Accountant in Syracuse, NY

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Syracuse, New York.

The Salary Picture: Where Syracuse Stands

Looking at the raw numbers, Syracuse presents a solid middle-ground option for accounting professionals. It won’t compete with the astronomical salaries of New York City or San Francisco, but it also doesn’t come with the crushing cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry data, the median salary for accountants in the Syracuse metro area is $84,840/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.79/hour.

When you stack this up against the national average of $86,080/year, Syracuse is virtually on par with the rest of the country. This is a significant data point. It means you aren’t taking a pay cut to live in a slower-paced, affordable city. The 10-year job growth is 4%, which is stable but not explosive. With 291 jobs in the metro, it’s a tight-knit market where reputation matters.

Here’s how that median salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Syracuse area:

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes for Syracuse |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 yrs) | $55,000 - $68,000 | Often found at local firms or in AP/AR roles at larger corporations. CPA exam progress is key. |
| Mid-Level (3-7 yrs) | $75,000 - $95,000 | This is where most professionals land. Senior staff accountant or manager roles at firms like The Bonadio Group. |
| Senior Level (8-15 yrs) | $95,000 - $125,000 | Controller, senior manager, or partner-track roles. Often at mid-size firms or as a corporate lead. |
| Expert/Partner (15+ yrs) | $125,000+ | Firm partners, CFOs at major local employers. Compensation heavily tied to firm profitability. |

Insider Tip: Syracuse has a strong "Big 4" alumni network, but the local market is dominated by regional firms (like The Bonadio Group, Dermody, Burke & Holcomb) and the accounting departments of major employers (like National Grid and Upstate Medical). Salaries at these local firms can sometimes lag behind national averages, but the work-life balance is often significantly better.

Comparison to Other NY Cities

• New York City Metro: Median salary ~$105,000+. Cost of living is ~187% higher than the national average. A $84k salary in Syracuse would feel like $45k in NYC after rent and taxes.
• Buffalo Metro: Median salary ~$79,000. Slightly lower pay with a nearly identical cost of living. Syracuse offers a slight edge in compensation.
• Rochester Metro: Median salary ~$78,000. Similar profile to Buffalo. Syracuse is the highest-paying of the upstate NY metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Syracuse is $916/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 95.2 (US Avg = 100). This is a major advantage.

Using the median salary of $84,840, here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single accountant (filing as single with one exemption, NY state tax, and assuming standard deductions):

Item	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,070	($84,840 / 12)
Federal Tax	$850	Estimated
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)	$540	7.65% of gross
NY State Tax	$420	Approx. 6% average rate
Net Take-Home Pay	~$5,260	This is your working budget.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$916
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Varies by season
Car Payment/Insurance/ Gas	$450	Syracuse is car-dependent. Public transport is limited.
Groceries	$350
Entertainment/Dining	$400
Savings/Debt/Retirement	~$2,964	Leftover for savings, student loans, 401(k) match, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With almost $3,000 in leftover monthly funds after all core expenses, a down payment is very attainable. The median home price in the Syracuse area is around $230,000. A 20% down payment ($46,000) could be saved in 2-3 years with disciplined budgeting. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes/insurance) for a $230k home would likely be around $1,400-$1,600, which is still very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Syracuse's Major Employers

The Syracuse accounting job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, manufacturing, education, utilities, and professional services. Here are the major players:

