Accountant in Warwick, RI

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Warwick, Rhode Island.

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Note on Data Sources: This guide synthesizes data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), the RI Division of Taxation, and local real estate market reports. All salary figures are based on the specific data provided.

The Salary Picture: Where Warwick Stands

As an Accountant in Warwick, you're looking at a financial landscape that's slightly above the national average. The median salary for an Accountant here is $86,312/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.5/hour. This positions Warwick favorably against the national average of $86,080/year. It’s a subtle but meaningful edge in a region where cost of living can be a major factor.

The local job market, while not massive, is stable. The metro area supports approximately 165 Accountant positions. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't a boom town, but it's a reliable one. The growth is steady, coming from small business expansion, the healthcare sector, and the enduring need for accounting services in older, established companies.

Insider Tip: The real value here isn't just the base salary. Many local firms, especially those serving the maritime or construction industries, offer seasonal bonuses tied to year-end close or tax season. It’s not uncommon to see an additional 5-10% on top of your base, especially if you're in a senior role.

Here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level, based on local job postings and BLS regional data:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Warwick)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$58,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Senior	8-15 years	$95,000 - $115,000
Expert (Controller/CPA)	15+ years	$120,000+

How Warwick Compares to Other RI Cities:

• Providence: Higher ceiling (median ~$90,000) but significantly higher competition and cost of living.
• Cranston: Very similar to Warwick in salary and cost; more competition from state government jobs.
• Newport: Higher seasonal/tourism-related accounting roles, but the primary market is smaller. Rents are drastically higher.

Warwick offers a "sweet spot" for mid-career professionals seeking stability and a manageable commute without the intensity of Providence's core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $86,312, your take-home pay after federal, state (5.99% flat), and FICA taxes is roughly $62,000 - $64,000 per year, or about $5,166 - $5,333 per month.

The average 1BR rent in Warwick is $1,362/month. This is slightly above the US average but in line with the state's Cost of Living Index of 100.9 (US avg = 100).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $86,312:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,300	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR)	$1,362	Average for a decent apartment
Utilities	$250	Includes heating (crucial in RI winters)
Groceries	$450	RI has high food costs; shop at Dave's or Stop & Shop
Transportation	$350	Gas, insurance, minimal car maintenance (no tolls in local commute)
Healthcare (out-of-pocket)	$200	Employer plans vary, but this is a safe out-of-pocket average
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	$500
Net Remaining (Savings/Debt)	$1,188

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Warwick hovers around $350,000 - $375,000. With $1,188/month in surplus savings, it's a challenging but possible goal.

• The Reality: You would need $12,000 - $18,000 for a 3.5% FHA down payment and closing costs. At the current surplus, saving that would take 10-15 months without financial setbacks.
• The Warwick Advantage: Property taxes in Warwick are relatively reasonable compared to neighboring towns like East Greenwich or Cranston. A $350k home might have an annual tax bill of $4,800 - $5,500.
• Insider Tip: Look to neighborhoods like Greenwood or Warwick Mills. They offer older, well-built homes at a lower price point than the newer developments near the airport. These areas are popular with young professionals for their classic New England character and walkability to coffee shops.

Where the Jobs Are: Warwick's Major Employers

Warwick's economy is a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and government. The accounting jobs here are often in-house corporate roles or positions with firms that serve these industries.

1. Kent Hospital (Care New England Health System): The largest employer in the city. They hire staff accountants, financial analysts, and billing specialists. The hospital's expansion projects create steady work for cost accountants. Hiring is consistent, especially for those with healthcare industry knowledge.
2. General Dynamics Electric Boat: While their main shipyard is in Groton, CT, their corporate and administrative functions have a significant presence in Warwick. They hire accountants for project cost control, government contract compliance, and financial reporting. These roles are among the highest paying in the region.
3. The RI State Government: The state's Department of Revenue and various administrative offices (like the Department of Labor & Training) are major employers. Jobs are posted on the state's jobs portal. They offer excellent benefits and job security, though salaries can be at the lower end of the mid-level range.
4. Local CPA Firms: Firms like Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC (though headquartered in Providence, they serve many Warwick-based clients) and smaller local practices (e.g., Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC) handle the bulk of local business and individual tax work. These are the primary entry points for new CPAs.
5. Manufacturing & Marine: Companies like Airgas (industrial gases) and various marine supply businesses along Post Road have in-house accounting teams. These roles often require a mix of cost accounting and general ledger skills.
6. Warwick Mall & Retail Corridors: The retail giants (like the Target distribution center or major retail chains) have corporate stores or distribution centers in the area, requiring accountants for inventory and store-level P&L management.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for accountants who are proficient in ERP systems (like NetSuite or SAP) and who understand data analytics. The days of pure ledger entry are fading; employers want accountants who can interpret data and provide business insights.

