Accountant in Virginia Beach, VA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Virginia Beach, VA.

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Virginia Beach's accounting market is stable but competitive. You won't find the sky-high salaries of Northern Virginia's tech corridor, but you trade that for a lower cost of living and a coastal lifestyle. The data confirms this.

The median salary for an accountant in Virginia Beach is $85,408 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.06. This is just slightly below the national average of $86,080 per year. That difference is negligible when you factor in the city's cost of living.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (VA Beach)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$52,000 - $65,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$70,000 - $95,000
Senior	8-15 years	$95,000 - $125,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$125,000 - $160,000+

Insider Tip: Salaries in the public accounting sector (especially at firms with military/government clients) often trend higher than in private industry roles for similar experience levels.

Comparing to Other Virginia Cities:

• Richmond: Salaries are roughly 5-7% higher, but the cost of living is also higher, especially in the Scott's Addition and Fan districts.
• Northern Virginia (NoVA): Salaries can be 20-30% higher, but the cost of living (especially housing) is dramatically more expensive. A median salary of $85,408 goes much further in Virginia Beach than it would in Arlington or Fairfax.
• Roanoke: Salaries are generally 10-15% lower, with a significantly lower cost of living.

The Local Job Market: There are approximately 907 accountant jobs in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is steady but not explosive. This means the market is stable, but you need to be proactive and maybe a bit specialized to stand out.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Your median salary of $85,408 isn't your take-home pay. After federal taxes, FICA, and Virginia state taxes (which start at 2% and go up to 5.75%), you're looking at a net monthly income of roughly $5,100 - $5,300.

• Taxes: A good rule of thumb for Virginia is to budget for ~25-28% of your gross income for taxes.
• Rent: The average 1-bedroom rent in Virginia Beach is $1,287/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Earning $85,408/year):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$7,117
Net Take-Home (Est.)	$5,200	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,287	24.7% of take-home - very manageable
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes internet, water, trash
Groceries	$350 - $450
Car Insurance/Gas	$300 - $400	Car is essential in VB
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Varies by employer plan
Retirement (401k 5%)	$355	Highly recommended
Discretionary/Savings	$1,400+	This is the key.
Total Expenses	~$3,200	Leaves significant room for savings/debt

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. With a median salary of $85,408, you are in a strong position. The median home price in Virginia Beach hovers around $375,000. A 20% down payment is $75,000, but many local lenders offer FHA or VA loans with lower down payments (3-5%). With your estimated discretionary savings, saving for a down payment is a realistic 3-5 year goal, especially with a partner. The mortgage on a $300,000 loan (30-year at 6.5%) would be around $1,900/month, including taxes and insurance. This is a stretch on a single income but feasible with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

Virginia Beach's economy has a unique mix of tourism, military, and corporate sectors. Accountants here often find niches in government contracting, healthcare, and hospitality.

1. Military & Government Contractors: This is the biggest driver. Companies like General Dynamics, BAE Systems, and Mission Technologies (formerly HII) have large presences. They need accountants skilled in federal contract compliance (FAR, DCAA).
2. Healthcare: Sentara Healthcare (with multiple hospitals in the region, including Sentara Virginia Beach General) and Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters are massive employers. They need accountants for revenue cycle, cost reporting, and compliance.
3. Tourism & Hospitality: The Kroc Center (a large Salvation Army facility), Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and countless hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott) require financial staff. Business is seasonal, so cash flow management is key.
4. Large Local Corporations: Lynnhaven Marine (a major boat dealership), Clark Nexsen (architecture/engineering firm), and Huffman & Hite (a large construction company) are examples of sizable local businesses with complex financial needs.
5. Public Accounting Firms: Local firms like PBMares (headquartered in the region) and branches of national firms (like Eide Bailly or H&R Block) hire for tax and audit. They often serve the military, real estate, and small business sectors.
6. Education: Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Tidewater Community College (which has a strong accounting program) are steady employers.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for accountants who understand data analytics and can dig into software like Tableau or Power BI. The military contract sector is always hiring, but the process can be slow due to required clearances.

Getting Licensed in VA

To practice as a CPA in Virginia, you must be licensed by the Virginia Board of Accountancy. Here’s the local lowdown:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree with 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business. This is standard.
• Exam: Pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam. You can apply for the exam after completing 120 hours.
• Experience: 1,500 hours of qualifying experience in accounting, auditing, or tax, supervised by a licensed CPA. This can be completed in as little as one year of full-time work.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the Virginia-specific ethics exam.
• Costs: Exam fees ($1,000), application fees ($200), and review course costs (~$1,500-$3,000). Total investment is often $3,000 - $5,000.
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour plan to getting licensed, expect 18-24 months if you're focused. You can work full-time while studying.

Local Tip: Many firms in Virginia Beach (especially public accounting and military contractors) will cover your CPA exam fees and provide study time if you commit to them for a few years. It's a key benefit to negotiate for.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute, cost, and lifestyle. Virginia Beach is a sprawling city.

1. Town Center Area (Central):

   • Commute: Excellent. Close to major employers like Sentara and downtown businesses.
   • Lifestyle: Urban feel with restaurants, shops, and the library. More walkable than most of VB.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600 for a 1BR. Slightly above city average.
   • Best For: Accountants who want a central, social lifestyle with an easy commute.

