Accountant in Post Falls, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Post Falls Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the accounting scene in Post Falls is stable, predictable, and deeply tied to the broader Coeur d'Alene metro area. It's not a high-flying hub like Boise or Seattle, but it offers a solid, middle-class living with a lower cost of entry. The median salary for an Accountant here is $85,279/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.0/hour. This is just slightly below the national average for Accountants, which sits at $86,080/year. For the Post Falls metro area, there are approximately 83 jobs available for accounting professionals at any given time, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%.

This growth rate is telling. It reflects a mature job market that isn't booming but is steadily adding positions, primarily driven by small business expansion, healthcare growth, and the stable presence of local government and school districts. The key takeaway is that while you won't see explosive growth, you will find consistent opportunities, especially if you have the right qualifications and a willingness to work with mid-sized local firms.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Post Falls area. Remember, these are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports, anchored by the median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Post Falls)	Key Job Functions
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $70,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, data entry, basic tax prep
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $95,000	General ledger management, financial reporting, payroll, client review
Senior/Manager	$95,000 - $120,000+	Team management, complex tax strategy, audit preparation, CFO services
Expert/Partner	$120,000+	Firm leadership, specialized consulting, internal control consulting

When compared to other Idaho cities, Post Falls holds a unique position. It's not as low-paying as some rural areas but doesn't command the salaries of Boise, where the tech sector inflates averages. For instance, an Accountant in Boise might see a 10-15% premium due to higher demand. However, that premium is often completely offset by the higher cost of living in the Treasure Valley. Post Falls offers a compelling balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. An accountant earning the median salary of $85,279/year in Post Falls has to navigate Idaho's state income tax (which ranges from 1% to 7.1% in brackets) and FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare). After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your estimated take-home pay is roughly $64,000 - $66,000 per year, or about $5,300 - $5,500 per month.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Post Falls is $1,114/month. This is significantly more affordable than the Coeur d'Alene city center, where rents can be 20-30% higher. For a single person, renting a 1-bedroom leaves a comfortable buffer for utilities, groceries, car payments, and savings.

But can you afford to buy a home? This is where Post Falls truly shines for homeowners. The median home price in Post Falls hovers around $400,000 - $425,000 (significantly lower than Coeur d'Alene's $500k+ median). With a $85,279 salary, a 20% down payment on a $415,000 home is $83,000—a substantial sum to save, but achievable over a few years for a disciplined saver. A monthly mortgage payment with taxes and insurance would likely be between $2,200 - $2,500. After this and your estimated taxes, you'd still have roughly $2,800 - $3,000/month for all other expenses. This is a manageable but tight budget for a new homeowner, suggesting that dual-income households or those with a larger savings cushion will find homeownership here very attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Post Falls's Major Employers

The accounting job market here is dominated by a mix of local firms, regional healthcare, and public sector entities. The 83 jobs in the metro are stable, not high-turnover. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with CPA licenses or active progression toward it, and those comfortable with cloud-based accounting software (QuickBooks Online, Xero, Bill.com).

1. Local Public Accounting Firms: Small to mid-sized firms like Pioneer Certified Public Accountants and O'Connor & Associates are the backbone. They serve a diverse clientele from local retail and construction to agriculture. They’re the primary source of public accounting jobs and often post the most roles for CPAs.
2. Kootenai Health: The region’s largest hospital system, based in Coeur d'Alene but employing many Post Falls residents, has a sizable internal accounting department. They handle everything from patient billing and revenue cycle management to departmental budgeting. It’s a stable employer with excellent benefits.
3. Kootenai County Government & School Districts: The Kootenai County Auditor’s Office, Post Falls School District (District #273), and the City of Post Falls are significant employers. They need accountants for grant management, public fund accounting, and audit compliance. Jobs here are posted on government job boards and offer strong pensions and work-life balance.
4. Manufacturing & Distribution: Post Falls is part of the “North Idaho Industrial Corridor.” Companies like Bennett Lumber or Prestige Foods have regional HQs or significant operations here. Their finance teams handle cost accounting, inventory valuation, and supply chain finance. These roles are less frequent but highly specialized.
5. Real Estate & Development Firms: With ongoing residential growth (especially in the Riverbend and Prairie neighborhoods), firms like Windermere Real Estate and local construction developers need accountants for project accounting, cost tracking, and financial planning for new developments.

Insider Tip: The best jobs aren’t always advertised on big national boards. Join the North Idaho Chamber & Economic Alliance and attend their events. Many hiring managers at these local firms are members and relationships are key.

Getting Licensed in ID

To practice as a CPA in Idaho, you must meet the requirements set by the Idaho Board of Accountancy. This is non-negotiable for most senior roles.

• Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree. Your coursework must include specific accounting and business courses (e.g., 24 semester hours in upper-division accounting, 24 in business).
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in Idaho or any other jurisdiction. Many candidates start their exam process while working in an entry-level or mid-level role.
• Experience: Idaho requires one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be fulfilled in public accounting, industry, or government. The experience must be verified by your supervising CPA.
• Costs: The total cost is significant. Exam fees are approximately $1,000-$1,200 (for all four sections, depending on the state). Application fees to the Idaho Board are around $125, and the CPA certificate fee is $100. Add in review course costs ($1,500 - $3,000) and you’re looking at a total investment of $2,700 - $4,400.

Timeline: For someone starting from scratch (ensuring academic requirements are met), the fastest realistic timeline is 2-3 years. This includes completing the 150 credits, passing the exam, and gaining the required experience. Many local employers, especially the public accounting firms, will sponsor or reimburse some of these costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Living in Post Falls means choosing between quiet, family-oriented suburbs and more active, modern areas. Your commute to major employers (most are in central Post Falls or nearby Coeur d'Alene) is rarely more than 15-20 minutes.

