Accountant in Lakeland, FL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Lakeland, FL.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lakeland Stands

As a career analyst who has watched Lakeland’s job market evolve over the last decade, the first thing you need to understand is that this isn’t Miami or Orlando. Lakeland offers a lower cost of living, but salaries here are also more modest compared to major metros. However, the gap is closing, especially for mid-career professionals.

The median salary for an Accountant in Lakeland, FL, is $85,408/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.06/hour. This figure sits slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but given Lakeland’s lower cost of living, your purchasing power here is often stronger than in many other cities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries here heavily depend on your certification (CPA vs. non-CPA) and your specific industry. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market trends:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range	Typical Local Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$52,000 - $65,000	Staff Accountant, AP/AR Specialist, Bookkeeper
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$70,000 - $88,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Associate, Financial Analyst
Senior Level	8-15 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Controller (small-mid firm), Audit Manager, Tax Manager
Expert/CPA	15+ years	$120,000 - $150,000+	Partner (local firm), CFO (non-profit or mid-size), Director of Finance

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data. A CPA license typically adds a 10-15% premium to these figures.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

To put Lakeland’s $85,408 median in perspective:

• Orlando: Median is closer to $88,500, but rent for a 1BR averages $1,450—nearly 50% higher than Lakeland.
• Tampa: Median is roughly $87,000, but commuting from suburbs like Brandon or Wesley Chapel can add significant traffic time and fuel costs.
• Miami: Median is higher (around $92,000), but the cost of living index is drastically higher, making it a poor financial comparison for most mid-career accountants.

Insider Tip: The $41.06/hour figure is your baseline. In Lakeland, you can often negotiate for benefits that outweigh a higher base salary elsewhere—think generous 401(k) matches (common among the city’s established employers) and lower health insurance premiums.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Lakeland’s affordability is its biggest draw. The city’s cost of living index is 97.4, just slightly below the national average of 100. For an accountant earning the median salary of $85,408, here’s a realistic monthly take-home budget after taxes (assuming a combined federal/state tax rate of ~22-24% for this bracket) and rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Accountant Earning $85,408/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$7,117	$85,408 / 12
Taxes (Est. 23%)	($1,637)	Federal, FICA, FL (no state income tax)
Net Monthly Income	$5,480	Your take-home pay
Rent (1BR Average)	($1,012)	Citywide average
Utilities (Basic)	($180)	Electric, water, internet (FL electric can be high in summer)
Groceries	($400)	Publix, Aldi, local markets
Transportation	($350)	Car payment/insurance/gas (Lakeland is car-dependent)
Health Insurance	($250)	Employer-sponsored plan contribution
Retirement Savings	($700)	Targeting 10% of gross
Discretionary/Other	$1,588	Dining out, entertainment, savings, hobbies

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is a key advantage for Lakeland accountants. The median home price in Lakeland is approximately $285,000 (as of late 2023). With the budget above, putting $1,588/month toward a mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would allow you to comfortably afford a home in the $280k-$300k range with a 20% down payment. Many accountants in Lakeland are able to buy a single-family home within 3-5 years of arriving, a feat that is increasingly difficult in larger Florida metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakeland's Major Employers

Lakeland’s economy is diverse, but it’s dominated by healthcare, logistics, and established local corporations. The 10-year job growth for accountants in the metro is 4%, which is modest but stable. It indicates consistent demand rather than explosive growth. Job postings in the metro area hover around 244 for accountants and auditors, a healthy number for a city of this size.

Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Lakeland Regional Health (LRH): The city’s largest employer with over 5,500 staff. LRH has a massive back-office operation requiring accountants for revenue cycle management, costing, and compliance. Hiring is steady. They value CPA candidates for financial controller roles.
2. Publix Super Markets: Headquartered in Lakeland, this is a titan. While many corporate finance roles are in the nearby Winter Haven distribution center, the Lakeland HQ has openings in internal audit, tax, and financial planning. Competition is fierce, but the benefits are legendary.
3. Saddle Creek Logistics Services: A major third-party logistics provider. Their Lakeland operations require accountants for billing, cost accounting, and financial reporting. They often hire for mid-career roles with a focus on operational accounting.
4. City of Lakeland & Polk County Government: Stable, pension-backed government jobs. The City’s Finance Department and the County’s Tax Collector office are steady employers for accountants and financial managers. These roles offer work-life balance but may have slower salary progression.
5. Mid-Size Local CPA Firms: Firms like Cherry Bekaert, Dixon Hughes Goodman (now DHG), and smaller local practices (e.g., Carr, Riggs & Ingram) have offices in Lakeland. They are the primary path to a CPA license and offer rapid experience in tax, audit, and advisory.
6. Manufacturing & Logistics Hub: With easy access to I-4 and the Central Florida Distribution Center, companies like Amazon (at the FL-33 hub) and various manufacturing plants (e.g., Lakeland Compounding) hire cost accountants and financial analysts to manage supply chain costs.

Hiring Trends: There’s a shift toward hybrid work (2-3 days in office) for corporate roles, especially at Publix and LRH. Government roles remain largely in-person. For CPA firms, the busy season (Jan-Apr) sees a spike in temporary hires.

Getting Licensed in FL

If you’re not already a CPA, Florida’s requirements are specific. The Florida Board of Accountancy (under the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation) oversees this.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Education: A 120-credit-hour bachelor’s degree is the minimum to sit for the CPA exam, but you need 150 credit hours to get licensed. Most Lakeland accountants complete a Master’s in Accounting (available at Florida Southern College or Southeastern University) or take extra courses at Polk State College.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. In Lakeland, the local CPA firms are the primary supervisors.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total (varies by state).
• Review Course: Essential. Becker, Roger, or Surgent – budget $1,500-$3,000.
• Application & Licensing Fees: ~$350 to the state board.
• Timeline: If you start studying full-time, you can pass all exams in 12-18 months. The experience requirement can be met concurrently if you’re already working. Total time from exam start to licensed CPA: 2-3 years for a non-CPA accountant.

