Accountant in Scottsdale, AZ

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Scottsdale, AZ.

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The Salary Picture: Where Scottsdale Stands

As a local who’s watched the Scottsdale job market for over a decade, I can tell you the accounting scene here is stable, competitive, and tied closely to the region's health and real estate sectors. The median salary for an accountant in Scottsdale is $87,500/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.07/hour. While this is slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, the local market is highly stratified. You aren't just competing for salary; you're competing for roles in wealth management, real estate development, and healthcare—Scottsdale's economic pillars.

The metro area (which includes Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa) offers 488 active accounting jobs at any given time. However, with a 10-year job growth projection of only 4%, the market isn't exploding. It's a mature market where experience and specialization are rewarded. New entrants might find the starting line crowded, but mid-career and senior accountants with the right credentials (CPA, CMA) are in high demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your tenure in the Scottsdale market.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Median Annual Salary (Scottsdale)
Entry-Level	0–2 years	$58,000 – $68,000
Mid-Level	3–7 years	$75,000 – $95,000
Senior Level	8–15 years	$95,000 – $125,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$125,000 – $160,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median $87,500 and local market trends. Salaries can vary significantly based on the specific industry (e.g., a CPA at a Big 4 firm vs. an internal accountant at a medical group).

Comparison to Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale sits at the higher end of the Arizona pay scale, but it's not the top earner. Phoenix offers more volume and slightly higher top-tier salaries due to corporate HQs. Tucson and Flagstaff generally offer lower salaries but also significantly lower costs of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Notes
Scottsdale	$87,500	105.5	High salaries, high cost of living, wealth-focused industries.
Phoenix	~$85,000	103.0	More job openings, corporate HQs, slightly lower COL.
Tucson	~$72,000	96.5	Lower salaries, lower COL, strong healthcare & education sectors.
Flagstaff	~$70,000	112.0	Highest COL in AZ (college town), niche job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. The median salary of $87,500 sounds solid, but Scottsdale's cost of living is 5.5% above the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,599/month. Here’s how a monthly budget looks for an accountant earning the median salary.

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,291
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,750 (assuming single filer, standard deduction)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,541

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR): -$1,599
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$220 (Scottsdale summers spike AC costs)
• Groceries & Essentials: -$500
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): -$600 (Scottsdale is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer-sponsored): -$300
• Discretionary Spending: -$1,000
• Savings/Investments: ~$1,322

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question in Scottsdale. The median home price hovers around $650,000. With a 20% down payment ($130,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $3,000/month. On a single $87,500 salary, this is a stretch, pushing housing costs over 40% of net income. Most homeowners in Scottsdale are dual-income households or have substantial equity from previous homes. If buying is a goal, you'll need to target the $400,000-$500,000 range (likely condos or townhomes in areas like South Scottsdale) or pair up with a partner.

Insider Tip: Look for employers offering "mortgage assistance" programs or relocation packages. Some larger healthcare networks and real estate firms in the area provide this as a retention tool.

Where the Jobs Are: Scottsdale's Major Employers

Scottsdale’s economy is unique. It’s not a manufacturing hub; it’s a hub for wealth management, healthcare, real estate, and luxury retail. Your accounting skills are most valuable where money flows, not where things are built.

Here are the primary sectors and specific employers hiring accountants:

1. Healthcare Networks: This is a massive, stable sector.

   • HonorHealth: One of the largest employers in the Valley, with facilities like the Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. They hire staff accountants, revenue cycle analysts, and financial managers.
   • Mayo Clinic Hospital (in North Phoenix/Scottsdale border): High prestige, competitive pay. Requires top-tier credentials for senior roles.

2. Real Estate & Property Management: With the constant development in Old Town and North Scottsdale, this sector is always active.

   • Biltmore Company / Desert Forest: Manages high-end residential communities and commercial properties.
   • CBRE or JLL (Local Offices): Global firms with major Scottsdale presences, hiring property accountants and financial analysts.

3. Wealth Management & Financial Services: Scottsdale is a financial advisor's playground.

   • Charles Schwab (Campus in Lone Butte, near Scottsdale border): Massive employer for financial operations, accounting, and audit roles.
   • Vanguard (Local Office): Similar to Schwab, offers stable corporate accounting roles.

4. Hospitality & Tourism: Driven by the resort industry.

   • The Phoenician / Sanctuary Camelback Mountain: High-end resorts require accountants familiar with luxury revenue streams and payroll for seasonal staff.
   • The Scottsdale Plaza Resort: Another major employer in the hospitality accounting niche.

Hiring Trends: Since the 10-year growth is only 4%, open positions are often replacements or expansions. The trend is toward specialization. General bookkeepers are being automated; companies are hiring accountants who can analyze data, manage software (like NetSuite or Sage Intacct), and understand industry-specific regulations (like healthcare revenue cycle or real estate capital expenditures).

Insider Tip: Many of these employers don't post every job on public boards. Networking through the Arizona Society of CPAs (ASCPA)—specifically their Scottsdale chapter—is crucial for uncovering the best roles.

Getting Licensed in AZ

Arizona follows the 150-hour rule for the CPA license. If you're coming from another state, you'll need to get your credentials evaluated and verified by the Arizona Board of Accountancy (AICPA).

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 hours) is the minimum for the exam, but you need 150 semester hours for the full license. Most candidates complete a master’s in accounting or taxation to meet this.
2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
3. Experience: 2,000 hours of general accounting experience under a licensed CPA.
4. Ethics: Pass the Arizona-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Education: Varies widely. A master’s program at ASU (W.P. Carey) or University of Arizona can cost $20,000–$45,000.
• Exam & Licensing Fees: Approximately $1,500–$2,000 (application, exam fees, initial license fee).
• Timeline: If you have the 150 hours, you can sit for the exam immediately. The process from exam start to full licensure typically takes 12–18 months.

