Accountant in West Des Moines, IA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to West Des Moines, Iowa.

---

The Salary Picture: Where West Des Moines Stands

As a local, I've watched the accounting market here for years. It's a stable, mid-sized market that offers a solid balance of opportunity and affordability. For accountants, the numbers tell a clear story: you won't get rich overnight, but you'll live very comfortably.

The median salary for accountants in West Des Moines is $84,194/year, which breaks down to an impressive $40.48/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but don't let that fool you. When you factor in Iowa's low cost of living, that salary stretches much further here than in most metro areas.

The job market is stable but not explosive. The metro area supports 144 accountant jobs, with a modest 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't a boomtown for accounting, but it's not stagnating either. You'll find consistent demand in corporate accounting, healthcare, and the steady agricultural sector.

To give you a clearer picture, here's a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	AP/AR, bookkeeping, basic compliance
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $90,000	Financial reporting, month-end close, supervisory role
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	Technical accounting, audit prep, team management
Expert (15+ yrs)	$115,000 - $140,000+	Controller, Director, specialized consulting

How does West Des Moines stack up against other Iowa cities? Here's the comparison:

Iowa City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Size
West Des Moines	$84,194	92.7	144 jobs
Des Moines (Metro)	$82,500	92.5	380+ jobs
Cedar Rapids	$78,200	88.9	75 jobs
Iowa City	$79,800	94.1	60 jobs
Davenport	$76,500	87.2	85 jobs

Insider Tip: West Des Moines sits in a sweet spot. You get the Des Moines metro salary (within a few hundred dollars) but often with lower rent and a quicker commute than living in downtown Des Moines proper. The $84,194 median here goes further than in Iowa City, where the cost of living is higher due to the university town effect.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $84,194 means in your bank account. Iowa has a progressive income tax structure, and for a single filer with no dependents, you're looking at roughly a 6.5% effective state tax rate (combined state and local).

Here's the math on your monthly budget:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,016
• Estimated Taxes (22% Fed + 6.5% State): ~$1,965
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,051

Now, housing. The average 1BR rent in West Des Moines is $899/month. This is a game-changer. A single accountant can live comfortably on a 30% housing budget, leaving over $3,500 for everything else.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR): $899
• Utilities (Est.): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Transportation (Car is essential): $300
• Healthcare/Insurance: $350
• Student Loans (Avg. IA grad): $250
• Entertainment/Savings: $1,802
• Remaining: $1,802

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the median home price in West Des Moines around $285,000, a 20% down payment is $57,000. On your salary, with $1,802/month of flexible spending, you could save that down payment in about 2.5 years while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. A 30-year mortgage at 7% on $228,000 would be around $1,520/month—well within your budget.

Cost of Living Index: 92.7 (US avg = 100). This is your secret weapon. Everything from groceries to healthcare is about 7-8% cheaper than the national average. That $84,194 feels more like $91,000 nationally in terms of purchasing power.

Where the Jobs Are: West Des Moines's Major Employers

The job market here isn't dominated by one industry; it's a healthy mix. Here are the key players:

1. Principal Financial Group (Des Moines, but prime commuter): The giant of Iowa's financial sector. They hire hundreds of accountants and financial analysts. Hiring trends are steady, with a focus on corporate accounting, SEC reporting, and internal audit. Their West Des Moines office (near I-235/IA-5 ramps) is a major hub.

2. The Iowa Clinic: A large private healthcare system based in West Des Moines. They need accountants who understand healthcare billing, revenue cycle management, and grant accounting. The growth in healthcare means steady hiring for their finance team.

3. EMC Insurance (Des Moines): A major national insurer headquartered in Iowa. They look for CPAs with experience in investment accounting and actuarial support. It's a stable, traditional employer with a lower turnover rate.

4. John Deere (Ankeny, 20 min north): While not in West Des Moines itself, it's a major regional employer. Their finance division needs accountants for plant accounting, cost accounting, and financial planning. The commute is straightforward on Highway 415.

5. West Des Moines Community School District: Public entities are reliable employers. They need accountants for budgeting, grants management, and compliance. The work is stable, with good benefits and a predictable schedule.

6. Small & Mid-Sized Firms (Local CPA Shops): Don't overlook the many local firms like Miles & Associates or H&D Accounting. They serve small businesses and agricultural clients. This is where you can get broad experience and make partner if you're entrepreneurial.

Insider Tip: The healthcare and insurance sectors are your best bets for growth. Principal and EMC are always hiring, but the competition is tougher. For a quicker entry, look at the school district or a local firm. The 144 jobs in the metro means it's a network-driven market—get to know people at the Iowa Society of CPAs events.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa follows the standard CPA path, but with its own specifics. As a local, I've seen many colleagues navigate this.

The Requirements:

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours, including 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business courses. A bachelor's degree from an Iowa university (like ISU in Ames or Drake in Des Moines) covers this easily.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam. Iowa uses NASBA for processing.
3. Experience: You need two years of qualifying accounting experience under a licensed CPA. It can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (four sections)
• Application/Licensing Fees: ~$300-$500
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,300 - $5,000

Timeline:

• Year 1-2: Meet education requirements (if not already).
• Year 3: Pass CPA exam (6-18 months of study).
• Year 4-5: Gain 2 years of experience while working.
• Total: 3-5 years from starting to full licensure.