1. The Bonadio Group: This is the largest CPA firm in upstate New York. They have a huge Syracuse presence and are the primary employer for public accounting talent in the region. They do audit, tax, and consulting. They are known for strong training programs and are a common first stop for new grads.
2. Upstate Medical University / Upstate University Hospital: As one of the largest employers in the region, their accounting and finance department is massive. They handle everything from payroll for thousands of employees to financial reporting for a major academic medical center. Stable, government benefits, but bureaucracy can be slow.
3. National Grid: The utility giant has a significant regional headquarters in Syracuse. Their finance department is complex, dealing with regulatory accounting, rate case filings, and massive capital projects. They offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
4. Syracuse University: The university is a city-within-a-city. Their Office of Financial Services employs a large number of accountants, auditors, and financial analysts. It’s a stable, academic environment with good perks (like tuition benefits).
5. Dermody, Burke & Holcomb (DBH): A highly respected regional accounting and consulting firm with a strong Syracuse office. They compete directly with Bonadio and often have a slightly different industry focus (e.g., more manufacturing and distribution clients).
6. Carrier Corporation: While not as large as it once was, Carrier’s global HQ remains in the Syracuse suburb of DeWitt. Their corporate accounting function, especially in tax and internal audit, is still a source of specialized jobs.
7. M&T Bank: As a major regional bank, M&T has a sizable presence in Syracuse. Their commercial and retail banking divisions require accountants for loan accounting, compliance, and branch network finance.

Hiring Trend: The market is tight for experienced CPAs, especially for controller and manager roles. There’s a noticeable "brain drain" of young talent to NYC, creating opportunities for mid-career professionals to advance faster in Syracuse. Public accounting firms are always hiring, but the real growth is in corporate roles at the major employers listed above.

Getting Licensed in NY

New York State has specific requirements for becoming a CPA, which you should start on immediately if you’re not already licensed.

Requirements (as set by the NY State Board for Public Accountancy):

1. 150-Hour Education Requirement: You must complete 150 semester hours of college credit, with a bachelor's degree and at least 33 semester hours in accounting courses and 36 hours in general business courses.
2. Pass the Uniform CPA Exam: You can sit for the exam in New York upon completing 120 (but not yet 150) hours of education. You have 18 months from the date you pass your first section to pass all four parts.
3. One Year of Experience: You need one year (1,500 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: You must pass an open-book ethics exam administered by the AICPA.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state, but includes application and exam fees).
• Application Fee: ~$250.
• Prep Course (Becker, Wiley, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000 (often covered by employers).
• Timeline: From starting the process to holding your license typically takes 1.5 to 2 years. The biggest delay is often completing the 150th credit hour.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving to Syracuse with a non-NY license, the process is easier. New York has reciprocity agreements with most other states. You’ll need to verify your credentials with the NY State Board, potentially meet any specific NY requirements you lack (like the ethics exam), and pay the fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Syracuse is a city of distinct neighborhoods and suburbs. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a walkable urban feel, quiet suburban life, or a quick commute to your specific employer.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Downtown (10-20 mins)
Armory Square / Downtown	Urban, walkable, historic. Loft apartments, restaurants, and nightlife. Best for young professionals who want to be in the thick of it.	$1,000 - $1,400	Walk or 5-min drive
Westcott / University Hill	Eclectic, progressive, near Syracuse U. Great for those who enjoy a bohemian, diverse atmosphere with old homes and rentals.	$900 - $1,200	10-15 mins
Eastwood / Strathmore	Historic, quiet, residential. Classic Syracuse neighborhoods with beautiful older homes, parks, and a family-friendly feel.	$850 - $1,100	15-20 mins
DeWitt / Fayetteville	Upscale suburb. Excellent schools, modern amenities, and home to many corporate offices (Carrier, National Grid).	$1,000 - $1,300	15-25 mins
Liverpool / Baldwinsville	Suburban, family-oriented. Great access to I-81, the airport, and outdoor activities (Onondaga Lake Park).	$900 - $1,150	20-30 mins