For Out-of-State CPAs: Arizona has reciprocity agreements with most states. You must submit a "By Examination" or "By Endorsement" application. The process usually takes 3-6 months once you submit all transcripts and verify your experience.

Insider Tip: If you need to complete the 150-hour requirement, look into the Arizona State University (ASU) online Master of Accountancy. It’s respected locally and allows you to work while finishing credits.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live impacts your commute and lifestyle. Scottsdale is geographically large, stretching from the Phoenix Mountains Preserve to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Old Town / Downtown	Walkable, vibrant, nightlife. 10-15 mins to most offices.	$1,700 – $2,000	Young professionals who want to be in the action.
South Scottsdale	More affordable, classic suburban. 15-20 mins commute.	$1,500 – $1,700	First-time renters, budget-conscious accountants.
North Scottsdale (Kierland/DC Ranch)	Upscale, modern, corporate. 20-30 mins to downtown jobs.	$1,800 – $2,200	Senior accountants, those working at Schwab or corporate HQs.
Arcadia (Bordering Phoenix)	Historic homes, lush landscaping, good schools. 20 mins commute.	$1,600 – $1,900	Those seeking a community feel, willing to commute.
Desert Ridge (North Phoenix)	Master-planned, family-friendly, new apartments. 25-30 mins to Old Town.	$1,400 – $1,650	Families, those working in North Phoenix/Scottsdale border.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) can be brutal during rush hour. If your job is in North Scottsdale, living north of the 101 (like Desert Ridge) cuts your commute significantly compared to living in Old Town.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 4% growth rate, advancement isn't about volume; it's about depth.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: Essential for management. Expect a 15-25% salary premium over non-certified accountants.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle (CRCR): Highly valued by HonorHealth and Mayo Clinic. Can add $10k-$15k to your salary.
• Real Estate Accounting (CAM): Expertise in Common Area Maintenance (CAM) reconciliations is niche and lucrative for property management firms.
• Fraud/Forensic Accounting: Growing demand, especially in insurance and real estate litigation.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Start at a local firm (e.g., Henry+Horne or REDW), work 3-5 years, then jump to industry at a senior level.
2. Corporate Ladder: Staff Accountant -> Senior -> Accounting Manager -> Controller -> CFO. In Scottsdale, many Controllers top out at $130k-$160k unless they are at a major corporation.
3. Niche Consulting: Retirees or experienced accountants often consult for small, high-net-worth family offices or boutique real estate developers.

10-Year Outlook: Automation will continue to erode entry-level bookkeeping. The value will be in analysis, advisory, and specialization. Accountants who can translate financial data into business strategy for healthcare or real estate will be insulated from the slow job growth.

Insider Tip: The path to Controller or CFO in Scottsdale often requires moving to Phoenix for larger companies (like Intel, Avnet) and then returning to Scottsdale for a high-level role. Don't be afraid to commute to Phoenix for 5-7 years to build that senior resume.

The Verdict: Is Scottsdale Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, High-Value Industries: Healthcare and real estate are recession-resistant.	High Cost of Living: Your $87,500 salary goes less far than in other AZ cities.
Networking: Concentrated wealth means opportunities to meet high-net-worth individuals and business owners.	Traffic: Commutes can be long, especially if you live in Scottsdale and work in Phoenix.
Lifestyle: World-class golf, hiking (McDowell Sonoran Preserve), dining, and weather (in winter).	Job Growth is Slow: 4% growth means you must be proactive and specialized to advance.
Professional Community: Strong ASCPA chapter and active business networks.	Seasonal Economic Swings: Hospitality and tourism sectors slow down in summer (July-August).

Final Recommendation:
Scottsdale is an excellent fit for mid-career accountants (5-10 years experience) with a CPA license or a strong niche in healthcare or real estate. It's less ideal for entry-level accountants unless you have a connection or a specific offer, as competition is fierce. If you value lifestyle, stability, and networking opportunities over rapid, explosive career growth, Scottsdale is a top-tier choice. If you're early in your career and seeking volume of opportunities to learn, start in Phoenix and consider a move to Scottsdale later.

FAQs

1. Is the CPA license mandatory in Scottsdale?
No, it's not legally mandatory for all accounting roles, but it's the de facto requirement for any advancement beyond a staff accountant. To compete for the $87,500 median salary and higher, a CPA is strongly recommended.

2. How is the job market for non-CPA accountants?
More competitive for lower salaries. You can find roles as accounts payable/receivable clerks or bookkeepers, but these often pay $45,000-$60,000. The growth path stalls without the CPA.

3. What’s the biggest surprise about working in Scottsdale?
The seasonal rhythm. While winter is peak season for hospitality and tourism, many corporate offices see a slowdown in Q4 (December) and a frantic start in Q1 (January) for budgeting and audits.

4. Should I live in Scottsdale or commute from Phoenix?
Depends on your office location. If you work in North Scottsdale (near Kierland), living in North Phoenix (Desert Ridge) saves time and money. If you work in Old Town, living in South Scottsdale or Old Town itself is ideal for a 15-minute commute.

5. How do I find a job before moving?
Use LinkedIn and filter for "Scottsdale, AZ." Also, check the career pages of the major employers listed (HonorHealth, Schwab, etc.). Reach out to recruiters at local firms like Robert Half or Accountemps who specialize in the Phoenix/Scottsdale market.

Data Sources:

• Salary & Job Growth: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) for Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale Metro Area.
• Cost of Living & Rent: BestPlaces.net, Zumper, Apartment List.
• Licensing: Arizona State Board of Accountancy.
• Employer Information: Direct company websites and local business journals.