Accountant in Fayetteville, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

As a local who’s watched this market evolve, I can tell you Fayetteville isn't the highest-paying city for accountants, but it offers a compelling value proposition. The median salary for an accountant here is $83,755/year, or $40.27/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 203 accounting jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't a boomtown for the field, but it's a reliable, steady market with consistent demand from the university, healthcare, and growing corporate sectors.

To give you a clearer picture of what to expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Fayetteville)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic financial reporting, assisting with audits.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $95,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial statement preparation, tax filing, budgeting, supervisory roles.
Senior/Expert (8+ yrs)	$95,000 - $130,000+	Controller, CFO, technical accounting, complex tax strategy, audit management, department leadership.

Insider Tip: While the median is $83,755, accountants with a CPA license and specialization in areas like nonprofit accounting (due to the university and local foundations) or healthcare financial management (for the hospital systems) can command salaries at the higher end of the senior range.

Comparative Context with Other Arkansas Cities (2023 BLS Data):

• Little Rock: Median salary is closer to $88,500, with more corporate headquarters and government jobs, but cost of living is ~15% higher.
• Bentonville: Median salary can hit $92,000+, driven by Walmart's corporate offices and supplier network, but housing costs are notably higher.
• Fayetteville: Offers a "sweet spot" – lower cost of living than Little Rock or Bentonville, with salaries that, when adjusted for expenses, provide strong purchasing power.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $83,755, here’s a realistic breakdown for a single accountant living in Fayetteville.

Disclaimer: This is an estimate. Actual take-home pay varies based on 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and state/local tax withholdings. We'll assume a standard filing status and a 6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare deduction for this exercise.

• Gross Annual Salary: $83,755
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$18,500 (approx. 22% effective rate)
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: $65,255
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $5,438

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Apartment): $924 (City Average)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries & Household Items: $350
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $250 (Assumes a car payment is separate)
• Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized): $200
• Entertainment/Dining Out: $300
• Savings/Retirement (15% of Gross): $1,047 (Pre-tax, so this comes out before the take-home calculation)
• Miscellaneous/Debt Payments: $500
• Total Monthly Expenses: $3,751
• Remaining Disposable Income: $1,687

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a disposable income of nearly $1,700 per month after all living expenses, a median-priced home in Fayetteville is within reach. The median home value in Fayetteville is around $290,000. With a 10% down payment ($29,000), a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment (PITI) of approximately $1,750 - $1,900. This is slightly above the disposable income in our model, but with a larger down payment, a dual-income household, or a few years of saving, it's a very attainable goal. Rental parity is strong here—you can often find a mortgage payment comparable to high-end rent.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

Fayetteville's accounting job market is anchored by a few key sectors: education, healthcare, and corporate retail. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. University of Arkansas (U of A): The state's flagship university is one of the largest employers in Northwest Arkansas. They have a massive internal accounting department for their multi-billion-dollar budget, plus opportunities in grants management, procurement, and auxiliary services. Hiring trend: Steady, with high turnover in entry-level positions but strong retention in senior roles.
2. Washington Regional Medical Center: As one of the two major hospital systems in the area (the other being Mercy), their finance department is always hiring. Specializations in healthcare reimbursement, cost accounting, and compliance are in demand. Hiring trend: Consistent growth, especially with the expansion of the NWA healthcare corridor.
3. Butterball, LLC: A major employer with a significant processing plant and corporate office in the region. They have a robust finance team for corporate accounting, cost accounting for production, and tax. Hiring trend: Stable, with cyclical needs around fiscal year-end and tax season.
4. Arvest Bank: Headquartered in nearby Fayetteville, Arvest is a massive regional bank with a deep need for accountants in audit, loan servicing, and branch accounting. Hiring trend: Growing, as they continue to expand their footprint across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
5. P&G (Fayetteville Plant): Procter & Gamble's large manufacturing facility requires cost accountants, financial analysts, and internal auditors to manage its significant local operations. Hiring trend: Very stable, with openings typically tied to retirements or internal promotions.
6. Local CPA Firms: The professional services sector is vital. Firms like Hoglund & Co., Miller & Company, and Elliott & Associates consistently hire for tax and audit roles. Hiring trend: Strong demand, particularly for CPAs, with a focus on client growth in the local small business and nonprofit sectors.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

To practice as a CPA in Arkansas, you must be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Accountancy (ASBOA). Here’s the roadmap:

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credit hours) with a concentration in accounting from an accredited institution. To sit for the exam, you need 30 specific accounting hours. To get licensed, you must complete 150 total credit hours.
2. Uniform CPA Exam: Pass all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You have 18 months to pass all four from your first passing score.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of experience in accounting, under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can include public accounting, government, or industry.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: Application fees + exam fees total approximately $1,500 - $2,000 (varies by state and section).
• Review Course: A comprehensive review course (Becker, Roger, etc.) costs $1,500 - $2,500.
• Education Costs: Varies widely if you need to go back for credits. Community college credits are a cost-effective option.
• License Fee: The initial license fee in Arkansas is $150.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-6: Finalize your educational requirements (150 credits). Enroll in a review course.
• Months 7-18: Study for and pass all four CPA exam sections.
• Months 19-24: Secure a qualifying job, complete your 1,800 hours of experience, and pass the ethics exam.
• Total Timeline: 1.5 to 2 years is a realistic timeframe from starting the process to holding your license, assuming you have the educational foundation.

