Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Roswell, GA.

---

The Accountant's Guide to Roswell, GA: Salaries, Employers, and Lifestyle

Roswell isn't just another Atlanta suburb. It's a historic mill town-turned-tech-hub with a distinct personality. For accountants, it represents a sweet spot: the cost of living is reasonable, major employers are plentiful, and the quality of life is high. This guide breaks down the financial and professional realities of building an accounting career here, using hard data and on-the-ground insights.

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

Roswell's accounting salaries are competitive, sitting slightly above the national average but well below the inflated salaries of downtown Atlanta. The local market is stable, with demand driven by a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.

The median salary for an accountant in Roswell is $86,312/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.5/hour. This is marginally higher than the national average for accountants, which sits at $86,080/year. However, this figure masks significant variance based on experience and specialization.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	AP/AR clerk, staff accountant, data entry, basic reconciliations.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$68,000 - $85,000	Senior staff accountant, financial reporting, month-end close, some supervisory duties.
Senior	8-15 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Accounting manager, controller, audit lead, complex tax preparation.
Expert/Specialized	15+ years	$110,000 - $140,000+	VP of Finance, CFO, forensic accounting, specialized tax (M&A, international).

Source: Aggregated from BLS Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metro Area data and local job postings.

How Roswell Compares to Other Georgia Cities

Roswell is a middle-market player in Georgia’s accounting scene. It doesn't command Atlanta's top-tier salaries, but it offers a much better cost-of-living balance.

• Atlanta (City Center): Salaries can be 15-25% higher ($95,000 - $125,000 for mid-level), but commute times are brutal (often 60+ minutes each way) and downtown living costs are steep.
• Alpharetta: Very similar to Roswell, with a slight premium (about 5-10%) due to its high concentration of tech HQs. The job market is virtually identical.
• Marietta: Slightly lower salaries (about 5% below Roswell), with a stronger manufacturing and defense contractor presence.
• Savannah: A smaller market with lower salaries overall, but a strong niche in logistics and port-related accounting.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Roswell-based companies offer 3-5% annual bonuses and 401(k) matches of 4-6%, which can push total compensation significantly higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $86,312/year looks solid on paper, but the real question is what’s left after Georgia taxes and housing. Roswell’s cost of living index is 100.9, just a hair above the U.S. average of 100. This means your dollar goes about as far here as it does nationally, with housing being the biggest variable.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $86,312

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,193	Before any deductions.
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	-$1,650	Approx. 23% effective rate for GA.
Net Monthly Pay	$5,543	Your take-home.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,643	Roswell’s average 1BR rent.
Utilities & Internet	-$200	Electricity, water, gas, internet.
Groceries & Household	-$500	For a single person.
Transportation	-$350	Gas, insurance, maintenance (car is a must).
Health Insurance	-$250	Average employer-sponsored premium.
401(k) & Savings	-$500	5% of gross to 401(k).
Discretionary Spending	$1,100	Dining out, entertainment, travel, etc.
Remaining Buffer	$0	Tight, but manageable.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

The median home price in Roswell is approximately $450,000. On an $86,312 salary, this is a stretch without a significant down payment.

• 20% Down Payment Needed: $90,000
• Estimated Mortgage (30-yr, 7%): ~$2,400/month (including taxes & insurance)
• Debt-to-Income Ratio: ~40% (assuming no other major debt)

Verdict: Buying a home is challenging on a single income at the median salary. It requires a substantial down payment (from savings or equity from a previous home) or a dual-income household. Renting is the more viable option for early-career accountants, while homeownership becomes realistic at the senior level ($110,000+) or with a partner.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell’s job market is diverse, avoiding over-reliance on a single industry. Accountants are needed in healthcare, manufacturing, tech, and local government. Here are the key players:

1. North Fulton Hospital (Wellstar): A major healthcare employer. Accountants here handle complex revenue cycle management, grant accounting, and compliance. Hiring is steady, with a focus on CPAs for senior roles.
2. Honeywell (Aerospace & Performance Materials): With a significant presence in nearby Alpharetta, Honeywell is a top destination for corporate accountants. Roles often involve international accounting, cost accounting for manufacturing, and financial analysis. They value experience with large ERP systems (SAP, Oracle).
3. The City of Roswell: Government accounting is a stable niche. The city’s finance department hires for budget analysts, internal auditors, and accounting clerks. Benefits are excellent (pension plan), but salaries are often 5-10% below private sector.
4. Cox Enterprises (Media/Automotive): Cox has a massive campus in nearby Sandy Springs and is a huge employer for accountants across its divisions (auto, media, telecom). They hire for everything from GL accountants to financial planning & analysis (FP&A).
5. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite Campus): Located just south of Roswell, this is another healthcare giant. Their accounting needs are similar to North Fulton, with a strong emphasis on research grant accounting and pediatric-specific revenue cycles.
6. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Frazier & Deeter, Porter Keadle Moore): While their main offices are in Atlanta, these firms have Roswell-based clients and sometimes satellite offices. This is the primary path for audit and tax careers. Starting here offers incredible training but demands long hours, especially from January to April.
7. Home Depot (HQ in nearby Smyrna): A short commute for Roswell residents. Home Depot’s finance team is vast, with opportunities in treasury, internal audit, and retail accounting.

Hiring Trend: Demand is strongest for mid-level accountants (3-7 years) who can manage month-end close independently. There’s also growing need for data analytics skills—accountants who can use Power BI or Tableau to visualize financial data are highly sought after.

Getting Licensed in Georgia

To advance beyond staff accountant, you’ll likely need your CPA license. Georgia’s requirements are straightforward but require a time and financial investment.

