Accountant in Irving, TX

A Career Analyst's Guide to Accounting in Irving, TX

Welcome to Irving, Texas. If you're an accountant eyeing this Dallas-Fort Worth suburb, you're likely looking for a balance of opportunity, affordability, and quality of life. As a local with a bird's-eye view of the job market, I can tell you that Irving isn't just another "Dallas suburb"—it's a distinct economic engine with its own personality. It's where global corporations set up shop, where the cost of living is a step above the national average but often still beats the city core, and where your commute can range from a 10-minute drive to a complex DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) journey.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, and local market insights. We'll cut through the noise and give you the straight facts on whether Irving is the right next step for your accounting career.

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The Salary Picture: Where Irving Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In Irving, the accounting profession is robust, but it's essential to understand where you fit within the pay scale. The median salary for accountants in the Irving metro is $86,932/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.79/hour. This sits slightly above the national average for accountants and auditors, which is $86,080/year (BLS, May 2023 data). The metro area has approximately 508 accountant jobs, indicating a stable but not explosively growing market, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%.

Here’s how that median salary translates across experience levels. These are estimated ranges based on local job postings and industry reports for the DFW area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Irving)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $70,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$100,000 - $130,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$135,000+

How Irving Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Higher ceiling for senior roles at major public accounting firms and corporate headquarters, but cost of living is significantly higher. Median salary is similar, but rent and home prices are steeper.
• Fort Worth: Slightly lower median salary, but a growing market with a lower cost of living. Excellent for those who prefer a more traditional Texas city feel.
• Austin: Salaries are competitive or slightly higher due to the tech boom, but the cost of living, especially housing, has skyrocketed, making it the least affordable on this list.
• Houston: Salaries are in a similar range, but the market is more heavily tied to the oil and gas industry, which can be cyclical.

Insider Tip: Irving's salary is strongest in corporate accounting for its major employers (more on that below). For those in public accounting, the real earning potential comes from specialization in areas like tax for high-net-worth individuals or forensic accounting, which are in demand due to the local business landscape.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $86,932 salary looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Irving? Let's break it down. We'll assume you're single, filing as the sole earner, and paying for health insurance through an employer-sponsored plan.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $86,932 / 12 = $7,244
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~25% = -$1,811
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): $5,433

Now, let's factor in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Irving is $1,291/month. The Cost of Living Index for Irving is 103.3, meaning it's 3.3% more expensive than the U.S. average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Accountant, $86,932 Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income	$5,433
Rent (1BR)	-$1,291	Average for a standard apartment complex.
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, water, internet. (Can be higher in summer due to AC).
Groceries	-$400	Based on a single-person budget.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	Assumes a moderate car payment and full coverage.
Gas/Transit	-$150	Irving is car-dependent; DART passes are $96/month.
Health Insurance	-$200	Employer-subsidized premium.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	-$543	Crucial for long-term growth.
Discretionary	-$1,199	Dining, entertainment, shopping, etc.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Irving is approximately $350,000. With a $86,932 salary, you're in a good position to qualify for a mortgage. Using a standard 28/36 rule (no more than 28% of gross income on housing, 36% on total debt):

• Max Housing Payment: $2,028/month (28% of $7,244).
• For a $350,000 home with a 20% down payment ($70,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% would have a principal & interest payment of ~$1,779/month. Adding taxes, insurance, and potential HOA fees brings it close to the $2,028 limit.
• Verdict: It's tight but achievable, especially if you have savings for the down payment. Many accountants in Irving buy in nearby suburbs like Coppell or Grand Prairie for more space and better value.

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Where the Jobs Are: Irving's Major Employers

Irving is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a powerhouse of corporate America. The city itself is home to a Fortune 500 headquarters and numerous major regional offices. Here’s where you’ll find the bulk of accounting roles:

1. ExxonMobil (Corporate Headquarters): Located in the Las Colinas urban center, this is a top-tier employer for corporate accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and internal audit. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value CPAs with strong analytical skills.
2. Texas Instruments (Headquarters in Dallas, major presence in Irving): While their HQ is in Dallas, their extensive facilities in Irving (near the DFW Airport) employ hundreds in finance and accounting, especially in cost accounting and supply chain finance for their semiconductor manufacturing.
3. American Airlines (Headquarters in Fort Worth, major operations at DFW): DFW Airport is a stone's throw from Irving. American's finance department is massive, with roles in revenue accounting, fleet finance, and internal controls. The commute is easy via the DART Orange Line.
4. The Dallas Cowboys (The Star in Frisco): While the stadium is in Frisco, the corporate operations are a significant employer for sports accounting, event finance, and merchandising. It’s a unique niche that draws accountants who want a blend of entertainment and finance.
5. Medical City Irving (Part of HCA Healthcare): As part of the HCA network, this hospital requires specialized accounting for healthcare revenue cycle management, budgeting, and compliance. This is a growing field with stable demand.
6. Nationwide Insurance (Regional Office): A major player in the insurance sector, Nationwide's Irving office hires for claims accounting, financial reporting, and actuarial support roles.
7. UT Dallas (University of Texas at Dallas): Located in neighboring Richardson but a huge employer for the region. The university’s finance department, as well as its research grant accounting, offers stable public-sector jobs.

Hiring Trends: The market is moving towards specialization. General ledger accountants are always needed, but the most sought-after roles are in FP&A, internal audit, and systems accounting (ERP implementation, like SAP or Oracle). Companies are investing in financial tech, so accountants with tech skills have a distinct advantage.

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Getting Licensed in TX

To practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas, you must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). The requirements are rigorous.