Insider Tip: The Lakeland chapter of the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is very active. Join immediately for networking, which is critical for finding a CPA supervisor and landing a job at a firm.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Lakeland is geographically spread out. Your commute will dictate your quality of life. Most corporate jobs (Publix HQ, LRH) are in the north-central part of the city.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Downtown/Lkr.	Walkable, historic, trendy. 10-15 min to most offices.	$1,100 - $1,300	Young professionals, those who want nightlife & walkability.
Southside	Residential, family-oriented. 15-20 min commute. Close to newer shopping.	$950 - $1,100	Accountants with families, those seeking quiet, modern apartments.
Lakeland Highlands	Suburban, highly desired schools. 20-25 min commute to downtown jobs.	$1,050 - $1,250	Long-term planners, those with children or planning a family.
Lake Morton	Quiet, lakefront homes and apartments. 12-18 min commute.	$900 - $1,150	Nature lovers, those who want a serene setting without a long drive.
Medulla	Rural feel, more affordable. 25-30 min commute (traffic can be a factor).	$800 - $950	Budget-focused newcomers, those who don’t mind a drive for lower rent.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area east of the Polk Parkway if you work a 9-5. The traffic on S. Florida Ave (US-98) can be heavy. The Downtown and Lake Morton areas offer the best balance of commute and lifestyle for most professionals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% tells you that Lakeland isn’t a “get rich quick” market for accountants, but it’s excellent for building a stable, long-term career with a great lifestyle.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• CPA License: As noted, this is the single biggest salary lever. A CPA in Lakeland can expect to earn $10,000-$20,000 more than a non-CPA peer.
• Tech Skills: Proficiency in advanced Excel (Power Query, VBA), ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), and data visualization (Tableau, Power BI) is increasingly required for senior roles and can command a 5-10% premium.
• Industry Specialization: Moving into healthcare finance (LRH) or logistics (Saddle Creek) can offer higher ceilings than general accounting. A CFO role at a mid-size local company can hit $130,000-$150,000.
• Government vs. Private: Government offers stability and pension but slower growth. Private industry (especially at Publix or in a CPA firm) offers faster promotion but more volatility.

10-Year Outlook:
Lakeland’s growth is tied to its proximity to Tampa and Orlando. As those cities become more expensive, more companies will establish satellite offices or operations here. This will create demand for controllers and financial managers. The rise of remote work also means Lakeland accountants can now compete for higher-paying jobs based in Tampa or Orlando while living here, further boosting the local earning potential.

The Verdict: Is Lakeland Right for You?

Lakeland isn’t for everyone. It’s a “slow burn” city that rewards patience and values work-life balance over constant hustle.

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Your $85,408 median salary goes much further here.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% growth rate is stable, not explosive.
Central Location: Easy weekend trips to Tampa, Orlando, or the beaches.	Car Dependency: You will need a car. Public transit is limited.
Stable Employers: LRH, Publix, and government offer job security.	Social Scene: Limited for singles compared to Tampa/Orlando.
Community Feel: Easy to network and build professional relationships.	Summers are Brutal: 90°F+ days with high humidity are the norm for 5 months.
Path to Homeownership: High chance of buying a home within your first 5 years.	Limited High-End Dining/Entertainment: You’ll travel to Tampa for major concerts/events.

Final Recommendation:
Lakeland is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) who are tired of the high costs and traffic of major metros. It’s perfect for those with a CPA license or who are pursuing one, who value homeownership, and who don’t mind a quieter pace of life. For entry-level accountants, it’s a great place to get started, but be prepared to hop to a Tampa or Orlando firm in 3-5 years if you seek rapid advancement. For expert-level CPAs, Lakeland offers a comfortable lifestyle with a solid income, especially if you can secure a remote role with a national salary.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest mistake accountants make when moving to Lakeland?
Underestimating the cost of a car. You cannot live here without one. Budget for a reliable vehicle, insurance (which is higher in Florida), and gas. Also, assuming you can walk to everything—Lakeland is designed for drivers.

2. How competitive is the job market for non-CPAs?
It’s competitive but manageable. For staff accountant roles, you’re competing with graduates from Florida Southern, Southeastern, and Polk State. Having a solid grasp of Excel and a willingness to learn a specific ERP system (like SAGE or QuickBooks) will set you apart. The 244 jobs in the metro are spread across all experience levels.

3. Is it worth getting a Florida CPA license if I’m already licensed elsewhere?
Yes. Florida has reciprocity with most states. You’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement, provide proof of your current license, and potentially pass the Florida-specific ethics exam. The process takes 2-3 months and costs a few hundred dollars. It’s essential if you plan to work in public accounting or sign attest reports in Florida.

4. What’s the social scene like for young accountants?
It’s improving but still modest. The Downtown area is the hub, with breweries (like Lakeland Brewing Co.) and cafes. Joining the FICPA young professionals group is the best way to meet peers. Many young professionals also take day trips to Tampa for a more vibrant nightlife.

5. Can I live in Lakeland and work remotely for a Tampa company?
Absolutely. This is a growing trend. Many Tampa firms are allowing employees to work from home, and Lakeland’s lower cost of living makes it an attractive base. You’d only need to commute into Tampa 1-2 days a week, which is manageable (about 45-60 minutes via I-4). This strategy can boost your income to Tampa levels while keeping Lakeland expenses.