Accountant in Nashua, NH

As someone who has spent years analyzing the local job market from the riverfront coffee shops to the bustling corridors of the Nashua Public Library, I can tell you that the accounting profession here is stable, well-compensated, and deeply integrated into the local economy. Nashua isn't the flashiest city in New England, but for an Accountant seeking a high quality of life with a solid paycheck, it’s a hidden gem. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff to give you the data-driven reality of a career in accounting in the Gate City.

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. According to local wage data, the median salary for an Accountant in Nashua is $87,397 per year. That breaks down to a median hourly rate of $42.02. This figure sits comfortably above the national average for Accountants, which is $86,080/year. While the difference may seem modest, it’s significant when paired with Nashua’s cost of living, which we'll explore later. The metro area, which includes surrounding towns in Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, supports approximately 181 jobs specifically for Accountants, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, in-demand field with consistent opportunities for replacement and expansion.

To understand career progression, let's break down salaries by experience level. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings and industry standards for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Nashua, NH)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Bookkeeping, data entry, assisting with month-end close, preparing basic financial statements.
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Managing general ledger, preparing complex reports, indirect tax compliance, client-facing advisory.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$96,000 - $115,000	Financial analysis, internal controls, managing teams, audit preparation, strategic budgeting.
Expert/Controller (15+ years)	$116,000 - $145,000+	CFO-level support, M&A due diligence, corporate tax strategy, ERP system implementation.

When we compare Nashua to other New Hampshire cities, the picture comes into focus. Nashua’s median salary of $87,397 is slightly higher than the state capital, Concord, where the median hovers around $84,500. It trails Manchester, NH’s largest city, which offers a median closer to $90,500 due to a higher concentration of corporate headquarters and larger public accounting firms. However, when you factor in commute times and housing costs—Manchester's traffic can be a significant time tax—Nashua often presents a better overall value proposition. For those considering a move from southern New England, Nashua’s $87,397 median is a highly competitive offer when placed against Boston-area salaries, especially after accounting for the 40-50% lower cost of living.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Nashua-based companies, particularly in manufacturing and tech, offer strong 401(k) matching (often 6-8%) and profit-sharing bonuses that can add $5,000 - $15,000 annually to your total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is only as good as what it can buy you. Let’s do the math for an Accountant earning the median salary of $87,397.

Monthly Take-Home Pay Calculation:

• Gross Monthly Income: $87,397 / 12 = $7,283
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, NH State, FICA): ~22% = $1,602
• Net Monthly Income: $5,681

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1-BR Apartment): -$1,489 (Nashua Average)
• Utilities (Internet, Electric, Gas): -$150
• Groceries & Household: -$500
• Auto (Payment, Insurance, Gas): -$500
• Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized): -$300
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$728
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Travel): -$1,014

After covering essential living expenses and a solid retirement contribution, an accountant earning the median salary has approximately $1,000 - $1,200 in flexible monthly cash. This is a comfortable buffer for savings, hobbies, or paying down student loans.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the pivotal question. The median home price in the Nashua metro area is approximately $450,000. A 20% down payment would be $90,000. Given the remaining discretionary income of ~$1,200/month, saving the down payment would take several years of disciplined saving (roughly 6-8 years if saving $1,000/month). However, for a dual-income household or a senior-level accountant earning $115,000+, buying a home in Nashua becomes very attainable. The luxury of Nashua is that homeownership is not an out-of-reach fantasy for professional couples, unlike in metro Boston.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

Nashua’s economy is a diversed mix of technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Accounting roles are embedded in all these sectors. Here are the key local employers you need to know:

1. BAE Systems, Inc.: A premier aerospace and defense contractor, BAE is one of Nashua’s largest private employers. They hire Staff Accountants, Cost Accountants, and Financial Analysts to manage the complex government contract accounting (FAR/CAS compliance). Hiring is steady but often tied to government funding cycles.

2. St. Joseph Hospital / Dartmouth Health: As part of the Dartmouth Health system, this hospital is a major employer not just for clinical staff but for Revenue Cycle Accountants, Senior Accountants, and Internal Auditors. Healthcare accounting is a growing specialty, and St. Joe’s offers a stable path with excellent benefits.

