Accountant in Greensboro, NC

As a career analyst who’s watched the Triad’s accounting landscape evolve from old-school textile mills to today’s tech and healthcare hubs, I can tell you Greensboro offers a solid, stable path for accountants. It’s not a high-flying financial center like Charlotte, but it’s a place where you can build a respectable career without the crushing cost of living. Let’s break down what it really looks like on the ground.

The Salary Picture: Where Greensboro Stands

Greensboro’s accounting salaries are a bit below the national average but offer strong purchasing power due to the city’s affordability. The median salary for accountants here is $84,194/year, or $40.48/hour. For context, the national average is $86,080/year, so Greensboro is only about 2.2% lower—a negligible gap when you factor in the lower living costs.

Job availability is decent, with approximately 604 accounting positions in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is modest but steady, reflecting Greensboro’s stable, diversified economy rather than explosive growth.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. Note that these are estimated ranges based on local market data and the provided median.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Roles
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $68,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, AP/AR Specialist
Mid-Level	$68,000 - $85,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Associate, Financial Analyst
Senior-Level	$85,000 - $110,000	Accounting Manager, Senior Tax Manager, Controller
Expert/Partner	$110,000+	Director of Finance, Partner (CPA Firm), CFO

How Greensboro Compares to Other NC Cities:

• Charlotte: Salaries are 10-15% higher, but cost of living is 20-25% higher. The trade-off often isn’t worth it for accountants unless you’re targeting corporate finance leadership.
• Raleigh/Durham: Similar to Charlotte—higher salaries but significantly higher housing costs. The research and tech sectors drive demand for specialized accountants.
• Greenville: Lower salaries and fewer opportunities, but even lower costs. Best for those prioritizing a quiet, small-town feel.
• Asheville: Similar salaries to Greensboro, but the tourism-driven economy can be more volatile, and housing is surprisingly expensive.

Insider Tip: While the median is $84,194, I’ve seen mid-level accountants with professional certifications (CPA, CMA) push into the $90,000 range. Certifications matter more in Greensboro than in larger metros where competition is fiercer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. For an accountant earning the median salary of $84,194, here’s a monthly breakdown after taxes and a typical 1BR apartment. (Taxes are an estimate using a single filer with standard deduction in NC.)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,016
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + NC State): ~$1,650
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$5,366
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,042
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Car, Savings: ~$4,324

This leaves you with a comfortable buffer. The key is that Greensboro’s cost of living index is 92.7 (US avg = 100). Your money simply goes further here than in 60% of the country.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With median home prices in the Greensboro area around $280,000, a 20% down payment is $56,000. At your net salary, a standard mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be under $1,700/month, which is feasible on a $5,366 net income. Many local accountants I know bought their first homes within 3-5 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Greensboro's Major Employers

Greensboro’s job market is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and a growing tech sector. Here are the key players for accountants:

1. Novant Health (Forsyth & Brunswick Medical Centers): One of the largest employers in the state. They’re constantly hiring for staff accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring is steady, with a focus on internal controls and compliance due to the healthcare regulations.
2. Cone Health (Moses Cone, Wesley Long, etc.): The other major healthcare system. Similar needs to Novant, with opportunities in revenue cycle management and grant accounting. They have a strong internship pipeline through UNCG and UNC Greensboro.
3. Volvo Trucks (Greensboro Plant): A major manufacturing employer. Their finance department needs accountants familiar with cost accounting, inventory, and plant-level financial reporting. Hiring trends are tied to the global supply chain, so it can fluctuate, but the base is stable.
4. BB&T (now Truist): With a massive operational center in Winston-Salem (a 20-minute commute), Truist is a top employer for accounting and finance roles, from entry-level to management. They value CPA credentials for higher-level positions.
5. FedEx Ground (Regional Hub): Located near the Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), this hub is a logistics beast. They need accountants for financial reporting, cost analysis, and budgeting for a 24/7 operation.
6. Duke Energy: Their regional headquarters in Greensboro handles accounting for operations and generation. They look for accountants with utility experience or a strong interest in regulatory accounting.
7. Local CPA Firms: Greensboro has a vibrant scene of mid-sized firms like Smith, Dixon, and Associates and Gilliam, Coble & Moser, P.A. They’re great for gaining broad experience in tax and audit, especially if you’re aiming for your CPA license.

Insider Tip: Don’t overlook the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Forward Guilford for networking. Many jobs at smaller companies, especially in the growing downtown tech scene (like AvidXchange or Dynamic Quest), are filled through referrals.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina requires licensure to practice public accounting. The process is straightforward but requires diligence.