1. Riverbend: This is the new, master-planned community in the north of the city, near the Spokane River. It's popular with young professionals and families. You'll find modern townhomes and single-family houses. The vibe is active, with parks and trails. Rent for a 1-bedroom here is slightly above average, around $1,150 - $1,250/month. Commute to downtown Post Falls is about 10 minutes.
2. Prairie / West Side: The established, family-friendly heart of Post Falls. This is where you find the original suburbs with larger lots, mature trees, and a strong community feel. It's close to the Post Falls Library and the central commercial corridors. Rent is typically at or just below the city average ($1,050 - $1,150). The commute is short, often under 10 minutes to most local employers.
3. East Side / Seltice Way Area: This area is more commercial and has a mix of older and newer housing. It's extremely convenient for shopping and dining, with easy access to I-90 for commutes to Coeur d'Alene. It can be busier and noisier. Rent is generally the most affordable here, often $950 - $1,100. A great option for those who prioritize convenience over quiet.
4. State Line Area (near I-90): This area is technically in Post Falls but very close to the Washington border. It's dominated by retail and hotels, with more apartment complexes available. It’s a logical choice for someone who works in Coeur d'Alene and wants a slightly easier commute. Rents can be similar to the East Side ($950 - $1,100).
5. Harrison / East Spokane Street: This is the older, more industrial part of town transitioning into more eclectic residential. It's less polished but offers more character and lower rents (can dip below $900 for a 1-bedroom). It's a 5-minute drive to everything, but the immediate surroundings may not appeal to everyone.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% 10-year job growth forecast for the Post Falls metro indicates that advancement will come from specialization and promotion, not from a flooding of new positions. To increase your earning potential beyond the median, you need to develop niche expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: In this market, you can expect a salary premium for:
  • CPA License: This is the single biggest differentiator. A licensed CPA can command a $10,000 - $20,000 premium over a non-licensed accountant in similar roles.
  • Tax Specialization (Especially International/Complex): With many local exporters and businesses with cross-border operations, expertise in international tax or complex multi-state filings is valuable.
  • Audit & Assurance: Experience with government audits (single audit) or non-profit audits is in steady demand.
  • Technology & Systems: Being the point person for ERP implementation (like moving a local distributor from QuickBooks to NetSuite) is a fast track to a controller role.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. The growth of the healthcare sector (Kootenai Health expansion) will create more internal accounting roles. The continued housing development will fuel demand for construction and real estate accounting. The retirements of senior accountants at local government and firms will open up senior positions. The key to growth here is patience and deepening your local network. It’s a “slow and steady” career path, not a “climb-the-ladder-in-five-years” market.

The Verdict: Is Post Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $85,279 salary goes much further here than in Boise or major metros.	Limited Job Scale: The 83 jobs in the metro are a small pool. Job-hopping is harder; companies are small.
Work-Life Balance: The culture is generally less intense. Long hours are the exception, not the norm, especially in government and industry.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% growth rate means promotions can take longer. You must be proactive.
Outdoor Access: You're minutes from lakes, rivers, and forests. Stress relief is built into your daily life.	Limited Large Employers: No Fortune 500 HQs. If you want to work for a massive multinational, you’d need to commute to Spokane or remote.
Friendly, Local Network: The professional community is tight-knit. Building a reputation pays off.	Less Competitive Pay: While not low, salaries are capped. The national average ($86,080) is a ceiling many here approach but don't exceed.
Stable Housing Market: The housing market, while rising, is more predictable than volatile boomtowns.	Dependency on Larger Economy: Local jobs are tied to regional health, retail, and construction, which can be sensitive to broader economic shifts.

Final Recommendation: Post Falls is an excellent choice for an accountant who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over rapid, high-risk career advancement. It’s ideal for someone who is either starting a family, loves the outdoors, or is looking to establish deep roots in a community. If you are a CPA with 5-10 years of experience, you can be a top earner and live very comfortably. It may not be the right fit for a highly ambitious, fast-tracked accountant seeking the fastest climb in a hyper-competitive corporate environment.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to have a CPA to get a good accounting job in Post Falls?
A: Not for all roles, but it’s a major advantage. For senior, managerial, or public accounting positions, a CPA is often required. For bookkeeping, AP/AR, or entry-level staff roles, you can start without one, but pursuing it is the best path to long-term growth.

Q: How is the commute to Spokane from Post Falls?
A: It’s a very common commute. From central Post Falls to downtown Spokane is about 25-35 miles, often taking 30-45 minutes depending on I-90 traffic. Many accountants live in Post Falls for the lower cost of living but work at larger firms or corporations in Spokane, where salaries can be higher.

Q: Are there remote work opportunities for accountants here?
A: Yes, especially post-2020. Many local firms now offer hybrid schedules. Additionally, you can find fully remote roles with companies based elsewhere, which can pay above the local median. However, for building your local network and finding the best local opportunities, an in-person or hybrid role is often preferable.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for an accountant new to Post Falls?
A: Building a professional network. Because the job market is small and relationship-driven, it can take time to get your foot in the door at the best companies. Joining the Idaho Society of CPAs (ISCPSA) and attending local chamber of commerce events is critical.

Q: How do local taxes compare?
A: Idaho has a state income tax with a top marginal rate of 7.1%, which is moderate. Property taxes are relatively high, which is a key consideration if you buy a home. Sales tax in Kootenai County is 6% (state 6%, no local add-on), which is straightforward. Overall, the tax burden is reasonable compared to states with no income tax but extremely high property taxes.