Getting Licensed in RI

To use the title "CPA" in Rhode Island, you must be licensed by the RI Division of Professional Regulation.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (120 credits) is the minimum to sit for the exam, but you need 150 semester credits to get the license. Most candidates get a Master's in Accounting or Taxation to meet this.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (for all four sections, varies by state).
• Application Fee: ~$100 (RI-specific).
• Study Materials: Becker, Wiley, or Roger CPA Review will cost $1,500 - $3,000.
• Timeline: From starting your 150 credits to getting your license: 1.5 - 3 years is typical.

Insider Tip: The RI Society of CPAs is an invaluable resource for finding local mentors and job openings. Many local firms in Warwick will pay for your review course and exam fees if you commit to working for them for a set period after licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Warwick is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Greenwood	Historic, walkable, near the beach (Greenwich Cove). 15-20 min drive to most major employers.	$1,400 - $1,600	Young professionals who want charm and a quick commute.
Hillsgrove	Residential, quiet, older homes. Close to the airport (for an easy commute to GD Electric Boat admin).	$1,250 - $1,450	Those who prioritize a quiet, suburban feel and a short commute to the airport area.
Apponaug	The "downtown" of Warwick, with more restaurants and shops. Can be congested.	$1,300 - $1,500	People who want to live near amenities and have a walkable "main street" vibe.
Warwick Mills	Up-and-coming, with new renovations of old mill buildings. More urban feel.	$1,450 - $1,700	Professionals seeking a modern apartment in a revitalizing area with character.
Post Road Corridor	Commercial and dense. Easy access to I-95 and Rt. 2. Less character, more convenience.	$1,100 - $1,300	Budget-conscious choices for those who commute to Providence or need highway access.

Commute Insight: Traffic on I-95 and Route 2 can be heavy during rush hour, but Warwick is geographically compact. Most commutes within the city are 10-20 minutes. A key advantage is proximity to TF Green Airport, which makes travel for conferences or work in other regional offices relatively easy.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Warwick, your career growth will likely be within a medium-sized company or a local CPA firm. The path to a Controller or Finance Director role is clear but competitive.

Specialty Premiums:

• Government Contract Accounting: If you work with GD Electric Boat or defense contractors, this skill set can command a 10-15% salary premium.
• Tax Specialization (C Corporations): With RI's business-friendly tax climate, accountants who specialize in corporate tax and R&D credits are in demand.
• Forensic Accounting: While a niche, RI's insurance and marine industries create occasional needs for this specialty.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth indicates stability, not expansion. To advance, you must:

1. Get Your CPA: It's almost a requirement for senior roles in corporate settings.
2. Move to Management: Transition from staff accountant to accounting supervisor or manager. This is where the salary jumps.
3. Consider Providence: After 5-7 years in Warwick, some professionals make a lateral move to a larger firm in Providence for a higher salary, but they often choose to live in Warwick for the lower cost of living and quality of life.

The Verdict: Is Warwick Right for You?

Warwick isn't for everyone, but for the right Accountant, it's an excellent choice.

Pros	Cons
Stable, predictable job market with good employers.	Limited high-level corporate roles compared to Boston or NYC.
Slightly above-average salary relative to national average.	Slower career advancement if you stay in one company.
Manageable cost of living and reasonable rents.	Weather can be isolating in winter months.
Excellent location for travel (TF Green, highways).	High state income tax (5.99% flat) and property taxes.
Rich local culture and food scene (especially Italian and seafood).	Traffic on main arteries during rush hour.

Final Recommendation:
Warwick is an ideal choice for mid-career Accountants (3-10 years experience) seeking stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a quality of life that includes coastal access and New England charm without the price tag of Newport or the bustle of Providence. It's not the best for fresh graduates seeking a fast-paced, high-growth corporate ladder, or for senior experts aiming for the top 1% of earnings. For the median earner ($86,312/year), Warwick offers a comfortable, sustainable, and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job in Warwick without a CPA license?
Yes, especially in entry-level and mid-level corporate bookkeeping roles. However, to reach the median salary and above, and to secure senior positions, the CPA is highly recommended and often required.

2. How does the commute to Providence or Boston affect my living choice?
Warwick is a popular "bedroom community" for Providence workers. The commute to downtown Providence is 20-30 minutes via I-95. To Boston is 90+ minutes, making it a challenging daily commute but possible for occasional trips. Living in Warwick while working in Providence is a common and financially savvy arrangement.

3. What's the biggest financial surprise for new accountants moving to Warwick?
The high cost of car insurance. Rhode Island consistently ranks among the most expensive states for auto insurance. Factor an extra $50-$100/month into your budget compared to national averages.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, the pandemic accelerated this trend. Many local employers now offer hybrid schedules (2-3 days in the office). However, many local businesses still prefer in-person collaboration, especially in manufacturing and healthcare. It’s best to clarify this during interviews.

5. How do I network in the local accounting community?
Join the RI Society of CPAs and attend their annual conference. Also, look for "Rhode Island Accounting" or "RI Finance Professionals" groups on LinkedIn. The local market is small enough that word-of-mouth and personal connections play a significant role in landing the best jobs.