Accountant in Winston-Salem, NC

The Salary Picture: Where Winston-Salem Stands

Winston-Salem offers a compelling value proposition for accountants. While the median salary of $83,859/year sits slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, the city's low cost of living (91.4, compared to the U.S. average of 100) means your paycheck stretches further. The local accounting job market is stable, with 505 jobs in the metro area and a modest but steady 10-year growth rate of 4%.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Winston-Salem market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Winston-Salem Median Salary	National Median Salary (Approx.)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$58,000 - $66,000	$60,000 - $70,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant	$75,000 - $92,000	$78,000 - $95,000
Senior (8+ years)	Accounting Manager, Controller	$95,000 - $120,000	$100,000 - $130,000
Expert (15+ years / CPA)	Finance Director, Partner, CFO	$125,000+	$140,000+

Insider Tip: The gap between entry-level and mid-level salaries is pronounced in Winston-Salem. The first few years are about building your resume, but once you hit the 3-5 year mark—especially if you obtain your CPA license—salary jumps are significant. The $83,859 median figure is most representative of a mid-to-senior level Senior Accountant or a non-CPA Accounting Manager.

Compared to other North Carolina cities:

• Charlotte: Salaries are ~10-15% higher ($95,000+ for mid-level), but cost of living is 15% above the national average. The finance sector is larger and more competitive.
• Raleigh/Durham: Salaries comparable to Winston-Salem, but the tech and biotech boom drives demand for forensic and cost accountants. Rent is significantly higher.
• Greensboro: Nearly identical salary profile to Winston-Salem, as they share a metro area. Winston-Salem offers a slightly more affordable housing market and a distinct corporate culture.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly finances for an accountant earning the Winston-Salem median of $83,859/year.

Monthly Take-Home Pay Calculation (Estimate):

• Annual Gross: $83,859
• Federal Tax (approx. 22%): $18,449
• FICA (7.65%): $6,415
• NC State Tax (4.75%): $3,983
• Local Taxes (varies by city/county): ~1.5% = $1,258
• Total Estimated Deductions: ~$30,105
• Annual Net Pay: ~$53,754
• Monthly Take-Home (approx.): $4,479

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $936
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment + Gas + Insurance): $550
• Health Insurance (Employer-sponsored): $300
• Retirement Savings (10% pre-tax): $699
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, etc.): $1,344

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With $1,344 in discretionary spending, you have significant room. The median home price in the Winston-Salem metro is approximately $260,000. With a 20% down payment ($52,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly principal and interest payment of around $1,396. Property taxes and insurance would add another $300-$400/month. For a total housing payment of ~$1,796, which is under 40% of your take-home pay, homeownership is a realistic goal within a few years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Winston-Salem's Major Employers

The accounting scene in Winston-Salem is anchored by three sectors: healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Unlike Charlotte, there are fewer massive corporate HQs, but the amount of "mid-market" and "cradle-to-grave" employers is high.

1. Novant Health: A dominant employer in the region. They have a massive internal accounting and finance department for their hospitals, including Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health Medical Park. They hire for staff accountants, payroll specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring is steady, often requiring a bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience.
2. Wake Forest Baptist Health / Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist: Another healthcare giant. Their finance division is large, with opportunities in revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and compliance. They often prefer candidates with healthcare-specific experience or a CPA.
3. BB&T (now Truist Financial): Headquartered in Winston-Salem, Truist has a massive financial operations center here. While the investment banking side is in Charlotte, the commercial banking, audit, and internal controls teams are deeply rooted in Winston-Salem. They are a top employer for internal auditors and financial controllers.
4. Hanesbrands Inc.: A global apparel manufacturer (Hanes, Champion, etc.) headquartered in Winston-Salem. Their corporate finance team handles global accounting, tax, and financial planning. This is a great spot for accountants interested in the manufacturing sector, inventory accounting, and SEC reporting.
5. Berner Food & Beverage (in nearby Mocksville): A large food manufacturing plant that serves as a major employer for cost accountants and plant controllers. It's a 25-minute commute and offers a different pace from corporate accounting.
6. Local & Regional CPA Firms: The big four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) have small offices here, but the real action is with mid-sized firms like Greer & Reed, PLLC, Smith & Knight, PLLC, and Clarke & Company, PA. These firms handle the majority of local business and individual tax, audit, and consulting work. They are the primary source of entry-level public accounting jobs.
7. Wake Forest University: The university's business office, endowment fund, and departmental budgets provide opportunities for accountants who prefer an academic environment with strong benefits and stability.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable uptick in demand for accountants who can work with data analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI) and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle). Many local employers are in the process of modernizing their financial systems post-pandemic.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina follows the standard CPA licensing path outlined by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and at least 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses (auditing, tax, financial accounting). A master's in accounting (like from Wake Forest University's School of Business) is the most common path to reach 150 hours.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of experience under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the North Carolina-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee (NC Board): ~$250
• CPA Exam Fees (NASBA): ~$1,000 total ($226.95 per section)
• Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000 (often partially reimbursed by employers)
• Total Initial Licensing Cost: $3,000 - $5,000
• Timeline: It typically takes 5-6 years post-high school to get licensed (4-year bachelor's + 1 year of master's/150-hour program + 1 year of work experience). Many professionals work full-time while completing their exam and 150-hour requirement in parallel.

