Accountant Career Guide: Great Falls, MT

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of Montana, I can tell you that Great Falls offers a unique proposition for accountants. It’s a city where the cost of living is low, the pace of life is manageable, and the demand for financial professionals is steady, if not explosive. This isn't New York or Chicago; it’s a place where you can build a solid career and actually afford a home. Let’s break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the reality of life here.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The accounting profession in Great Falls isn't the highest-paying in the nation, but the cost of living more than makes up for it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for accountants in Great Falls is $84,169 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.47. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the gap is minimal and is decisively closed by the city’s affordability.

The local job market is stable. There are approximately 120 accountant jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates consistent demand, particularly for experienced professionals who can handle everything from tribal accounting to agricultural taxation.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earnings will vary significantly based on your experience, CPA status, and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Staff Accountant, Junior Bookkeeper	$58,000 - $68,000	General ledger, accounts payable/receivable, basic financial reporting.
Mid-Level	Senior Accountant, CPA	$75,000 - $92,000	Complex financial analysis, audit support, tax preparation, client management.
Senior/Expert	Controller, Accounting Manager, Partner	$105,000 - $140,000+	Department leadership, strategic financial planning, high-level consulting.

Insider Tip: To reach the top of this pay scale, you need your CPA license and experience with specialized software (like NetSuite or advanced Excel modeling). The local firms, like Payne & West and Anderson ZurMuehlen, value CPAs who can handle both corporate and individual tax needs.

Comparison to Other MT Cities

Great Falls holds a middle-ground position for accountants. It’s not as expensive as Bozeman or Missoula, but it offers more job stability than some of the smaller western towns.

City	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Notes
Great Falls	$84,169	$745	Strong federal/government sector, lower cost of living.
Bozeman	$87,500	$1,350	Booming tech/ag sector, but housing is extremely expensive.
Missoula	$83,400	$1,100	University-driven economy, higher state tax burden.
Billings	$81,200	$825	Energy sector focus, slightly lower pay than Great Falls.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a mid-career accountant earning the median salary of $84,169. Montana has a progressive income tax system (1-6.75%), and you’ll pay federal taxes and FICA.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for $84,169 Salary:

• Gross Monthly: $7,014
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, MT State, FICA): ~$1,850
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,164
• Average 1BR Rent (Great Falls): $745
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $4,419

This is a very healthy surplus. Utilities (electric, gas, internet) for a 1BR might run $150-$200. A weekly grocery bill for one person is typically $80-$120. You could comfortably allocate $1,000/month for a car payment, insurance, and gas, and still save over $2,000 monthly.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. The median home price in Great Falls is around $280,000. With a 20% down payment ($56,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $1,400/month. That’s nearly double the rent, but with a take-home pay of $5,164, it’s still only 27% of your net income—well within the comfortable range. Saving for that down payment would take about 2.5 years if you save $1,500/month.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, government, and local corporations. Unlike larger metros, you won’t find a ton of Fortune 500 headquarters, but you’ll find stable, well-paying positions.

1. Benefis Health System: The largest hospital in the region. They have a full finance department, including roles in revenue cycle management, budgeting, and grant accounting. Hiring is steady as they expand.
2. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): A major employer with a dedicated business office. They need accountants for grant management, payroll, and district-wide budgeting. Government pensions are a huge draw here.
3. Cargill: The agricultural giant has a significant presence here, primarily through its malt division. They hire cost accountants, financial analysts, and supply chain accountants with a focus on commodity tracking.
4. Malmstrom Air Force Base: A huge economic driver. While many accounting jobs are civilian positions within the Department of Defense, the base also supports a ecosystem of defense contractors (like Northrop Grumman) that need accounting staff for government contracts.
5. Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C.: One of Montana’s largest and most respected CPA firms, with a major office in Great Falls. They are the primary source for public accounting roles, offering tax, audit, and consulting services. They are a key employer for CPAs.
6. State of Montana (Cascade County & Regional Offices): State government agencies, including the Department of Revenue and the Department of Administration, have offices in Great Falls. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security.
7. Payne & West, P.C.: Another prominent local accounting firm. They handle a mix of local businesses, ranches, and agricultural clients, providing a different flavor of public accounting than the larger firms.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable trend toward accountants who are tech-savvy. Familiarity with cloud-based accounting (QuickBooks Online, Xero) and data analysis tools (Power BI, Tableau) is becoming a differentiator, even in mid-sized firms.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s CPA requirements are straightforward but rigorous. The Montana Board of Public Accountants oversees licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours, including specific coursework in accounting and business.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
3. Experience: One year of qualifying accounting experience (under a licensed CPA).
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (for all 4 sections)
• Application Fees: ~$150 (to the MT Board)
• Ethics Exam: ~$200
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,850 (excluding study materials, which can be an additional $1,000-$2,000)
• Timeline: If you already have the education, expect 12-18 months to pass the exam and fulfill the experience requirement. The Montana Board of Public Accountants website is the official source for the most current rules.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live impacts your commute and lifestyle. Great Falls is a compact city, so commutes are short. Here are the top areas for professionals.