Insider Tip: If you work for a major employer like National Grid or Carrier in DeWitt, living in DeWitt or Fayetteville cuts your commute to a breeze. If you’re at a downtown firm (Bonadio, DBH), Armory Square or Eastwood offers a perfect balance. Avoid the immediate inner-city neighborhoods on the near West or South sides unless you have specific local knowledge; stick to the established, safe neighborhoods listed above.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Syracuse, career growth is less about explosive jumps and more about steady progression and strategic specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): Highly valued at large employers like National Grid, Upstate Medical, and the university. Can command a 10-15% premium over a standard staff accountant.
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Useful for corporate roles in manufacturing (Carrier, Anheuser-Busch) and healthcare. It signals a focus on management accounting and strategy.
  • Tax Specialization: Public accounting firms pay premiums for tax expertise, especially in corporate and international tax. This is a path to partnership at firms like Bonadio.
  • Healthcare Reimbursement & Revenue Cycle: A niche but growing specialty due to Upstate Medical. Expertise in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement is gold here.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Senior Manager → Partner. The path is well-defined at the regional firms.
  2. Corporate: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This is a common path at major local employers. The jump from Manager to Controller can be a bottleneck, as those positions are few and highly competitive.
  3. Government/Non-Profit: Offers stability but slower pay progression. Often requires a state pension plan instead of a 401(k).

• 10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
  The growth is modest, meaning competition will be steady. To outperform the market, you need to:

  • Get your CPA license—it’s the single biggest differentiator in this market.
  • Develop tech skills (ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, advanced Excel, data visualization with Tableau/Power BI).
  • Build a local network through the NYSSCPA Syracuse Chapter and events at the MOST or the Everson Museum. This is a relationship-driven city.

The Verdict: Is Syracuse Right for You?

Syracuse isn’t for everyone, but for the right accountant, it offers an exceptional quality of life and a stable career.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power. Your salary goes much further than in major metros.	Harsh winters. 100+ inches of snow is common; you must be prepared for it.
Manageable cost of living. Affordable rent and home prices make financial freedom attainable.	Less dynamic job market. Fewer Fortune 500 HQs than NYC or Charlotte.
Stable, established employers. Less volatility in job security.	"Small pond" effect. The professional network is compact; reputation travels fast.
Work-life balance. Generally a 9-to-5 culture, especially outside of public accounting.	Limited cultural amenities compared to a major city (though it has great sports, festivals, and museums).
Easy access to nature. Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, and Lake Ontario are all within 1-2 hours.	Car dependency. You will need a car for daily life. Public transit is not robust.

Final Recommendation:
Syracuse is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) with a CPA license who are looking to accelerate their career (e.g., move from senior to manager faster), buy a home, and enjoy a high quality of life without the stress of a major metro. It’s also a great choice for early-career professionals who are budget-conscious and want to pay down student loans quickly. It is likely a tougher sell for someone seeking the high-energy, high-salary corporate ladder of NYC or a tech-heavy hub.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Syracuse?
A: Yes, absolutely. The public bus system (Centro) has limited routes and reliability, especially for suburbs. Most employers (like those in DeWitt or Liverpool) are not easily accessible by public transit. A reliable vehicle is a necessity.

Q: How is the work-life balance in public accounting here?
A: At regional firms like Bonadio and DBH, the work-life balance is generally better than at Big 4 firms in major cities. Busy season is still intense (Jan-Apr for tax), but the off-season is more relaxed. The culture emphasizes team and community, which can be a plus.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake a newcomer accountant makes in Syracuse?
A: Underestimating the importance of networking. Syracuse is a "who you know" city. Join the local NYSSCPA chapter, attend events at the CenterState CEO, and connect with alumni from your school who are in the area. Your next job is likely to come from a personal connection, not a job board.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many national firms and tech companies hire remote accountants. However, for local opportunities, hybrid or in-office is still the norm at most traditional employers. A hybrid setup (2-3 days in office) is common.

Q: What’s the social scene like for young professionals?
A: It’s active but smaller. Armory Square and the Westcott Nation are the hubs. You’ll find more community festivals (like the Syracuse Food Truck Festival), sports events (Syracuse Orange basketball), and outdoor activities than late-night clubs. It’s conducive to building deeper friend groups.