Accountant Career Guide: Florence, SC

As a career analyst who’s spent a lot of time in the Pee Dee region, I can tell you Florence isn't your typical finance hub like Charlotte or Greenville. It’s a regional anchor—a healthcare and logistics powerhouse that offers a surprisingly stable, affordable market for accountants who value quality of life over frantic career ladders. If you’re considering a move here, looking for a remote role with a local anchor, or just want to understand the lay of the land, this guide is for you. Let’s break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-life logistics of being an accountant in Florence.

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Florence’s accounting salaries are modest but competitive for the region, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for an accountant in Florence is $82,981/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $39.89/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year. However, given Florence’s Cost of Living Index of 88.0 (12% below the U.S. average of 100), the purchasing power here is actually quite strong.

The job market is small but stable, with about 80 accounting jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is slower than the national average but reflects Florence’s mature, stable economy rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn at different career stages in Florence. Note that these are local estimates based on market surveys and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Florence Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$105,000 - $135,000+

Insider Tip: At the expert level, salaries can push higher if you’re a Controller or CFO at a major regional entity like McLeod Health or a large construction firm. These roles often come with bonuses and benefits that make the total compensation package attractive.

Comparison to Other SC Cities

Florence sits in the middle of the pack for South Carolina accounting salaries. It’s not a high-paying metro like Charleston or the Greenville-Spartanburg corridor, but it significantly outperforms smaller rural markets.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)	Purchasing Power Comparison
Florence	$82,981	88.0	High
Charleston	$88,500	104.5	Moderate
Greenville	$85,200	95.0	Moderate-High
Columbia	$83,100	93.5	Moderate-High
Myrtle Beach	$79,800	99.0	Low-Moderate

Analysis: While Charleston offers higher nominal salaries, the cost of living there is over 4% above the national average. In Florence, your $82,981 salary stretches much further. If you’re a mid-career accountant looking to buy a home or start a family, Florence’s financial math is compelling.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. How does a median accountant’s salary actually play out in Florence? We’ll base this on a single filer using 2024 tax brackets (approx. 22% federal, 7% state). This is an estimate; consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant earning $82,981/year:

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$6,915	Based on $82,981/year
Estimated Take-Home Pay	$5,250	After ~24% combined taxes (Fed + SC)
Rent (1BR Average)	$792	Florence average. See neighborhoods below.
Utilities (Est.)	$150	Electricity, water, internet for a 1BR.
Groceries	$350	For a single person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car loan.
Health Insurance (Employee Share)	$300	Varies by employer.
Discretionary/Savings	$2,208	After core expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is Florence’s biggest draw. The median home price in Florence County is approximately $215,000 (per Zillow data). With the above budget, an accountant earning the median salary could comfortably afford a mortgage. A 20% down payment ($43,000) is achievable with savings, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $215,000 home might be $1,300 - $1,500. This is well within the $2,208 discretionary budget, leaving room for savings and lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Many local banks like First Citizens and Anderson Brothers offer first-time homebuyer programs with favorable terms. It’s a move that makes long-term financial sense here.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

Florence’s accounting jobs are anchored in a few key sectors: healthcare, logistics, retail, and manufacturing. The market is dominated by local and regional employers rather than Fortune 500 headquarters.

1. McLeod Health: The region’s largest employer (over 3,000 employees). Their corporate office in Florence has a steady need for staff accountants, revenue cycle analysts, and financial managers. They often post jobs on their website and local boards. Hiring trend: Stable, with growth in revenue cycle management roles.
2. General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) / Boeing: While not directly in Florence, the massive GDIT/Boeing facility in nearby Greenville (about 90 mins away) is a major commuter destination for accountants with security clearances. Some Florence residents make this drive for the premium salaries. Hiring trend: Selective, with emphasis on government contracting experience.
3. The City of Florence & Florence County: Government accounting is a stable path. Look for roles like Accountant, Budget Analyst, or Deputy Comptroller. Check the official websites for postings. Hiring trend: Stable, with openings tied to retirements.
4. Major Retail & Grocery Chains: Florence is a retail hub for the region. Walmart, Food Lion, and Lowe’s have regional distribution centers or large stores with corporate offices in the area, requiring accountants for inventory control, AP/AR, and regional finance. Hiring trend: Moderate, entry to mid-level focus.
5. Local Banks & Credit Unions: Institutions like First Citizens Bank, Anderson Brothers Bank, and Florence Federal Credit Union have headquarters or major offices in Florence. They need loan officers, branch managers, and internal auditors with accounting backgrounds. Hiring trend: Steady, with a focus on relationship management.
6. Law Firms & CPAs: The downtown area has several established firms (e.g., Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, Gallivan & White) and CPA practices that hire accountants for tax and audit work. This is a great path for those pursuing CPA certification. Hiring trend: Dependent on business growth and tax season.

Insider Tip: Networking is key in Florence. Join the Pee Dee Chapter of the SC Association of CPAs. Many jobs here are filled through word-of-mouth before they ever hit a job board.

Getting Licensed in SC

If you’re not already a CPA or looking to move your license, South Carolina has straightforward requirements.