Pro-Tip: Iowa has a "CPA Candidate" status that allows you to sit for the exam with 120 credit hours (before completing the full 150). This lets you start your career and finish your degree part-time. Most local employers, like Principal, support this path.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. West Des Moines is spread out, but these neighborhoods are prime for accountants.

1. Valley Junction (Downtown West Des Moines): The historic heart of the city. Cute shops, restaurants, and walkable. A short 5-10 minute commute to most West Des Moines offices. Rent: $950-$1,100/month for a 1BR. Ideal for young professionals who want character.

2. Ashworth Park / Windsor Heights (Central): Affordable, quiet, and centrally located. Easy access to downtown Des Moines and the financial district via I-235. A mix of duplexes and apartments. Rent: $800-$950/month. Perfect for a no-nonsense commuter.

3. Clive / West Glen (West Side): More suburban, newer developments. Close to the John Deere and EMC Insurance offices. Very safe, family-oriented. A bit farther from downtown but excellent highway access. Rent: $1,000-$1,250/month. Best for those who prioritize space and quiet.

4. The Avenues (Des Moines, just east of West Des Moines): Technically in Des Moines, but a 10-minute commute to West Des Moines. Historic homes, great walkability, and a vibrant arts scene. Slightly higher rent for the location. Rent: $1,100-$1,300/month. For the accountants who want city life without the downtown price.

5. Northeast West Des Moines (near Raccoon River): Growing area with new apartments and townhomes. Close to the Iowa Clinic headquarters and easy access to the interstate. Rent: $900-$1,050/month. A balanced option for work-life balance.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal here. A "bad" commute is 20 minutes. I recommend Valley Junction for a single professional. You can walk to a coffee shop, be downtown for networking in 15 minutes, and your rent is under $1,000.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your 10-year outlook in West Des Moines is about strategic specialization. The market won't give you a huge salary jump just for tenure, but it will reward expertise.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: Adds $10,000-$15,000 to your salary potential immediately.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors (John Deere, local manufacturers). Can boost salary by $8,000-$12,000.
• Niche Expertise: Healthcare revenue cycle (The Iowa Clinic) or investment accounting (Principal) can command a 10-15% premium over generalists.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Start at $55,000, make Manager in 5-6 years (~$95,000), and aim for Partner at a local firm in 10-12 years ($130,000+).
2. Corporate Track (Principal/EMC): Analyst -> Senior -> Finance Manager -> Controller. The Controller role in a mid-sized Iowa company can reach $110,000-$140,000.
3. Government/Non-Profit: Slower salary growth but exceptional job security and benefits. School district Controller roles top out around $100,000.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth means new opportunities will arise from retirement and expansion, not explosive startup growth. The key is to get your CPA and pivot to a Controller or Manager role by year 7-8. The low cost of living allows you to take a slight pay cut for a better work-life balance, which is a huge draw in Iowa.

The Verdict: Is West Des Moines Right for You?

After living and working here, I've seen who thrives and who leaves.

Pros	Cons
Excellent cost-of-living ratio: $84,194 goes far.	Limited "Big 4" presence: Career path is more traditional.
Stable, predictable job market.	Can feel "small" if you're used to major metros.
Low stress, short commutes.	Social scene is quieter than college towns or coastal cities.
Strong work-life balance culture.	Winters are long and cold.
Easy path to homeownership.	Networking is essential; jobs aren't always posted publicly.

Final Recommendation:
West Des Moines is an exceptional choice for a mid-career accountant (3-10 years experience) looking to establish a stable, comfortable life. It's not the place for someone chasing a high-flying, fast-paced career in finance, but it's perfect for someone who values stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. The $84,194 median salary, combined with $899 rent, creates a financial freedom you won't find in most cities. If you're willing to get your CPA and build local connections, you can build a very successful and comfortable career here.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in West Des Moines?
A: Yes, unequivocally. Public transit (DART) exists but is limited. Most accountants live 10-15 minutes from their office by car. Budget $300/month for a car payment, insurance, and gas.

Q: How competitive is the job market with only 144 jobs listed?
A: The 144 is a BLS snapshot, but the actual turnover is low. The key is to network through the Iowa Society of CPAs and target the major employers directly. Many jobs are filled before they're posted. For entry-level, it's competitive; for a CPA with 5+ years, it's very manageable.

Q: What's the biggest surprise for new accountants moving here?
A: The pace. The "Iowa Nice" culture extends to the workplace. Meetings are direct, deadlines are respected, but you won't find the constant pressure of a major coastal firm. Also, the number of farmers who are your clients (even in corporate accounting) is surprisingly high!

Q: Can I work remotely for a coastal company and live in West Des Moines?
A: Yes, it's becoming more common. The cost-of-living arbitrage is fantastic. However, most local employers (Principal, EMC) now offer hybrid models, and the local networking is harder to replace remotely. I recommend hybrid for the first 3-5 years to build your local network.

Q: How do the seasons affect the job market?
A: Hiring slows in Q4 (year-end close) and picks up in Q1 and Q2. The big agricultural accounting cycles (planting/harvest) can create temporary demand. Plan your job search for March-May or September-October for the best results.