - $3,000.
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,300 - $5,000.

Timeline: Plan for a 1-2 year process from start to finish. If you start with 120 credits, you'll need to complete the remaining 30 credits (often through a Master's program or community college) while studying for and passing the exam.

Insider Tip: The Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA) is an invaluable resource. They offer student memberships, networking events, and continuing education. Attending a local chapter meeting in Taunton or Providence is one of the best ways to get your name out there.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your choice of neighborhood will be dictated by your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. The Highlands: This is the most sought-after residential area. Tree-lined streets, well-kept single-family homes, and easy access to I-195. You'll find many professionals here, including accountants who work at the hospitals or downtown. The commute to Southcoast Health or the downtown business district is under 10 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,800 - $2,200/month.

2. The South End: A more urban, up-and-coming neighborhood with a mix of historic triple-deckers and new developments. It's walkable, has great restaurants, and is a straight shot to downtown. Ideal for younger accountants who want a bit more energy.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,700/month.

3. The Flint Village: A quiet, mostly residential neighborhood with a strong sense of community. You'll find more affordable housing here, including 2- and 3-family homes perfect for house-hacking. The commute to major employers is easy and direct.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,400 - $1,600/month.

4. The North End: This area is a mix of residential and commercial, with many multi-family homes close to the border with Somerset. It's convenient for commuting north to jobs in the Berkley/TAUNTON area or across the Braga Bridge to Providence.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,500 - $1,800/month.

5. Westport (Just Outside the City): For those who prefer a more suburban, rural feel with a bit more land. It's a short drive to Fall River and offers excellent schools. The trade-off is a slightly longer commute and fewer walkable amenities.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,600 - $2,000/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates that growth will come from specialization and advancement, not from a flood of new entry-level positions.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: This is non-negotiable for serious career growth. It can add 10-15% to your salary potential.
• Manufacturing/Cost Accounting: As mentioned, this is a high-demand niche in the region due to the industrial base. Expertise here can lead to Controller or Plant Manager roles.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: With Southcoast Health as a major player, certification in healthcare finance (like from HFMA) can open doors to specialized, high-paying roles.
• ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite): Accountants who are proficient in these systems are invaluable for data analysis and process improvement.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager -> Controller or Finance Director. In Fall River, the ceiling for a non-CPA might be a Senior Accountant or small Business Manager role. To reach Controller or Director level, a CPA is almost always required.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable. The growth will be in roles that support technology integration, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. Traditional bookkeeping roles may become more automated. To stay relevant, accountants should focus on analytical skills, system proficiency, and obtaining their CPA license.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

Fall River is a pragmatic choice for an accountant. It’s not a glittering financial hub, but it offers a high quality of life and strong financial viability for the profession.

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Median salary of $86,312 goes far here.	Limited High-End Finance Jobs: You won't find investment banking or private equity roles.
Strong Job Stability: Anchored by healthcare, government, and manufacturing.	Commute Dependency: Public transit is limited; a car is essential.
Homeownership is Attainable: A realistic goal on an accountant's salary.	4% Job Growth: Slower pace of new opportunities compared to major metros.
Proximity to Major City Centers: Easy access to Providence and Boston for cultural amenities and networking.	Cultural Scene: More limited than larger cities, though it's improving.
Tight-Knit Professional Community: Easier to build a strong network.	Older Housing Stock: Can mean higher utility costs and maintenance.

Final Recommendation

Fall River is an excellent choice for the pragmatic accountant. If your priority is financial security, homeownership, and a stable career without the stress of a hyper-competitive, high-cost city, you will thrive here.

It's particularly well-suited for:

• Early to Mid-Career Professionals looking to save money aggressively and buy their first home.
• Accountants with families who value good schools, safe neighborhoods, and community.
• CPAs and specialists in manufacturing or healthcare who want to be in a region where their skills are in high demand.

If you're seeking the fast-paced, high-visibility career of a Wall Street accountant or a tech startup in Boston, Fall River will feel slow. But if you want to build a solid, comfortable, and financially rewarding life, the numbers and the opportunity are here.

FAQs

1. Is the CPA license necessary to get a good accounting job in Fall River?
For senior and managerial roles, yes. You can find a decent staff or senior accountant position without it, especially in private industry, but your long-term growth and salary ceiling will be significantly limited. The local market highly values the CPA credential.

2. How realistic is the commute to Boston or Providence?

• To Providence: Very realistic. It's a 30-45 minute commute via I-195. Many Fall River residents work in Providence and benefit from its job market while enjoying Fall River's lower cost of living.
• To Boston: Challenging but doable. The commute by car is 60-90 minutes (or more) due to traffic. The MBTA commuter rail is not directly accessible from Fall River, requiring a drive to the Providence station first. This is a tough daily grind but possible for the right opportunity.

3. What are the biggest employers for accountants outside of healthcare?
Manufacturing is a huge sector. Look for companies involved in plastics, metals, and industrial machinery. The City of Fall River and Bristol Community College are also major, stable employers. Financial institutions like Bristol County Savings Bank and insurance agencies are other key areas.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work in Fall River?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many companies in the region have adopted hybrid models. Furthermore, you can apply for remote-only positions with companies based anywhere, though you'll need to be mindful of time zones and potential travel requirements. Living in Fall River while working remotely for a Boston-based firm is a popular and financially savvy arrangement.

5. What professional networks should I join?
The most important is the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA). Join the southern chapter. Also, consider the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce for general business networking. Attending events at the Bristol Community College Business program can also be a great way to connect with local professionals and educators.