Insider Tip: Winston-Salem has a strong community of CPAs. Join the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA) and attend local meetups. Networking here is crucial, as many jobs are filled through referrals before they are publicly posted.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your neighborhood choice will hinge on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Winston-Salem is a city of distinct neighborhoods.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Pros for Accountants	Cons
Downtown Winston-Salem	Urban, walkable, arts district. Commute to Novant/Wake Forest Baptist: 5-15 min.	$1,100 - $1,400	Close to firms (Greer & Reed), vibrant nightlife, walk to lunch spots.	Higher rent, parking can be challenging.
Southwest/South Park	Residential, family-friendly, established. Commute to Novant HQ: 15-20 min.	$900 - $1,200	Great value, safe, good schools. Easy access to Hanes Blvd for Hanesbrands.	Less "walkable," more car-dependent.
Old Town/Rocktown	Historic, charming, eclectic. Commute to downtown firms: 10-15 min.	$850 - $1,100	Unique character, strong sense of community, older homes with character.	Older housing stock, can be pricier for renos.
Forsyth County (Rural Fringe)	Suburban to rural, large lots. Commute to major employers: 20-30 min.	$750 - $950	Most affordable, quiet, privacy. Great for buying a home with land.	Longer commute, fewer amenities.
Clemmons/Lewisville	Suburban, newer developments. Commute to Novant/Truist: 15-25 min.	$950 - $1,300	Modern apartments, new schools, family-oriented. Easy access to I-40.	Can feel generic, less character.

Insider Tip: If you work for a downtown firm or at Wake Forest University, living in Downtown or Old Town is unbeatable for quality of life. If you commute to Novant's main campus or Hanesbrands in the Southwest area, look for apartments off Hanes Mill Road or Stratford Road for a balanced commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Winston-Salem is not a "kill or be killed" finance hub like Charlotte. It's a city where you can build a stable, well-paid career without grinding 80-hour weeks for decades.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 15-25% premium over non-CPA accountants at the same level.
• Healthcare Accounting (Revenue Cycle): Specialized knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid and hospital finance can command a 10-15% premium due to the dominance of Novant and Atrium.
• Cost Accounting (Manufacturing): Expertise in inventory costing (FIFO, LIFO) and ERP systems (SAP) is highly valued at Hanesbrands and local manufacturers, adding a 10% premium.
• Forensic Accounting: A niche with some demand from local law firms and insurance companies.

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner. The path is clear but competitive. The real earning potential is in ownership at a local firm.
• Corporate Accounting (Healthcare/Manufacturing): Staff → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. The Controller role at a mid-sized local company is a $120,000-$150,000 target.
• Government/Non-Profit: Slower salary growth but exceptional benefits and job security. Roles at the City of Winston-Salem or Forsyth County offer a different kind of stability.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth rate is conservative. As the Piedmont Triad region continues to attract biotech and aerospace businesses (thanks to nearby Greensboro's airport and Hub of NC manufacturing), the demand for specialized accountants will rise. The move toward automation means entry-level bookkeeping roles may decline, but demand for strategic financial analysts and controllers who can interpret data will grow. Winston-Salem is a great place to plant your roots and see steady, predictable growth.

The Verdict: Is Winston-Salem Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $83,859 salary feels like $100,000+ in Charlotte or Raleigh.	Smaller Job Pool: Fewer "big name" accounting roles compared to major metros.
Manageable Commutes: Under 20 minutes in most cases. No endless highway traffic.	Limited Nightlife/Scenes: Smaller arts, food, and dating scene than larger cities.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Healthcare, manufacturing, and banking provide a safety net.	Slower Growth: Career progression can be more linear; fewer explosive opportunities.
Friendly, Connected Community: Networking is easier; people remember you.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; a reliable car is essential.
Ideal for Homeownership: The math works well for buying a home within a few years.	Climate: Hot, humid summers; occasional ice in winter.

Final Recommendation:
Winston-Salem is an excellent choice for accountants in the mid-to-senior level (5-10 years experience) seeking a better work-life balance and a path to homeownership without sacrificing a professional salary. It's also a smart move for new graduates who want to start their career in a supportive, low-cost environment where they can save money and build experience before considering a move to a larger city.

If you're a high-powered, ambitious CPA seeking the most competitive, high-stakes roles on the East Coast, you may outgrow Winston-Salem after a decade. But for the vast majority of accountants seeking a stable, fulfilling, and financially sensible career, it's a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is the CPA license necessary to get a good job in Winston-Salem?
A: It's not absolutely required, especially in industry roles at companies like Hanesbrands. However, it is the key to unlocking the highest salaries (the $100k+ mark) and senior management positions. For public accounting, the CPA is essential for promotion beyond senior level.

Q: How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants?
A: Moderately competitive. The 505 jobs in the metro include all levels. For entry-level, you are competing with recent graduates from WFU, UNCG, and other local colleges. Having a 3.0+ GPA, an internship, and passing the first part of the CPA exam (FAR) will make you a standout candidate.

Q: What are the biggest companies for a corporate accountant?
A: For public company experience, Hanesbrands is the prime choice. For large private company experience, Novant Health and Truist Financial are the leaders. For a mid-market controller path, look to regional players like Food Lion (Spartanburg, SC but regional HQ influence) or BB&T's local operations.

Q: Can I commute from Greensboro?
A: Yes, it's a reverse commute (from Greensboro to Winston-Salem). It's about a 25-35 minute drive on I-40. You'll find more rental variety and slightly lower rents in Greensboro, but you'll pay that back in gas and time. Many professionals do it, but living in the city you work in is significantly less stressful.

Q: What's the networking scene like?
A: It's active but not overwhelming. The NCACPA Piedmont Triad Chapter holds monthly meetings. The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce has young professional groups. Many firms host "Meet the Firm" events at local breweries like Foothills Brewing or Wicked Weed. It's a city where you can build a name for yourself by showing up consistently.