Accountant in Grand Forks, ND

As a career analyst who has spent considerable time in Grand Forks, I can tell you that accounting here is a stable, well-compensated career path. The city's economy, anchored by the University of North Dakota and Grand Forks Air Force Base, creates consistent demand for skilled financial professionals. However, it's a different world than Minneapolis or Chicago. The pay is solid for the region, the cost of living is a major win, and the community is tight-knit. This guide is for the accountant who values fiscal responsibility, a manageable commute, and the distinct culture of the Northern Plains.

Let's get into the numbers and the neighborhood details.

The Salary Picture: Where Grand Forks Stands

The accounting profession in Grand Forks pays well above the national cost of living, making it financially attractive. The median salary for an accountant in Grand Forks is $82,516/year, with an hourly rate of $39.67/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but when you factor in the cost of living, your purchasing power here is significantly higher.

The metro area supports 117 accountant jobs (BLS Metro Area data), with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, consistent market rather than a boom-and-bust cycle. The demand is driven by the public sector, healthcare, and the university.

Here’s how experience level breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Grand Forks Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Often starts in staff accountant roles at local firms or in AP/AR at larger employers.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Senior accountant, cost accountant, or internal auditor roles. This is the sweet spot for hiring.
Senior/Manager	8-15 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Management roles, controllers, or specialized senior positions at major employers.
Expert/Partner	15+ years	$110,000+	Typically partners in local CPA firms, CFOs at regional companies, or state-level auditors.

How Grand Forks Compares to Other ND Cities:

• Fargo: Higher salaries ($85,000+ median) due to a larger corporate presence and more competition, but also a higher cost of living and more traffic.
• Bismarck: Similar salaries but more government-focused roles (state agencies).
• Minot: Lower salaries on average, with less diversity in employer types.
• Grand Forks hits a unique balance: strong wages for the region and a very low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The biggest financial advantage in Grand Forks is the low cost of living. The Cost of Living Index is 86.2 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $736/month. This changes the math dramatically compared to national averages.

Let's break down the monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary of $82,516/year. (Note: This uses rough estimates for taxes; consult a professional for your specifics.)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,876
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA ~25%): -$1,719
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,157
• Rent (1BR, average): -$736
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: ~$4,421

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, and it's a common path. With significant cash flow after rent, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Grand Forks is around $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000. With the remaining $4,421/month, an accountant could save $2,000/month towards a home and still have over $2,400 for all other expenses. A 2-3 year savings timeline to purchase a home is realistic for many.

Where the Jobs Are: Grand Forks's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by public sector and institutional employers. Private accounting roles exist but are fewer. Hiring trends favor candidates with CPA credentials and experience in government or higher education accounting.

1. University of North Dakota (UND): The largest employer. They hire staff accountants, grant accountants, financial analysts, and auditors. The work is stable, benefits are excellent (including tuition waivers), and the pace is methodical. Networking here is key—many accounting alumni start at UND.
2. Altru Health System: The region's dominant healthcare provider. They need accountants for revenue cycle, cost accounting, and financial reporting. Healthcare accounting is a complex, specialized field that offers good long-term prospects here. They often hire from within and promote from their billing/coding departments.
3. Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB): As a major federal facility, GFAFB requires GS-level accountants and auditors through on-site contracting or direct federal hiring. The security clearance process can be a barrier, but it's a lucrative, long-term career path. Contractors like Amentum and Sierra Nevada Corporation are major players.
4. State of North Dakota (Agencies): The State Tax Commissioner, Office of Management & Budget, and State Auditor's Office have regional offices in Grand Forks. These are classic governmental accounting roles with strong pensions and job security.
5. Local CPA Firms: Firms like Brady, Martz & Associates, P.C. and Eide Bailly LLP (with a GF office) are the primary private-sector employers. They offer the traditional public accounting path (audit, tax) and are a stepping stone for many who later move into industry.
6. City of Grand Forks/Grand Forks County: Municipal government roles in finance, audit, and budgeting. Hiring is periodic and often requires navigating the local civil service system.
7. Major Local Businesses: Companies like Simplot (food processing) and General Mills (plant in nearby East Grand Forks, MN) have corporate accounting needs, but these roles are fewer and more competitive.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota requires a CPA license to perform public accounting services. The requirements are standard but must be met precisely.

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and 24 hours of upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours of business courses. Most fulfill this with a Master's in Accounting (M.Acc) or a combined degree.
• Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination (4 parts). The North Dakota Board of Accountancy (ndboc.gov) administers the exam.
• Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
• Costs: Expect to spend $3,000 - $5,000 total for exam fees, review courses, and application fees.
• Timeline: From starting your education to full licensure, plan for 5-6 years (4-year degree + 1 year for 150 credits + 1 year of experience).