• Education: 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree (typically in accounting).
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
• Experience: One year of qualifying public accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be satisfied in public accounting or private industry (with some restrictions).
• Ethics Exam: Pass the SC-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (NASBA fees).
• Review Course: ~$1,500 - $2,500 (e.g., Becker, UWorld).
• Licensing Fee: ~$195.
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding college): $3,200 - $4,200.
• Timeline: If you start with the 150-hour requirement met, you can complete the exam and experience in 12-18 months. If you need to complete courses, add 6-12 months.

Transferring a License: If you’re already a CPA from another state, South Carolina has reciprocity. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks and costs around $200. Contact the South Carolina Board of Accountancy for the exact forms.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Florence is a car-dependent city. Commute times are generally short (10-25 minutes), but choosing the right neighborhood can align you with your lifestyle and budget.

1. Downtown Florence (29501): The historic heart. Walkable to cafes, the Francis Marion University campus, and some offices. Best for young professionals who want a vibrant, albeit quiet, urban feel. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month
2. Savannah Grove / South Florence (South of I-95): A growing, family-friendly area with newer subdivisions. Close to McLeod Health’s main campus and the highway for easy access. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month
3. West Florence (Near the Mall): Home to the major retail corridors and the Florence Regional Airport. Very convenient for accountants working for retail chains or those who travel frequently. Commute to downtown is 15 minutes.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month
4. Timrod Park Area (East Florence): A quiet, established neighborhood with larger, older homes and mature trees. Close to Francis Marion University. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $650 - $850/month
5. Lake City (20-25 mins south): Technically its own town, but a major commuter hub for Florence. Offers a small-town feel with a lower cost of living. Commute is straightforward via US-52.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $600 - $800/month

Insider Tip: Traffic in Florence is minimal. Don’t over-prioritize a hyper-strict commute. Finding the right neighborhood vibe—Downtown for walkability, West for convenience, Savannah Grove for new construction—will matter more than saving 5 minutes on the drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Florence, career growth is more about depth and specialization than rapid vertical climbs. The 10-year job growth of 4% signals a stable, not explosive, market.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Tax Accounting: High demand during tax season. CPAs with individual and corporate tax expertise can command a premium, especially at local firms.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management: A specialty born from McLeod’s presence. Accountants who understand medical billing, compliance (HIPAA), and payer contracts are highly valued.
  • Government & Non-Profit Accounting: Experience with grants, compliance, and public sector reporting (GASB) is a niche skill set here.
  • Manufacturing/Supply Chain Cost Accounting: Given the logistics hub, cost accountants who can analyze inventory, logistics costs, and production efficiency are needed.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner (at a local firm).
  2. Corporate (e.g., McLeod, Retail HQ): Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO (this path is narrower and requires proven leadership).
  3. Government: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director → City/County Manager.

• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. Growth will be tied to two factors: 1) The expansion of McLeod Health and related healthcare services, and 2) Florence’s role as a logistics node for the I-95 corridor. Accountants who adapt to digital tools (ERP systems, data analytics) and specialize will see the best opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Florence isn’t for everyone. It’s a pragmatic choice for accountants who prioritize affordability, stability, and a slower pace of life. It’s less ideal for those seeking the fast-paced career growth of a major financial center.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power (Salary-to-Cost of Living ratio is excellent).	Limited High-End Job Market (Fewer senior roles at major corporations).
Stable, Anchor Employers (McLeod, government, retail).	Slower Career Growth (Promotions and new opportunities take time).
Short, Low-Stress Commutes (Most trips are under 20 mins).	Limited Networking Pool (Smaller professional community).
Affordable Homeownership (Median home price ~215K).	Cultural/Entertainment Options are more limited than in larger cities.
Good Work-Life Balance (Less corporate hustle).	Car Dependency (Public transit is not robust).

Final Recommendation: Florence is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape high-cost coastal cities. It’s also a viable option for entry-level accountants seeking a low-stress environment to gain experience before potentially moving. It is likely frustrating for those in the early stages of an ambitious, high-growth career path or for those who crave the energy of a major metropolitan area.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for accountants in Florence?
It’s moderately competitive. The market is small, so openings can attract a good number of applicants. Having a CPA license or niche experience (like healthcare revenue cycle) significantly sets you apart. Networking via the SC CPA Society is crucial.

2. Is remote work common for accountants in Florence?
Yes, increasingly so. Many Florence-based accountants work remotely for companies in other states (especially Charlotte or the Northeast) while enjoying the low local cost of living. Local employers are also offering more hybrid flexibility. This is a great way to access higher salaries (near national average) while living in Florence.

3. What’s the commute like from nearby areas like Lake City or Darlington?
Very manageable. Lake City is about a 20-25 minute drive via US-52. Darlington is about a 15-minute drive via I-20. Housing is even cheaper in these towns, and the commute is a straight shot with minimal traffic, making them popular with commuters.

4. Are there opportunities to work in public accounting?
Yes. While the Big 4 are absent, there are several reputable local and regional firms (e.g., Thompson, Parenteau & Co., LLP, and other local CPA practices) that handle audit, tax, and consulting for local businesses. This is the primary path to getting your CPA license and building a broad portfolio.

5. What professional associations should I join?
Definitely the South Carolina Association of CPAs (SCACPA) and specifically the Pee Dee Chapter. Also, consider the Florence Chamber of Commerce for general business networking. These are the keys to breaking into the tight-knit local business community.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, South Carolina Board of Accountancy, Cost of Living Index (COLI) data, local real estate listings, and employer job postings (McLeod Health, City of Florence, etc.).