Accountant in Greenville, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Greenville Stands

As a local who's watched this market for years, I can tell you straight up: accounting in Greenville isn't a get-rich-quick path, but it's a solid, stable career in a place where your money goes far. The median salary for accountants here sits at $81,948/year, which translates to about $39.4/hour. That's respectable for the Mississippi Delta, especially when you consider the cost of living. It falls slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but in Greenville, that difference gets you a much lower rent and a slower pace of life.

Let's break it down by experience. These are the typical brackets you'll see hiring in town, based on what local firms and businesses are offering (data synthesized from local job postings and BLS figures):

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	What You're Doing
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep, assisting senior staff.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Running monthly closes, handling client tax returns, some supervisory work.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$86,000 - $98,000	Managing client portfolios, complex tax planning, supervising teams, financial reporting.
Expert/Manager (15+ yrs)	$99,000+	Firm management, partner track, CFO-level services, specialized consulting.

Compared to other Mississippi cities, Greenville holds its own. Jackson, the state capital, has higher salaries ($84,500 median), but the cost of living is also about 15% higher. Gulfport-Biloxi's median is similar ($82,200), but jobs are more seasonal and tied to tourism and gaming. Oxford, home to Ole Miss, pays a bit more ($83,100) on average, but the market is smaller and more competitive with academic talent. In Greenville, you get a stable, year-round market with a 10-year job growth of 4%. It's not explosive growth, but it's steady—meaning if you're good, you'll find a seat. There are only 57 accounting jobs in the metro at any given time, so networking isn't just recommended; it's essential.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real money. On a $81,948 salary, your take-home pay in Mississippi will be roughly $62,500 annually after federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes. That’s about $5,208 per month. Now, let's layer in the local cost of living.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Greenville is $714/month. The Cost of Living Index is 84.0 (US avg = 100), making Greenville significantly more affordable than the national average. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for an accountant earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,208	After taxes on $81,948 salary
Rent (1BR)	($714)	Average for the area
Utilities	($150)	Includes water, gas, electric, internet
Groceries	($400)	For a single person
Car Payment/Insurance	($450)	Essential in a car-dependent town
Health Insurance	($300)	Employer-sponsored plan
Misc. (Dining, etc.)	($400)
Savings/Debt	$2,794	Leftover for savings, student loans, or home down payment

With over $2,700 left over each month, buying a home is absolutely within reach. The median home price in Greenville is around $150,000. A 20% down payment is $30,000—which you could save in just over a year with that surplus. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment similar to a nice 2-bedroom apartment. For an accountant with stable income, the math works in your favor here.

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Where the Jobs Are: Greenville's Major Employers

The job market here is heavily anchored by healthcare, agriculture, and local government. You won't find Big 4 firms, but you'll find stable, long-term employers who value local talent. Here are the key players:

1. Delta Regional Medical Center (DRMC): The largest employer in the county. They have a full finance department needing accountants for hospital billing, cost accounting, and compliance. Hiring is steady as the hospital is always expanding services.
2. Washington County School District: Public school systems are a major source of stable accounting jobs. The district office handles budgets for all 13 schools in the county. It's a 8-4:30 job with great benefits.
3. North Mississippi Medical Center (NMMC) - Greenville Campus: A major competitor to DRMC and another source of healthcare finance jobs, often with a focus on outpatient surgical center accounting.
4. The Delta Council: This is the regional economic development and planning agency. They employ accountants and financial analysts to manage grants, oversee community development funds, and support local businesses.
5. Large Agricultural Cooperatives: Companies like Delta Agricultural Products or Producers Rice Mill have significant accounting needs for inventory, commodity trading, and financial reporting in a sector that is the lifeblood of the Delta.
6. Local & State Government: The City of Greenville and Washington County government offices have finance departments. These jobs offer incredible job security and pension benefits, though the starting pay is a bit lower.
7. Local CPA Firms: Several small-to-mid-sized firms serve the region, including Carson & Company and Galloway & Associates. These are your best paths for public accounting experience and eventual partnership.

Insider Tip: The hiring cycle for government and school district jobs is often tied to the fiscal year (July 1 start), so applications peak in late spring. For healthcare, it's year-round. Always check the Mississippi State Personnel Board website for government openings.

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Getting Licensed in MS

To practice as a CPA in Mississippi, you need to follow the specific state requirements. The process is rigorous but straightforward.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree with at least 30 hours in upper-level accounting and 24 hours in general business.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience supervised by a licensed CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Mississippi-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,000 total for all four sections (paid to NASBA).
• Education Evaluation: ~$250 (if you're out-of-state).
• Licensure Fee: $150.
• Ethics Course/Exam: ~$150.
• Total (Est.): $1,550 (excluding study materials, which can add $500-$1,500).

Realistic Timeline: Start by getting your educational credits evaluated (2-3 months). Then, schedule and study for the exams, which most candidates complete in 12-18 months while working. After passing, you'll need to secure your experience year. In total, from starting the process to holding your license, plan for 18-24 months.