Insider Tip: UND's College of Business & Public Administration has a well-regarded M.Acc program. Many local firms recruit directly from the program, and the faculty have deep connections with Grand Forks employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Grand Forks is easy to navigate, but lifestyle and commute differ by neighborhood. As a local, I can tell you that "rush hour" here is not a real concept—a 15-minute commute is standard.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Insider Note
Near UND (South Grand Forks)	Collegiate, walkable to campus, younger demographic. Short commute to UND, Altru, or downtown.	$700 - $850	The area most new hires target. You'll be close to the university's cultural events and the Greenway system.
Downtown Grand Forks	Urban, historic, with a growing arts/food scene. Walkable to some state and city offices.	$750 - $900	A great choice if you want to be in the heart of the city's revival. Limited but improving housing stock.
Southside / Lincoln Drive	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Easy access to shopping, schools, and the base.	$700 - $800	The classic "starter home" area. Practical for those who value space and a quiet neighborhood.
Grand Forks East / Gateway Drive	Commercial corridor, newer apartment complexes, convenient to GFAFB and major retailers.	$650 - $750	Often has the most new apartment inventory. A no-frills, convenient option.
University Place	Established neighborhood with older homes, very close to UND. Quiet and tree-lined.	$750 - $850	Popular with young professionals and faculty. Feels more established than the student-heavy Southside.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path in Grand Forks is more linear than in a major metro. Advancement often means moving into management at your current employer or switching employers.

• Specialty Premiums: The CPA license is the single most valuable credential. It can command a 10-15% salary premium. Specializing in government auditing or non-profit accounting (common for UND and Altru) opens doors that generalists can't access. Forensic accounting is rare but can be lucrative if you work with a firm that contracts with legal entities.
• Advancement Paths: A typical path is: Staff Accountant at a firm -> Senior Accountant at Altru or UND -> Controller or Accounting Manager. Many stay with a single employer for decades due to stability and pension benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth suggests steady demand, not explosive growth. The big drivers will be retirements in the state/local government sector and continued expansion at Altru Health. The biggest opportunity for high earnings is moving into a CFO role at a regional business or becoming a partner at a local CPA firm. However, the upper income ceiling is lower than in major metros; partner track at a local firm may top out around $150,000 - $180,000.

The Verdict: Is Grand Forks Right for You?

Making the move is a lifestyle and financial calculation. Here’s a direct comparison:

Pros	Cons
Excellent value: $82,516 salary goes extremely far with $736 average rent and an 86.2 cost of living index.	Limited job market: Only 117 accountant jobs. A layoff can be stressful; you may need to look to Fargo or remote work.
Stable employers: Major institutions (UND, Altru, State, Base) offer recession-resistant jobs.	Slower career pace: Fewer specialized roles (e.g., FP&A at a tech giant) and less networking diversity.
Easy lifestyle: 15-minute commutes, no traffic, access to outdoor recreation (Red River, Greenway).	Weather: Harsh, long winters. This is a genuine factor that affects quality of life for 5-6 months.
Strong community: It's easy to build a professional and social network.	Cultural & Dining Scene: It's growing, but it's no Minneapolis. Fewer options for niche interests.
Low barrier to entry: For recent grads with 150 credits, breaking in is easier than in a saturated market.	Professional Stagnation: After 10 years, you may need to look outside the region for new challenges.

Final Recommendation: Grand Forks is an ideal choice for accountants who prioritize work-life balance, financial stability, and a community-oriented environment over high-stakes corporate ambition. If you want to build a career where you can buy a home early, commute 10 minutes, and know your colleagues by name, this is a strong fit. If you need the energy of a major corporate hub or want to specialize in a niche like investment banking, you will likely find Grand Forks limiting.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a CPA with 5 years of experience?
A: Not overly competitive, but specific. The 117 jobs mean openings aren't constant. However, when a senior role opens at UND, Altru, or a good firm, it gets serious attention. Having a CPA is a huge advantage. Networking with a local firm like Brady, Martz before you move can be invaluable.

Q: Is it necessary to have a car in Grand Forks?
A: Yes, virtually essential. While UND is walkable, the city is spread out. Employers like the Air Force Base, Altru's main campus, and industrial areas are not easily accessible by public transit. A reliable vehicle is a must for commuting and daily life.

Q: What's the social scene like for young professionals?
A: It's centered on UND sports (hockey is a major event), local breweries (like Rhombus Guys), and outdoor activities. The Greenway system is a hub for runners and cyclists. It's not a nightlife city, but a strong sense of community exists through professional groups and recreational leagues.

Q: Are remote accounting jobs available from Grand Forks?
A: Yes, and they're growing. Due to the limited local job market, many accountants here work remotely for firms based in Fargo, Minneapolis, or national companies. This is a great way to access higher salaries or more specialized roles without leaving the Grand Forks cost-of-living advantage. Having a strong internet connection is key.

Q: How does the cost of living index of 86.2 break down?
A: Housing is the biggest factor, being ~30% below the national average. Utilities and transportation are also lower. Groceries and healthcare are closer to the national average. This index is compiled from various sources, including the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), and it's a key reason the $82,516 median salary provides a high-quality lifestyle here.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota Department of Commerce, Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, U.S. Census Bureau, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index, North Dakota Board of Accountancy.