3. Deloitte (Nashua Office): While a global firm, Deloitte’s Nashua office has a significant presence in audit and advisory services. It’s a prime destination for CPAs looking for public accounting experience without a Boston commute. They typically hire through on-campus recruiting and experienced-hire programs.

4. Sanders (a Lockheed Martin Company): A leader in the photonics industry, Sanders (often just called "Sanders" locally) employs Financial Controllers, Senior Accountants, and Project Accountants. The work is highly technical and tied to proprietary technology, offering unique challenges.

5. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): One of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU has a massive administrative footprint. They hire a wide array of accountants, from Grants Accountants to Tax Accountants for their global online programs. Growth is aggressive here.

6. Stonyfield Organic (in nearby Londonderry): While not in Nashua proper, this major organic dairy brand is a key employer in the Nashua metro region. They offer roles for Corporate Accountants and FP&A Analysts interested in the consumer goods space.

7. Nashua Corporation: A historic local manufacturer, Nashua Corp. (the namesake of the city) continues to be a major player in business process outsourcing and printing. They need Accounts Receivable/Payable Managers and Corporate Accountants.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent hiring is in industry accounting (corporate roles) rather than public accounting. There’s a particular demand for accountants with experience in manufacturing cost accounting, healthcare revenue cycle management, and government contract accounting. The growth in remote work has also allowed Nashua-based accountants to work for Boston or NYC firms while living here, increasing competition but also opportunity.

Getting Licensed in NH

To practice as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in New Hampshire, you must follow the state's specific licensing process, overseen by the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (120 credit hours) is the minimum, but to sit for the CPA exam, you need 150 credit hours. Most candidates complete a master’s in accounting or taxation to meet this.
2. Work Experience: You need 1,000 hours of qualifying experience in accounting, auditing, or taxation, supervised by a licensed CPA. This can be gained in public accounting, industry, or government.
3. The CPA Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) within an 18-month rolling window.
4. Ethics Exam: After passing the CPA exam, you must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees (2024): Approximately $1,500 - $2,000 (including application fees, exam fees for all four sections, and review courses).
• Education Costs: Varies wildly. A master’s degree can cost $20,000 - $50,000, while completing credits at a local community college (like Nashua Community College) is more affordable.
• Timeline: From starting the educational requirements to becoming fully licensed typically takes 18-24 months for full-time students, or 3-5 years for working professionals pursuing it part-time.

Insider Tip: New Hampshire is part of the CPA Mobility Act, which means if you hold an active license in another state, you can practice in NH without getting a new license, provided you notify the board. This is great for accountants moving from Massachusetts or other compact states.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Nashua will define your daily life and commute. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that are popular with professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It Works for Accountants
Downtown Nashua	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 min drive to most employers.	$1,550 - $1,800	Perfect for those who want to ditch the car. Close to the courthouse, banks, and the riverwalk. Great for networking after work.
Bicentennial / South End	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. 10-15 min commute.	$1,300 - $1,500	More space for the money. Older homes with character, good access to I-93 for commutes to Manchester or Boston.
Nashua/Pine Street Area	Suburban, established, good schools. 10-20 min commute.	$1,350 - $1,600	A classic suburban choice. Close to shopping plazas and a short drive to BAE or Sanders. Very safe and quiet.
Brookline / Hollis (NH)	Rural, upscale, low density. 20-30 min commute to Nashua.	$1,400 - $1,700	For those who want land and tranquility. Commute is manageable, and these towns have a high quality of life. Popular with senior professionals.
Tyngsborough, MA	Small-town feel, riverfront access. 10-15 min to downtown Nashua.	$1,450 - $1,650	A cross-border option. Slightly different tax structure (no NH income tax, but MA income tax if you work in MA). Great for those who work at BAE, which straddles the border.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the Everett Turnpike (I-93) can bottleneck during rush hour. If you work at BAE or in the southern industrial parks, living in the South End or Tyngsborough can shave 10-15 minutes off your daily drive compared to living in the northern neighborhoods.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% suggests that while the field is stable, climbing the ladder requires specialization. Generalist accountants will do fine, but those with niche skills command a premium.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Government Contract Accounting (FAR/CAS): +15-20% salary premium. Essential for BAE and other defense contractors.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management: +10-15% premium. Critical for St. Joseph Hospital and other regional healthcare systems.
  • ERP Implementation (SAP, Oracle NetSuite): +10-25% premium. Companies are modernizing systems and need accountants who can bridge finance and IT.
  • Taxation (Multi-State/International): +10-20% premium. Larger firms and companies with interstate operations pay more for this expertise.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. The Corporate Ladder: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accountant Manager → Controller → CFO. This is the most common path in Nashua’s manufacturing and tech firms.
  2. The Public Accounting Path: Associate → Senior → Manager → Partner (or leave for industry). This path is viable at larger local firms like Deloitte or regional CPA firms.
  3. The Niche Expert Path: Become the go-to person for a specific skill (e.g., cost accounting for photonics, grant accounting for higher ed). You may not become a manager, but you become indispensable and highly paid.