1. West Side: This is the premier residential area. It’s quiet, has larger homes, and is close to the golf course and the university. Commute to downtown or the business district is 5-10 minutes. Rent Estimate: For a 1BR, you’ll be looking at older apartments or a basement suite; expect to pay $800-$950/month. For a house, rents are higher.
2. North Side: Conveniently located near Malmstrom AFB and with easy access to I-15. It’s a mix of older and newer homes. Great for those working at the base or at Cargill. Rent Estimate: More affordable, with 1BR apartments available for $700-$800/month.
3. South Side (Sun River Area): A family-friendly area with newer subdivisions. It’s a bit more suburban, with easy access to shopping centers. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: Similar to North Side, around $725-$850/month for a 1BR.
4. Downtown/Urban Core: If you want to be in the heart of the action, near local breweries, restaurants, and the Civic Center. It’s walkable and has a growing scene. Rent Estimate: You’ll find loft-style apartments and older buildings; expect $750-$900/month.
5. Highland: A quiet, established neighborhood with a mix of ranch-style homes and apartments. It’s close to schools and parks. A solid, no-frills choice. Rent Estimate: $650-$775/month for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Great Falls, career growth is more about depth than breadth. You won’t find a dozen competing firms, but you can become indispensable at one.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 15-25% premium over a non-CPA.
• Government Contract Accounting: Experience with DCAA (Defense Contract Audit Agency) compliance can be a golden ticket, especially with Malmstrom and its contractors.
• Tax Expertise: Specializing in agricultural tax or energy sector taxation is highly valuable in Montana’s economy.
• Forensic Accounting: With the state’s trust and estate planning, this niche can be lucrative.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The 4% growth rate suggests a stable, not booming, market. The biggest opportunities will come from:

1. Retiring Accountants: A significant portion of the local CPA workforce is nearing retirement, creating openings.
2. Tech Integration: Firms will need accountants who can lead digital transformation (automating bookkeeping, implementing ERP systems).
3. Remote Work Possibilities: While local jobs are the focus, many accountants here build side businesses or consult remotely for clients in other states, boosting their income well above the median.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than in most metros.	Limited High-End Jobs: Fewer six-figure corporate controller positions exist.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by government, healthcare, and agriculture.	Slower Pace: If you crave the energy of a major city, you may find it lacking.
Short Commutes: Most drives are under 15 minutes.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be challenging for some.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled access to hiking, hunting, fishing, and Glacier NP.	Cultural Scene: Smaller arts/music scene compared to Bozeman or Missoula.
Strong Community: Easy to build a professional and personal network.	Limited Diversity: The population is predominantly white and can feel insular.

Final Recommendation: Great Falls is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for someone who wants to buy a home early, enjoys outdoor activities, and is looking for a long-term career at a stable local employer. If you’re a CPA with 5+ years of experience, you can live very comfortably here. If you’re a new grad looking for the most aggressive career trajectory, you might start here to get experience and then move to a larger market—but you may find the lifestyle here is too good to leave.

FAQs

1. What’s the demand for entry-level accountants in Great Falls?
Demand is moderate. Most entry-level jobs are with local firms, schools, or healthcare systems. Having your CPA exam passed or in progress will make you a much stronger candidate. Internships are the best way to get a foot in the door.

2. How does Montana’s tax burden compare to other states?
Montana has a progressive income tax (up to 6.75%) and no sales tax, which is a huge benefit. Property taxes are moderate. Overall, the tax burden is reasonable compared to states like California or New York.

3. Is it necessary to have a car in Great Falls?
Yes, absolutely. The city is not walkable, and public transportation is limited. Most people drive to work, grocery stores, and outdoor recreation areas.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside Montana?
Yes, many accountants here do. However, the local job market is still the primary source of opportunities. Remote work can be a great supplement but is less common as a full-time arrangement with out-of-state employers due to tax and legal complexities for the employer.

5. What’s the networking scene like for accountants?
It’s tight-knit but active. The local chapter of the Montana Society of CPAs (MSCPA) holds events. The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is also a key place to meet business owners who need accounting services. Word-of-mouth is powerful here.