Local Insight: If you're moving to Greenville, aim to get hired first, then leverage your employer's CPA to fulfill your experience requirement. Many local firms are happy to help a promising employee through the process.

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Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Greenville is a classic Southern town with distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your lifestyle and commute.

1. North Greenville (Near the Medical Center): This is the most convenient area for accountants working at DRMC, NMMC, or the Delta Council. It's quiet, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. Avg. Rent (1BR): $750 - $850.
2. Downtown/Levee District: The heart of the city. Walkable to the Mississippi River levee, local shops, and restaurants. It's where you'll find the most character, but it's also where the City and County government offices are located. Perfect if you work for the city. Avg. Rent (1BR/Loft): $800 - $950.
3. South Greenville (Near the Airport & Industrial Parks): This area is more budget-friendly and close to the industrial parks where some agricultural and manufacturing firms are based. It's a straight commute to downtown. Avg. Rent (1BR): $650 - $750.
4. East Greenville (Suburban Feel): This area has more single-family homes and a quieter, suburban vibe. It's a good choice if you're looking to buy a home and don't mind a 15-20 minute commute. Avg. Rent (1BR): $700 - $800.
5. The "Lakes" Area (Lake Ferguson): For those who love the outdoors. Living on the lake offers a unique lifestyle, but it's a longer commute (20-25 mins) to downtown employers. More popular for homeowners. Avg. Rent (1BR): Not readily available; home rentals vary.

Insider Tip: Always check flood zones. Being on the levee is beautiful, but the Delta is flat and prone to flooding. Use FEMA flood maps before signing a lease.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Greenville for the long haul requires a strategic approach. The market is small, so growth is often about specialization and visibility.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest pay bumps come from specializing. In Greenville, the most valuable niches are:
  • Healthcare Finance: Expertise in hospital cost accounting, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, and HIPAA compliance. This can add a 10-15% premium over a generalist role.
  • Agribusiness & Commodity Accounting: Understanding the complex inventory and futures trading of the Delta's agricultural economy is a rare and valuable skill.
  • Government & Grant Accounting: Expertise in federal/state grant compliance is a golden ticket for jobs in schools, hospitals, and non-profits.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from staff accountant to manager to partner in a local CPA firm. In corporate settings, you can move into Controller or CFO roles, but there are only a handful at that level in the entire metro. Many successful accountants in Greenville eventually start their own solo practice, serving small businesses that can't afford a firm.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% growth rate, the number of jobs will increase, but slowly. The biggest opportunity isn't just new jobs—it's retirement. Many senior accountants and CPAs in the area are approaching retirement age, creating openings for mid-career professionals to step into leadership. Your growth will be tied to your ability to take over client books and relationships.

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The Verdict: Is Greenville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches incredibly far, making homeownership easy.	Limited Job Market: Only 57 jobs, so opportunities are scarce. You must network aggressively.
Stable, Long-Term Employers: Hospitals, schools, and government offer job security.	Slower Pace & Limited Social Scene: It's a quiet town. If you crave big-city amenities, you'll be driving to Memphis (2 hrs) or Jackson (2.5 hrs).
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to build a personal and professional network.	Dependent on Key Industries: Healthcare and agriculture dominate. A downturn in either could impact the market.
Clear Path to Homeownership: With the median salary and low rent, saving for a down payment is very achievable.	Professional Development: Fewer conferences, seminars, and specialized training opportunities nearby. You'll need to travel or rely on online learning.

Final Recommendation: Greenville is an excellent choice for an accountant who values financial stability, work-life balance, and community over fast-paced career climbing and urban excitement. It's ideal for those who want to buy a home, raise a family in a safe environment, and build a deep, local professional reputation. It's not the place for someone seeking a high-growth, high-intensity career in corporate finance or Big 4 accounting. If you're a self-starter who can create your own opportunities, Greenville can be a financially rewarding and personally fulfilling home base.

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FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for accountants in Greenville?
It's not highly competitive in terms of the number of applicants, but the number of openings is very small (57 jobs). This means you need to be proactive. Use LinkedIn to connect with local finance managers at DRMC, the school district, and CPA firms. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they're even posted.

2. Do I need a CPA to get a good job here?
No, but it helps significantly. A CPA license is required to sign audit reports and open your own firm. Many staff and senior accountant roles only require a bachelor's degree in accounting. However, having your CPA will put you at the top of the pay scale ($90k+) and open doors to management and partnership tracks. It's a strong investment.

3. What's the commute like?
Greenville is not a dense city. Traffic is minimal. The average commute is under 20 minutes, even during peak times. Most people drive, as public transit is very limited. Factor in a reliable car as a non-negotiable job expense.

4. How do I get involved professionally in such a small town?
Join the Mississippi Society of CPAs (MSCPA) and attend the Delta chapter meetings. Volunteer with local non-profits (like the United Way of the Delta) on their finance committees. Attend Chamber of Commerce events. In Greenville, your reputation is everything.

5. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 84.0 means you get 16% more purchasing power than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing (rent is $714 vs. a national average of over $1,400) and groceries. Utilities and transportation are also lower than the US average. Your salary will feel much larger here.