10-Year Outlook: Accounting in Nashua is not going away. The transition to AI and automation will handle rote data entry, but it will increase the demand for accountants who can interpret data, advise on strategy, and manage complex regulatory environments. The accountants who thrive will be those who embrace technology and specialize in a local industry vertical.

The Verdict: Is Nashua Right for You?

Nashua offers a compelling package for accountants, but it’s not without trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Strong, Competitive Salary: $87,397 median is excellent for the region.	Limited "Big 4" Depth: While Deloitte has a presence, you won't find the same dense cluster of major public accounting firms as in Boston.
Lower Cost of Living: 105.1 Index is manageable, and housing is accessible compared to Boston.	10-Year Growth is Modest (4%): The market is stable but not booming. Job hopping for big raises is harder than in high-growth metros.
Diverse Industry Base: Not reliant on one sector. Jobs in defense, healthcare, and education.	Anonymity of a Medium City: It’s not Boston or NYC. Networking can feel more "small town," and niche professional groups are smaller.
Quality of Life: Easy commutes, access to nature (Lake Winnipesaukee, mountains), no sales tax.	NH's "Live Free or Die" Quirks: No income tax is great, but the state relies heavily on property taxes, which can be high, and local fees.
Proximity to Boston: Close enough for day trips or occasional commutes, far enough to avoid the daily grind.	Weather: Winters are cold and long (Nov-Apr). Snow is a given, which can affect commutes.

Final Recommendation: Nashua is an excellent choice for accountants in the mid-career stage (5-15 years of experience) who prioritize work-life balance and financial stability over the relentless pace of a major financial hub. It’s also great for early-career accountants who want to get a broad range of industry experience without being pigeonholed. If you are a specialized CPA with government or healthcare experience, you will find a warm welcome and a very competitive offer. If you are a new graduate dreaming of Wall Street, you should look to Boston or New York. For the pragmatic professional seeking a good life with a good salary, Nashua, NH, is a smart move.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have a CPA license to get a good accounting job in Nashua?
No, it is not absolutely necessary for all roles. Many corporate staff accountant and bookkeeping roles only require a bachelor’s degree in accounting. However, for senior, managerial, or controller positions, and for all public accounting roles, a CPA is strongly preferred and often required. In Nashua’s competitive market, having your CPA will set you apart and directly impact your salary potential.

2. How competitive is the job market for accountants in the Nashua metro area?
The market is competitive but not cutthroat. With only 181 jobs in the metro, openings don’t appear daily. However, the 4% growth indicates steady demand. Networking is key. Join the New Hampshire Society of CPAs and attend local events. Many positions are filled through referrals before they are ever posted online.

3. What’s the commute like from Nashua to Boston? Is it feasible for a hybrid role?
The commute to downtown Boston is about 45-75 minutes on the I-93 corridor, depending on traffic. It’s feasible for occasional trips (2-3 days a week), but the toll and gas costs add up. For a hybrid role, many Nashua-based professionals prefer to work fully remote for Boston firms or only go in once a