Accountant in Sunrise, FL

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking South Florida’s job market, I can tell you that Sunrise isn’t the first place accountants think of when they consider relocation. It’s not Miami’s glitzy downtown, nor is it the established financial hub of Boca Raton. But that’s precisely its secret. Sunrise offers a pragmatic, affordable(ish) entry into the South Florida economy with strong, stable demand for accounting professionals. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data and local insight.

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Stands

Sunrise sits in the heart of Broward County, a region where accounting salaries consistently outpace the national average. The local market is robust, driven by a mix of healthcare, logistics, and corporate operations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and regional employment data, accountants and auditors in the Sunrise metro area command a competitive median salary of $89,127/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.85/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $86,080/year, reflecting South Florida’s higher cost of doing business and a tight labor market for skilled financial professionals.

The metro area, with a population of 96,808, supports approximately 193 jobs for accountants and auditors. While this number may seem modest, it represents a concentrated, stable pool of opportunities. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which, while not explosive, is steady and indicates sustained demand, particularly in specialized areas like healthcare accounting, logistics, and nonprofit financial management.

Here’s how experience typically translates into salary in the Sunrise market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Role & Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, AP/AR Specialist. Focus on general ledger, reconciliations, and assisting with month-end close.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$78,000 - $95,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant, Internal Auditor. Manages complex accounts, leads audit prep, may specialize in tax or cost accounting.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$100,000 - $130,000+	Accounting Manager, Controller, Senior Tax Manager. Oversees teams, strategic financial planning, compliance, and high-level reporting.

How Sunrise Compares to Other Florida Hubs:

• Miami-Fort Lauderdale: Higher ceiling ($95k-$140k for mid-to-senior roles) but significantly higher cost of living.
• Orlando: Salaries are slightly lower than Sunrise, but the market is more tourism and hospitality-driven.
• Tampa: Very comparable to Sunrise, with a similar corporate and healthcare mix.
• Jacksonville: A larger market with slightly lower median salaries but also lower housing costs.

Insider Tip: The $89,127 median is a powerful benchmark. In Sunrise, you’re not competing with the high-cost advisors in Miami. Your salary will stretch further, especially if you live in a neighboring, more affordable community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your paycheck. The Cost of Living Index in Sunrise is 111.8 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 12% more expensive than the national average. Housing is the primary driver of this. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,621/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary of $89,127. This assumes a single filer, standard deductions, and no dependents.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,427	$89,127 / 12
Taxes (Federal, FICA, State)	-$1,635	Approx. 22% effective rate (FL has no state income tax).
Net Take-Home Pay	~$5,792	Your actual check will vary slightly based on 401k, health insurance, etc.
Rent (Avg 1BR)	-$1,621	$1,621 is the citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$250	Florida's heat drives summer electric bills.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	Estimated for a modest used car; insurance is high in FL.
Groceries & Food	-$450	Publix is the dominant, and pricier, grocer.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	-$250	Varies widely; this is a common post-tax contribution.
Misc. & Entertainment	-$500	Dining out, streaming, hobbies.
Remaining / Savings	~$2,221	This is a healthy surplus for savings, investments, or student loans.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in the Sunrise area is approximately $375,000. With your $2,221 monthly surplus, you could comfortably save $1,500/month for a down payment, reaching a 20% down payment ($75,000) in about 4-5 years. However, property taxes and homeowners insurance (which can be steep in Florida) would add significant monthly costs. It's wise to rent for the first 1-2 years to understand the neighborhoods and build a stronger financial position.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise's Major Employers

Sunrise’s job market isn’t dominated by Wall Street firms. It’s a mix of large corporate campuses, healthcare systems, and logistics giants. Here are the key players:

1. Memorial Healthcare System: A major employer in Broward County, with multiple facilities. Their corporate headquarters is in Hollywood, but they have a significant presence in the Sunrise area. They hire accountants for hospital revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and grant compliance. Hiring is consistent due to the healthcare sector's stability.
2. The Home Depot Corporate (Baton Rouge, LA & Sunrise): This is a big one. Home Depot's Southeast Division headquarters is located in Sunrise. They employ a large team of accountants for retail accounting, internal audit, and financial reporting. These are corporate, high-profile roles with strong career paths.
3. Broward County Public Schools: The nation's sixth-largest school district is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale but employs accountants across the county. Roles focus on budget management, federal grant accounting, and payroll. These are stable, government positions with excellent benefits.
4. Amerijet International: A major air cargo operator with a significant base at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (a short drive from Sunrise). They need accountants for logistics accounting, international trade compliance, and financial analysis.
5. City of Sunrise Government: The city itself employs accountants for municipal accounting, utility billing, and budget preparation. These local government jobs offer great work-life balance and pension plans.
6. A major national healthcare network (like HCA Florida or Tenet) often has regional offices in the nearby Fort Lauderdale or Coral Springs areas, serving the Sunrise population. They are constantly hiring for financial analysts and staff accountants.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs aren't advertised on the big job boards. Get your resume in front of the recruiters who specialize in accounting and finance for the South Florida market. Many of them work on contract and direct-hire roles with these very employers.

Getting Licensed in FL

To practice as a CPA in Florida, you must meet specific requirements through the Florida Board of Accountancy (FBA).