2. Kemps River/Central Beach:

   • Commute: Good. Easy access to I-264, making commutes to military bases or downtown Norfolk manageable.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of residential and commercial. Very central to everything. More suburban.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want balance—proximity to work, amenities, and not too far from the ocean.

3. Chesapeake Beach/Oceanfront (South End):

   • Commute: Can be longer (20-30 minutes to central business districts). Traffic on General Booth Blvd bottlenecks.
   • Lifestyle: The oceanfront vibe. Touristy in summer, quiet in winter. More expensive.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800+ for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Accountants who prioritize the beach lifestyle over a short commute. Ideal for remote/hybrid workers.

4. Pungo (South Virginia Beach):

   • Commute: Long (30-45 minutes to central business districts). Rural roads.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, rural, with farms and a small-town feel. Very affordable.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR (or a townhouse).
   • Best For: Those seeking solitude, lower costs, and don't mind driving. A great spot for remote workers.

5. Northampton/Great Neck Area:

   • Commute: Good access to I-264 East and Military Highway. Easy to Norfolk or Portsmouth.
   • Lifestyle: Established, family-friendly neighborhoods. Close to the Northampton area's parks and the bay.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Accountants looking for a stable, residential community with easy access to multiple cities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 4%, you can't just coast. You must specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: In Virginia Beach, the following specializations can command 10-20% salary premiums over the median of $85,408:

  • Government Contract Accounting (DCAA/DFARS): $100,000 - $130,000+. This is the most lucrative niche locally.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management: $90,000 - $115,000.
  • Tax (especially for military families or small businesses): $85,000 - $110,000.
  • Data Analytics/FP&A: $95,000 - $120,000.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public Accounting: Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner/Principal. (Long hours, high reward).
  2. Private Industry (Gov't Contractor): Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. (Steady, strong benefits).
  3. Government: (Federal, State, Local) → GS-5/7/9/11/12/13. (Excellent benefits, pension, slower pace).

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will be for hybrid professionals. The accountant who can close the books and build a dashboard in Power BI to explain the trends will have the most job security and earning potential. The growth is in adding analytical skills to traditional accounting.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Low Cost of Living: Your $85,408 salary has strong purchasing power.	Summer Traffic: Tourists clog the oceanfront and tunnels from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Beach, bay, parks, and a mild winter.	Limited "Corporate" Culture: Fewer Fortune 500 HQs; more mid-sized businesses and government.
Stable Job Market: Military and healthcare provide recession-resistant employment.	Car-Centric: Public transit (The Tide) is limited. You need a reliable vehicle.
Central Location: Easy to travel to Richmond, DC, and the Carolinas.	Wages are Flat: Job growth is slow; you need to be proactive for raises or new roles.
No Major City Annoyances: Less congestion, crime, and stress than NYC or DC.	Seasonality: Some industries (tourism) slow down in the off-season.

Final Recommendation:
Virginia Beach is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-10 years experience) seeking a better quality of life without sacrificing a professional career. It's not a place for aggressive, rapid career explosions (like Silicon Valley), but it's perfect for building a stable, comfortable life. If you value the ocean, a lower mortgage payment, and a manageable commute, VB is a hidden gem. If you're an early-career accountant hungry for the fastest promotions and highest starting salaries, Richmond or Northern Virginia might be a better launchpad.

FAQs

1. Do I need a CPA license to get a good job in Virginia Beach?
For senior roles (Controller, Manager) in public accounting or large corporations, yes. For staff accountant positions in private industry or government, a CPA is often preferred but not strictly required. However, having your CPA will always put you ahead of the competition and is essential for promotion past the senior level.

2. How important is a security clearance for accounting jobs here?
Very important. Many of the highest-paying jobs are with defense contractors who require a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret). If you are eligible (U.S. citizen, clean background), obtaining a clearance can be a major career booster. Some employers will sponsor your clearance if you're hired, but it can take 6-18 months to process.

3. What's the commute like from the Outer Banks (North Carolina) to Virginia Beach?
It's a popular "reverse commute" for some. From Corolla or Kitty Hawk, it's about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the central business district. You must factor in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel tolls and potential delays. It's doable but not ideal for a daily commute unless you only need to be in the office 2-3 days a week.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work based in Virginia Beach?
Yes, and this trend is growing. Many national companies are open to remote roles, and local firms have adopted hybrid models. This can be a major advantage, allowing you to earn a national salary while enjoying Virginia Beach's cost of living. Check job boards for "Remote" or "Hybrid" listings.

5. What's the best way to network with local accountants?
Join the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) and attend their Tidewater Chapter meetings. Also, look for events hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce or industry-specific groups (like the local chapter of the Government Finance Officers Association). LinkedIn is also very active; search for accounting groups in the "Hampton Roads" area.

Data Sources: Salary data is based on provided figures. Local job count and growth projections are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metro area. Cost of Living Index and rent data are sourced from public real estate and economic reports (e.g., Zillow, Sperling's BestPlaces). Licensing information is from the Virginia Board of Accountancy website.