State-Specific Requirements

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework in accounting and business.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (12 months) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Estimated Costs & Timeline

Step	Estimated Cost	Timeline
CPA Exam Fees	$1,500 - $2,000	Varies by state; includes application & exam fees.
Review Course (Becker, Roger)	$1,500 - $2,500	Essential for passing; many employers reimburse.
Ethics Exam	$150 - $200	Required after passing the CPA exam.
State License Fee	$150 - $300	Paid to the Georgia State Board of Accountancy.
Total Estimated Investment	$3,300 - $5,000	Can be offset by employer reimbursement.
Timeline to Complete	12-18 months	From starting the exam to receiving the license.

Insider Tip: Many large employers in Roswell (like Honeywell and Cox) offer full or partial CPA exam reimbursement. Always ask about this during job interviews. The Georgia State Board of Accountancy website is your official source for all requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Roswell is divided by GA-400, with distinct vibes on each side. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Historic Roswell (Downtown)	Walkable, charming, lots of restaurants and boutiques. Close to many employers.	$1,700 - $2,000	Those who want a vibrant, in-town feel without downtown Atlanta prices.
East Roswell (near Hwy 9)	Family-oriented, more suburban, larger lots. Commute to Alpharetta tech jobs is easy.	$1,500 - $1,750	Accountants working at Honeywell or other North Alpharetta employers.
West Roswell (near Marietta)	Quieter, more affordable, closer to I-75 for commutes to Marietta/Cobb County.	$1,400 - $1,600	Budget-conscious renters or those working for Cobb-based employers.
The Falls / Crabapple	Upscale, newer apartments and townhomes. Central location, easy access to GA-400.	$1,750 - $2,100	Mid-to-senior level accountants seeking modern amenities and a central location.
Brookfield / Southern Roswell	Established, wooded, and peaceful. A longer commute to Alpharetta but a great value.	$1,350 - $1,550	Remote workers or those who prioritize space and quiet over commute time.

Insider Tip: Traffic around GA-400 is notorious. If you work in Alpharetta, living in East Roswell or The Falls can cut your commute from 30+ minutes to under 15.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection for accountants in the Roswell metro area is 4%. This is modest, reflecting a stable, mature market rather than explosive growth. The path to advancement isn't about volume of new jobs, but about moving up the ladder and specializing.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA Certification: Adds a 10-15% salary premium over non-CPAs at the senior level.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in manufacturing (Honeywell) and corporate settings. Premium of 5-10%.
• Data Analytics / IT Audit: This is the fastest-growing niche. Accountants with SQL, Python, or ERP implementation experience can command 15-20% more and have more job mobility, even in a slow-growth market.

10-Year Outlook:
The future of accounting in Roswell is in hybrid roles. The traditional bookkeeper is being automated. The future is the accountant who can analyze the data, explain the business implications, and advise on strategy. Expect growth in roles like "Financial Analyst," "Systems Accountant," and "Controller." The 183 accounting jobs currently in the metro area are expected to see turnover, not massive expansion, making internal promotion and upskilling the key to long-term growth.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable employers across multiple industries.	Job growth is slow (4%); competition for senior roles can be fierce.
Salaries are competitive relative to the cost of living.	Car dependency is high; public transit is limited.
High quality of life with great schools, parks, and a historic downtown.	Summers are hot and humid, which can be a surprise for newcomers.
Access to Atlanta's job market without the city's housing costs.	Commutes to downtown Atlanta can be 45-75 minutes in traffic.
A welcoming community for professionals and families.	The accounting market is mature; the "move here and get hired" frenzy is less intense than in tech hubs.

Final Recommendation:
Roswell is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (3-10 years of experience) looking for a balanced lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who value community, good schools, and reasonable commutes over the highest possible salary. It’s also a great landing spot for CPAs exiting public accounting who want to transition into industry roles without leaving the metro area.

For entry-level accountants, it’s a good market but you may need to start at a lower salary or in a more junior role. For experts and CFOs, Roswell offers opportunities, but the highest salaries are still found in downtown Atlanta. If you want a career in accounting without sacrificing your quality of life, Roswell is a compelling, data-driven choice.

FAQs

Q: Is a car absolutely necessary in Roswell?
A: Yes. Roswell is a sprawling suburb with no viable public transportation system. The bus system (MARTA) is limited and doesn't serve most residential or employment centers effectively. You will need a car to get to work, run errands, and explore the area.

Q: How competitive is the job market for accountants in Roswell?
A: It's moderately competitive. With 183 jobs in the metro, openings aren't as abundant as in Atlanta, but they are steady. Having your CPA and 3-5 years of experience will make you a top candidate. Networking through the local Atlanta chapter of the Georgia Society of CPAs is highly effective.

Q: What’s the best time of year to look for an accounting job in Roswell?
A: September to November and February to April. Avoid December (holidays) and June/July (summer slowdowns). Public accounting firms hire in the fall for the next year’s busy season. Corporate hiring peaks in Q1 with new budgets.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Yes, but hybrid is more common than fully remote. Many Roswell employers offer a 2-3 day per week remote option, especially for senior accountants. Fully remote roles are often with companies based elsewhere (e.g., Atlanta or other states) but allow you to live in Roswell.

Q: Do I need to know the local industry?
A: It helps. Understanding the basics of healthcare revenue cycles, manufacturing cost accounting, or retail inventory will give you an edge in interviews. Research the major employers listed above and tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metro Area; Zillow Research for rent data; BestPlaces.net for cost of living; Georgia State Board of Accountancy; Local job postings on Indeed and LinkedIn (aggregated trends).