Key Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 hours) is the minimum, but you need 150 semester hours to get licensed. Many aspiring CPAs in Texas get a master's in accounting or a MAcc to meet this.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Estimated Costs:

• CPA Exam Fees: $1,500 - $2,000 (application, exam fees, review course).
• Education (to 150 hours): Varies widely. A post-baccalaureate certificate can cost $8,000 - $15,000; a master's can be $20,000 - $40,000+.
• TSBPA License Fee: $200 initial, $150 annual renewal.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-6: Ensure you have 150 hours. Enroll in a review course and apply for the Exam.
2. Months 7-18: Pass all four CPA Exam sections (you have 18 months once you pass the first).
3. Month 19-24: Secure a qualifying job under a CPA, complete your experience hours, and submit your license application.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving to Texas without a CPA, many employers will hire you as a "CPA Candidate" and support your licensure. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door while you complete the requirements.

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Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Irving will define your daily life. Commute times, school quality, and vibe vary dramatically. Here are top picks for accounting professionals:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Las Colinas / Valley View	Corporate, Walkable, Urban. Home to ExxonMobil and major offices. Easy access to DART.	$1,500 - $1,800	Young professionals, those who want to minimize commute.
Coppell (Adjacent)	Family-Friendly, Top Schools. 15-20 min drive to Irving corporate hubs. More suburban feel.	$1,450 - $1,700	Accountants with families or those prioritizing schools.
North Irving (Near DFW)	Convenient, Diverse. Close to DFW Airport, American Airlines, and 635. More affordable.	$1,200 - $1,400	Frequent travelers, budget-conscious professionals.
South Irving (Near DART)	Established, Affordable. Older homes, great DART access to downtown Dallas.	$1,100 - $1,300	Those who want a quieter neighborhood with an easy commute to Dallas.
Grapevine (Adjacent)	Charming, Tourist-Friendly. Near DFW Airport and major hotels/casinos. A bit farther from Irving HQs.	$1,350 - $1,600	Those who work from home or travel often, love a vibrant downtown.

Insider Tip: If you work in Las Colinas, live there or in nearby Coppell. The traffic on Highway 114 or 635 during rush hour can add 30+ minutes to your commute, which is a major drain on quality of life.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Irving’s accounting market is mature. You won’t find the explosive growth of a startup hub, but you will find stable, high-quality roles with clear advancement paths.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: Can command a 10-15% salary premium over non-CPAs in similar roles.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Valued in corporate roles (like at ExxonMobil or TI) for cost and management accounting. Premium: 5-10%.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): Highly sought after by large corporations and financial institutions. Can open doors to internal audit manager roles, which often pay $110,000+ in Irving.
• ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle): Accountants who can navigate and implement these systems are invaluable. This skill can add a $10,000 - $20,000 premium to your salary.

Advancement Paths:
The classic path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. In Irving's corporate environment, a strong performer can reach a Controller role within a large company (e.g., at a medical center or manufacturing firm) in 10-15 years, with salaries potentially exceeding $150,000.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The 4% job growth indicates a market that is growing, but not rapidly. Automation and AI will continue to affect basic transactional accounting roles. The winners in the next decade will be those who move up the value chain into analysis, strategy, and advisory services. The demand for accounting professionals who can interpret data, manage risk, and guide business decisions will remain strong, especially at Irving's entrenched corporate employers.

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The Verdict: Is Irving Right for You?

Irving is a pragmatic choice. It’s not the flashiest city in Texas, but it offers a solid foundation for a long-term accounting career.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Home to Fortune 500 HQs and major corps.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited outside DART corridors.
Above-Average Salaries: Median of $86,932 is competitive for the region.	Cost of Living: 3.3% above U.S. average, driven by housing.
Strategic Location: Central to DFW Airport and major highways.	Limited "Cool Factor": More corporate than cultural; lacks Austin's scene.
Diverse Housing Options: From urban apartments to suburban homes.	School District Variance: Quality varies significantly by neighborhood.
Lower State Income Tax: No state income tax in Texas.	Summers are Brutal: 100°F+ days are common from June to September.

Final Recommendation:
Yes, Irving is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-12 years experience) seeking stability and growth in a corporate environment. It's ideal for those who value a short commute to a major office park, want to buy a home without Austin/Dallas prices, and are willing to specialize to advance. It's less ideal for new grads who want a vibrant nightlife scene or those unwilling to drive.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a CPA to get a good accounting job in Irving?
While you can get a job without a CPA (especially in staff or bookkeeping roles), a CPA is strongly recommended for any position with "Senior" in the title or in public accounting. Most corporate leadership roles (Controller, CFO) in Irving's major companies list CPA as a preferred or required qualification.

2. How is the work-life balance for accountants in Irving?
It varies by employer. Corporate roles (e.g., at ExxonMobil, TI) generally offer better work-life balance than public accounting firms, especially during non-tax seasons. However, month-end and year-end closes are standard busy periods. The key is to ask about overtime and busy season expectations during interviews.

3. Is it feasible to commute from Dallas to Irving for an accounting job?
Yes, and many do it. The DART Orange Line runs from Downtown Dallas through Irving (Las Colinas) to DFW Airport. The commute by train takes about 45-60 minutes. Driving can be unpredictable; it's often a 30-45 minute drive, but rush hour traffic on I-35E or I-30 can double that.

4. What's the best way to network for accounting jobs in Irving?
Join the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA). It's the most effective local network. Attend their monthly meetings and events. Also, connect with recruiters from firms like Robert Half, Accountants One, or Parker + Lynch who specialize in the DFW market. LinkedIn is also active, with many recruiters from Irving's major employers posting jobs.

**5. How does the cost of living really feel on an $86,932 salary