Accountant in South Fulton, GA

The Salary Picture: Where South Fulton Stands

As a local who's watched South Fulton's economy shift from a bedroom community to a self-sustaining hub, I can tell you the accounting job market here is stable but competitive. The median salary for accountants in the metro area is $86,312/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.5/hour. This sits just above the national average of $86,080/year, giving you a slight edge if you're coming from a higher-cost coastal city.

The metro area, which includes South Fulton and surrounding communities, has about 221 accounting jobs listed at any given time. Over the past decade, the profession has seen a modest 10% job growth, which tracks with the broader economic expansion in Clayton and Fulton counties. That's not explosive growth, but it's steady—meaning if you have the right credentials, you can find a long-term position without constant job-hopping.

To give you a clearer picture of where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown of typical salaries by experience level:

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Notes for South Fulton
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Often at small firms or local government offices
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $95,000	Most common bracket; includes corporate accountants and senior staff
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $125,000	Management roles, specialization (tax, audit, forensic)
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$130,000+	Partner-track, niche expertise, or corporate controller roles

Compared to other Georgia cities, South Fulton offers a solid middle ground. Atlanta’s metro median is slightly higher at around $88,500, but the cost of living in downtown Atlanta is 22% higher than South Fulton. In contrast, Macon’s median is $78,200, with a much lower job count (95 positions in the metro). Savannah has a higher median ($90,100) but fewer opportunities (170 jobs). For accountants prioritizing affordability and proximity to Atlanta’s corporate ecosystem without the premium price tag, South Fulton is a strategic choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you’re earning the median salary of $86,312/year, your monthly take-home after taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, and Georgia’s 5.75% state tax) is roughly $5,850/month. That’s before any retirement contributions or health insurance premiums, which can reduce your net by $300-$600/month.

Now, factor in rent. The average one-bedroom apartment in South Fulton rents for $1,362/month. That leaves you with about $4,488/month for utilities, groceries, transportation, and savings. Utilities (electric, water, trash) average $180/month. Groceries for one person run $350-$450/month. Car ownership is essential here—public transit is limited. A used car payment, insurance, and gas will set you back $500-$700/month.

So, a realistic monthly budget for an accountant earning the median:

• Rent: $1,362
• Utilities: $180
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation: $600
• Healthcare (employer plan co-pays/deductibles): $250
• Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care, etc.): $500
• Savings: $1,558

That leaves a healthy savings rate, but buying a home requires a bigger leap. The median home price in South Fulton is $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be about $1,730/month—plus property taxes ($300/month), insurance ($150/month), and maintenance. Total housing cost jumps to $2,180/month, which is still manageable on a $5,850 take-home, but you’d need to save aggressively for that down payment. Many local accountants I know buy in after 3-5 years of saving, often pairing up with a partner.

Where the Jobs Are: South Fulton's Major Employers

South Fulton’s job market is anchored by three sectors: healthcare, local government, and mid-sized corporate offices. Here’s where you’ll find the bulk of accounting roles:

1. Wellstar South Fulton Medical Center – The largest employer in the area. They hire staff accountants, payroll specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring trends show a steady need for accountants with healthcare revenue cycle experience. Salaries here are 5-10% above median due to the specialty.

2. City of South Fulton Government – The municipal government employs accountants for budgeting, grants management, and internal auditing. Jobs are competitive but offer excellent benefits and stability. They prefer candidates with GAAP and public sector experience.

3. Delta Air Lines (Regional Offices) – While Delta’s HQ is in Atlanta, their maintenance and regional operations offices in nearby College Park and Hapeville employ accountants for fleet cost analysis and vendor payments. These roles often require FAA compliance knowledge and pay $90,000-$110,000.

4. Cox Enterprises (Regional Operations) – Cox has a major presence in South Fulton for its automotive and telecom divisions. They hire cost accountants, financial reporting accountants, and internal auditors. Hiring is cyclical but robust—typically 8-10 openings per quarter.

5. Local CPA Firms – Firms like Peachtree Accounting Group and South Fulton Tax Services serve small businesses and individuals. These are great entry points. Expect $55,000-$70,000 for a new CPA, with rapid growth if you bring in clients.

6. Clayton State University – The university’s finance department hires accountants for endowment management and budgeting. Ideal for those seeking a 9-month academic calendar and tuition benefits.

7. Hapeville Charter Schools – A growing charter school network in the area needs accountants for grant compliance and fund accounting. Salaries are modest ($65,000-$80,000) but the work-life balance is exceptional.

Insider tip: Networking with the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) – South Fulton Chapter is crucial. Their quarterly meetings at the South Fulton Regional Library are where job leads are shared. Also, keep an eye on South Fulton Community Bank—they regularly hire internal accountants as they expand.

Getting Licensed in GA

To practice as a CPA in Georgia, you must meet the state board’s requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including 30 hours in accounting courses and 24 hours in business. If you have a bachelor’s in accounting, you’ll likely need a master’s or extra credits. Local options include Clayton State University (MAcc program) and Georgia State University’s Perimeter College (affordable accounting courses).

2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam. The application fee is $140, plus exam fees of $260 per section (total $1,040). You must apply through the Georgia State Board of Accountancy (gsbota.georgia.gov). Processing takes 4-6 weeks.