Insider Tip: The Arkansas State Board of Accountancy website is your best friend. They have a clear checklist and their staff is known for being responsive if you have specific questions about your transcript or experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live can impact your commute and lifestyle. Fayetteville is compact, but here are the top neighborhoods for accounting professionals:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. Rent (1BR)	Commute to Major Employers
Downtown Fayetteville	Walkable, urban, with coffee shops, restaurants, and the square. Popular with young professionals.	$950 - $1,200	Excellent. 5-10 mins to U of A, 10-15 mins to hospitals. Easy access to I-49.
Wilson Park / Washington County	Quiet, established, tree-lined streets. Close to Razorback Greenway for biking. Family-friendly.	$850 - $1,050	Very Good. 10-15 mins to most employers. Easy access to downtown.
South Fayetteville	Suburban feel, newer developments, more square footage for the price. Close to shopping (Target, etc.).	$800 - $1,000	Good. 15-20 mins to downtown/U of A. 10-15 mins to P&G/Butterball.
East Fayetteville / Johnson	Growing area, mix of apartments and single-family homes. Closer to the interstate for commuting to Springdale/Bentonville.	$750 - $950	Good. 15-20 mins to downtown. 20-30 mins to Bentonville if needed.
The Gulch / Historic District	Historic charm, unique rentals, and a strong sense of community. More niche.	$900 - $1,250	Excellent. Walking distance to downtown Square and many offices.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal compared to major metros, but the 5:00 PM rush on I-49 and College Avenue can add 10-15 minutes to a commute. If you work at the university, living north of Dickson Street can make your commute a breeze.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fayetteville, your career growth will be influenced by specialization and networking. The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates a market that values retention and internal promotion over high-churn hiring.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 10-20% salary bump upon licensure.
• Nonprofit Accounting: With the University of Arkansas, the Walton Family Foundation, and numerous local nonprofits, this is a high-demand niche.
• Healthcare Financial Management: Certifications like the HFMA's CHFP can lead to roles at Washington Regional or Mercy, with salaries exceeding the median.
• Data Analytics: Accountants who can leverage tools like Tableau or Power BI for financial modeling are highly valued in corporate roles (P&G, Arvest).

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner (at a local firm).
• Corporate (Industry): Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO (especially in local manufacturing or retail).
• Government/Education: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director (at U of A or a local government).

10-Year Outlook: The field will become more analytical. The "number cruncher" role is diminishing. Accountants who can interpret data, advise on strategy, and manage technology will thrive. The cost of living advantage in Fayetteville allows for a lower financial pressure to "job hop," making it a great place to build deep expertise at one or two employers.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your $83,755 salary goes significantly further here than in Little Rock or Bentonville.	Limited High-End Jobs: Fewer Fortune 500 corporate HQs than Bentonville; senior roles are more concentrated.
Vibrant College Town Vibe: Youthful energy, cultural events (like the Fayetteville Farmers Market), and a strong sense of community.	4% Job Growth: Not a fast-growing market; promotions often require patience and strong relationships.
Strategic Location: Easy 30-45 minute drive to other NWA cities for more opportunities without moving.	Seasonal Traffic: Game days and graduation can cause significant congestion around the university.
Outdoor Access: Incredible hiking, biking (Razorback Greenway), and lakes (Lake Fayetteville, Beaver Lake) are minutes away.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.
Stable Employers: Major anchor institutions (U of A, hospitals) provide job security.	Wage Ceiling: While comfortable, top-tier salaries may be capped compared to national metros.

Final Recommendation:
Fayetteville is an excellent choice for accountants who value work-life balance, affordability, and a strong community over chasing the absolute highest salary. It's ideal for early to mid-career professionals looking to build a stable career, get their CPA, and buy a home without massive debt. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid entry into the ultra-competitive corporate finance arena of a major coastal city. If you can accept a slightly slower career pace in exchange for a high quality of life, Fayetteville is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Will my CPA license from another state transfer to Arkansas?
Yes, but it's not automatic. If you move to Arkansas, you should apply for a "reciprocal" license. You'll need to meet Arkansas's experience requirements (1 year under a CPA) and may need to complete the Arkansas-specific ethics exam. Contact the ASBOA for a definitive evaluation of your credentials.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants here?
It's moderately competitive. With the University of Arkansas and local CPA firms, there are regular openings. Having your bachelor's degree in accounting and any internship experience (even if outside Arkansas) will set you apart. Networking with the local chapter of the Arkansas Society of CPAs (ASCPA) is crucial.

3. Is it possible to commute from Fayetteville to Bentonville for a higher-paying job?
Very common. The commute is 30-45 minutes via I-49. Many accountants live in Fayetteville for the lower rents and lifestyle but work in Bentonville at P&G, Arvest, or Walmart's suppliers. The higher salary in Bentonville can offset the commute costs while still allowing you to enjoy Fayetteville's living conditions.

4. What's the best way to network as a new accountant in Fayetteville?
Join the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the ASCPA. They host monthly luncheons and events. Also, attend the First Friday lunch-and-learns at the U of A's Sam M. Walton College of Business. The accounting community in NWA is tight-knit and welcoming.

5. Are there remote work opportunities with Fayetteville-based companies?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many local firms and employers have adopted hybrid models. However, for roles requiring physical presence (like hospital accounting or manufacturing cost control), in-office work is still the norm. It's best to assume a 2-3 day in-office requirement unless specified.