1. Education: Complete 150 semester hours, including 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses. This is standard across the U.S. Many local candidates complete a Master’s in Accounting at UNC Greensboro or Elon University to hit the 150-hour mark.
2. The Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam. There are no testing centers in Greensboro; the closest is in Raleigh or Charlotte.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This is the biggest hurdle. Local firms are your best bet for finding a supervisor who can sign off.
4. Application & Ethics: Submit your application to the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners. The application fee is approximately $150. You must also pass an ethics exam (AICPA Professional Ethics Course), which costs around $200.

Total Estimated Cost: $1,500 - $2,000 (Exam fees: ~$1,000, Ethics: ~$200, Application: ~$150, plus study materials).
Timeline: From starting your review to holding your license, expect a 12-18 month journey. If you need to complete the 150-hour requirement, add another year.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/Center City	Walkable, vibrant, young professionals. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$1,200 - $1,500	Those who want nightlife, restaurants, and a short commute.
Fisher Park / Sunset Hills	Historic, tree-lined, quiet. 10-15 min drive to downtown or I-40.	$1,100 - $1,300	Professionals seeking a neighborhood feel close to the action.
Friendly Center Area	Established, family-friendly, great shopping. 15 min to most employers.	$1,000 - $1,200	Accountants planning to start a family or who want stability.
Hamilton Lakes / New Garden	Modern apartments, near the airport (GSO) and 73. 20 min to downtown.	$1,050 - $1,300	Those working at FedEx, Volvo, or who travel frequently.
Southern Greensboro (Garden Valley)	Affordable, more suburban. 20-25 min commute to downtown.	$850 - $1,100	Budget-conscious accountants, often with families.

Insider Tip: Traffic isn’t terrible, but I-40 is the main artery. Living east or west of I-40 can add 10-15 minutes to your commute during rush hour. A $1,042 budget can get you a nice 1BR in Fisher Park or Garden Valley, but you’ll sacrifice walkability for cost savings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Greensboro isn’t about "get rich quick" in accounting; it’s about building a stable, well-compensated career.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest pay bumps come from:
  • CPA Certification: Can add $10,000 - $15,000 to your salary immediately.
  • CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Valued in manufacturing (Volvo) and healthcare (Cone, Novant) for cost/managerial roles.
  • CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics): Niche but in demand at the few larger local firms that handle litigation support.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager. From there, you can move to Controller or Director of Finance. The leap to CFO is rare without significant experience or an MBA. Many accountants jump to Charlotte for that final step but enjoy a lower cost of living in Greensboro.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% job growth, expect more opportunities in healthcare and tech, and less in traditional manufacturing. The rise of remote work has also meant Greensboro accountants can compete for regional roles with Charlotte or Raleigh salaries while living in Greensboro’s cheaper housing market—a huge advantage.

The Verdict: Is Greensboro Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent cost of living (index 92.7)	Modest salary growth (4% job growth)
Stable, diverse employer base (healthcare, logistics)	Limited high-finance / Wall Street roles
Easy Commutes and manageable traffic	Cultural scene is growing but not on par with Raleigh
Strong sense of community for networking	Must have a car (public transit is limited)
Great for starting a family or buying a home	Licensing requires proactively finding a CPA supervisor

Final Recommendation: Greensboro is an ideal choice for accountants who value work-life balance, affordability, and geographic location (it’s 1 hour from Raleigh, 1.5 from Charlotte). It’s perfect for early to mid-career professionals, especially those with or pursuing a CPA, who want to build equity in a home and a solid career without coastal-level stress. If you’re seeking the highest possible salary and a cutthroat corporate ladder, look to Charlotte. If you want a sustainable, rewarding career in a city that feels like a community, Greensboro is a smart bet.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as an accountant in Greensboro without a CPA?
No. There are plenty of staff accountant, bookkeeping, and AP/AR roles that don’t require a CPA. However, the path to manager or controller is much more competitive without it. Many firms, like the local CPA practices, will hire you as a staff accountant while you pursue your license.

2. What’s the commute like from Winston-Salem or Burlington?
Very doable. From Winston-Salem (where Truist is), it’s a 20-25 minute drive on I-40. From Burlington, about 30 minutes. Gas costs are factored in, but you’ll save on rent. Many accountants live in the outskirts for this reason.

3. How do the Big 4 firms (PwC, Deloitte, etc.) fit in?
They don’t have large offices in Greensboro. The nearest major offices are in Raleigh or Charlotte. The local market is dominated by mid-sized and regional firms. You can start at a local firm in Greensboro and potentially transfer to a Big 4 later, but it’s not the primary path.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work from Greensboro?
Yes, this is a growing trend. Many accountants in Greensboro are now employed by companies based in other states. This allows them to earn national-average salaries ($86,080 or more) while paying Greensboro’s low housing costs ($1,042/month). It’s a significant leverage point for savvy professionals.

5. What’s the best way to network locally?
Join the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCCPA) and attend their Piedmont Triad chapter meetings. Also, get involved with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals group. LinkedIn is active, but many jobs are still filled through in-person connections here.