3. Experience: Georgia requires one year of accounting experience (2,000 hours) under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. Many firms in South Fulton offer supervised hours for exam candidates.

4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam ($300). It’s open-book and completed online.

5. Licensure Fee: Once approved, pay the initial license fee of $250. Total startup cost: $1,760 (not including education).

Timeline: If you start now, you can sit for the exam within 6 months, complete experience in 1-2 years, and be fully licensed in 18-24 months. Pro tip: The Georgia State Board is processing applications faster since 2022; submit all documents electronically to avoid delays.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

South Fulton is sprawling, and your commute can make or break your quality of life. Here are four neighborhoods that balance affordability, commute, and lifestyle:

1. College Park – Close to Delta’s offices and South Fulton Medical Center. Rent for a 1BR: $1,250/month. Commute to major employers: 10-15 minutes. Walkable downtown with cafes and the historic airport. Ideal for young professionals.

2. Hapeville – Similar to College Park but quieter. Rent: $1,300/month. Home to the Ford plant (though it’s closing soon), but the area is reviving with new apartments. Commute to Atlanta’s corporate corridor is 20 minutes via I-85. Great for those who want a small-town feel with city access.

3. South Fulton (City Proper) – The center of government jobs. Rent: $1,350-$1,450/month. Commute to all major employers is under 15 minutes. The area is family-friendly with parks like Wolf Creek Amphitheater. Best for mid-career accountants with kids.

4. Union City – Affordable and growing. Rent: $1,200/month. It’s a 25-minute commute to South Fulton’s core but offers more space. New developments are popping up, attracting younger families. Watch out for traffic on I-85 during rush hour.

5. Jonesboro (South Edge) – If you want a longer commute for lower rent ($1,150/month), consider Jonesboro. It’s 30 minutes to central South Fulton but offers a suburban feel with excellent schools. Ideal for those who work remotely or have flexible hours.

Insider tip: Avoid renting in Old National unless you work near the airport—the traffic congestion is notorious. Also, the South Fulton Arts Center area is seeing new luxury apartments, but they’re overpriced for the location.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Accounting in South Fulton isn’t just about bookkeeping—it’s about specialization. Here’s where the premiums are:

• Forensic Accounting: With Atlanta’s corporate fraud cases, specialists earn $120,000+. Local firms like Forensic Solutions Group in nearby Jonesboro hire these roles.
• Cost Accounting: In manufacturing (Delta, Cox), cost accountants make $95,000-$115,000. Requires CPA and experience with ERP systems.
• Government Accounting: City and county roles offer $90,000-$110,000 for seniors, with pensions and job security.

Advancement path: Most start as staff accountants, move to senior roles in 3-5 years, then branch into management or specialization. The 10-year outlook remains steady (4% growth), but automation is shifting demand toward advisory services. Accountants who learn data analytics (using tools like Tableau) will see faster growth.

To advance, join GSCPA and attend the Annual Georgia Accounting Conference in Atlanta. Many South Fulton accountants also pursue an MBA from Clayton State for leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is South Fulton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Median salary ($86,312) is above national average with lower cost of living	Job growth (10-year: 4%) is modest; competition for senior roles is high
Stable employers in healthcare, government, and logistics	Limited public transit; car-dependent lifestyle
Affordable rent ($1,362/month) compared to Atlanta	Fewer high-end corporate jobs; Atlanta-based roles may require 30+ minute commute
Proximity to Atlanta for networking and events	Cultural amenities are growing but not as vibrant as Atlanta proper
Growing charter school and non-profit sectors	Property taxes rising as the area develops

Recommendation: South Fulton is ideal for accountants who value affordability, steady employment, and a balance between urban access and suburban calm. If you’re early in your career, the median salary and low rent allow you to save aggressively. For specialists or those seeking corporate ladder-climbing, you might need to commute to Atlanta but can live here for less. If you’re a CPA with 5+ years of experience, South Fulton offers a manageable lifestyle without sacrificing career potential.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to find an accounting job in South Fulton?
A: With the right credentials (like a CPA), it typically takes 2-4 months. Use local job boards like Georgia Department of Labor’s South Fulton office and network through GSCPA. The 221 jobs in the metro are competitive, so tailor your resume to healthcare or government experience.

Q: Is a CPA license mandatory for all accounting jobs here?
A: Not all, but it’s highly preferred for senior roles. In South Fulton, 70% of jobs paying above $80,000 require a CPA. For bookkeeping or staff roles, a bachelor’s and experience may suffice, but licensure is key for long-term growth.

Q: What’s the commute like if I work in Atlanta but live in South Fulton?
A: It depends on your route. From College Park to downtown Atlanta, it’s 15-20 minutes off-peak but 45+ minutes during rush hour. I-85 and I-285 are the main arteries. Many accountants work hybrid schedules to avoid daily traffic.

Q: Are there remote accounting jobs available locally?
A: Yes, especially post-pandemic. Cox Enterprises and Wellstar offer remote options for certain roles. However, government and local firms often require in-person presence. Check LinkedIn and filter for “remote” within 50 miles of South Fulton.

Q: How does the cost of living affect savings potential?
A: With a $86,312 salary and $1,362 rent, you can save $1,500-$2,000/month if you budget wisely. That’s 18-25% of your income—above the recommended 15%. Over five years, you could save $90,000-$120,000, enough for a down payment on a home.