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and 30 upper-division accounting hours and 24 upper-division business hours. This is the standard for CPA licensure.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of experience in accounting, auditing, or tax. This can be under a licensed CPA or a licensed public accounting firm.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Florida-specific ethics exam.
5. Total Estimated Cost: For a Florida resident, the total cost for exam fees, application, and initial licensing is approximately $2,000 - $2,500. This does not include review courses (which can add $1,500-$3,000) or university tuition.
6. Timeline: The process typically takes 18-24 months from starting your education to being fully licensed, assuming you pass all exam parts on the first attempt. You can work as an unlicensed accountant while fulfilling the experience requirement.

Insider Tip: Florida offers a "CPA Candidate" license for those who have passed the exam but are still completing experience. This allows you to use the title in specific contexts, which can be a valuable career booster.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are the top neighborhoods for accountants in the Sunrise area:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Accountants
Sunrise (City Proper)	Central, convenient, family-oriented. Direct access to major employers.	$1,621	The most direct option. You’re minutes from jobs at Home Depot, the city, and hospitals. Minimal commute stress.
Coral Springs	Excellent schools, suburban feel, 15-20 min drive.	$1,550	A top choice for those with families. Stable community, good housing stock. Commute to Sunrise is easy via Sawgrass Expressway.
Fort Lauderdale (West)	More urban, closer to downtown, nightlife.	$1,750	For those who want city amenities. Commute to Sunrise can be 20-30 min depending on traffic, but you're closer to the coast and cultural scene.
Plantation	Upscale, green, corporate feel. Home to many corporate offices.	$1,700	A professional environment. Many accountants live here and work at nearby corporate campuses. Very safe and well-maintained.
Davie	More rural, horse-country vibe, but still close.	$1,450	For those seeking space and a lower rent. Commute is manageable (20-25 mins) via I-595, with less congestion than downtown routes.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-595 and the Sawgrass Expressway can be heavy during rush hour. If you work in Sunrise proper, living in Coral Springs or Davie can be easier than commuting from Fort Lauderdale proper, which often requires crossing more congested east-west corridors.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth is 4%, career advancement in Sunrise is more about specialization than sheer volume. The steady growth in healthcare and logistics sectors creates demand for niche expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with the following skills can command a 10-20% salary premium:
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management: Understanding Medicare/Medicaid, patient billing, and insurance compliance.
  • ERP Implementation (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite): Experience with large-scale financial system migrations.
  • International Tax/Trade Compliance: Crucial for companies like Amerijet and other import/export firms in the region.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path moves from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant (3-5 years), then to Accounting Manager or Controller (5-8 years). From there, you can move into Director of Finance or CFO roles, often at mid-sized companies or healthcare systems.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain stable. The key to beating the 4% growth is to align your skills with the growing sectors: healthcare, logistics, and local government. Consider pursuing your CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) instead of just the CPA to differentiate yourself in these niches.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Right for You?

Pros and Cons for an Accountant

Pros	Cons
Higher-than-national-average salary ($89,127) with no state income tax.	High cost of living, primarily due to housing and insurance.
Stable, diverse job market in healthcare, logistics, and government.	4% job growth is steady but not fast-paced. Career moves may require patience.
Strategic location with easy access to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Pompano Beach.	Car-dependent culture; public transit is limited.
Family-friendly suburbs with good schools and parks.	Hurricane risk and high homeowners/renters insurance premiums.
Access to major airports (FLL, MIA) for business travel.	Lack of "glamour" compared to Miami; more of a working city.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise is an excellent choice for the practical, family-oriented accountant who values stability and quality of life over nightlife. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to establish roots in South Florida without the crushing cost of Miami or the tourist surges of Orlando. If you're a new graduate, you might start in a larger market for higher growth potential, but if you're looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a solid career in a stable environment, Sunrise offers a compelling and financially sensible package.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really 12% higher? Is it manageable?
A: Yes, the 111.8 index is accurate, but Florida's lack of state income tax helps offset it. The key is housing. If you keep your rent or mortgage at or below $1,800/month on a $89,127 salary, you can live comfortably. Budgeting for high car insurance is non-negotiable.

Q: What's the best way to find a job in Sunrise before I move?
A: Use LinkedIn and filter for locations in Sunrise, Plantation, and Coral Springs. Search for companies like "Memorial Healthcare System" and "The Home Depot." Connect with local recruiters from firms like Robert Half or Accounting Principles who specialize in South Florida. Be upfront about your relocation timeline.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely. Sunrise is not walkable, and public transit (Broward County Transit) is limited. A reliable car is essential for commuting and daily life. Factor in car payments, gas, and high Florida auto insurance into your budget.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Yes, the pandemic accelerated remote trends. Many Sunrise-based employers offer hybrid models (2-3 days in office). However, for roles requiring physical audits, inventory counts, or local government work, you will need to be on-site. Highlight your flexibility in interviews.

Q: Is the job market saturated?
A: With 193 jobs in a metro of nearly 100,000 people, it's not saturated. The market is tight and competitive for top talent. Having your CPA or relevant certifications (CMA, CIA) will give you a significant edge. Tailor your resume to the local industries—healthcare and logistics experience is gold here.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Florida Board of Accountancy, City-Data.com, RentCafe, Zillow, and local industry reports. All salary and employment figures are specific to the Sunrise, FL metro area as defined by BLS.