A career in accounting can be challenging as well as rewarding, and Florida offers a promising environment for new accountants. Florida is a hub of business activity, including its rich tourism industry, and it's also home to major accounting firms like KPMG International Limited. Plus, with a population of 22,244,823 according to the latest United States Census Bureau data, Florida offers significant opportunities that can help accountants establish and build their careers.
An accountant performs detail-oriented work preparing and examining financial records. Accountants typically perform a wide variety of duties, including verifying the accuracy of financial records and account books. They may calculate taxes and prepare tax returns, and are often responsible for organizing and maintaining financial records. Accountants may also identify financial risks and challenges and make recommendations to business owners about ways to maximize profits, reduce costs and risks, and make data-informed financial decisions.
Types of accountants in Florida (and elsewhere)
Different fields of accounting have slightly different focuses and responsibilities, no matter if you're practicing in Florida or another state:
Public accounting
Public accountants may perform a broad array of tasks, and may work with individuals, corporations, nonprofits and governments. Public accountants may focus on tax preparation and advisement, while others might specialize in personal finance and financial planning. Accountants may also choose to focus on forensic accounting, investigating if financial activity is illegal and working with law enforcement during investigations.
Public accountants can also establish their own businesses and niches within the accounting field. Parker Skaats, CPA, is the founder of Parker CPE, LLC. He creates and facilitates courses on topics like government accounting and advanced auditing. "My main responsibility is to provide training and guidance to government accountants and auditors, ensuring that they understand the complexities and nuances of government accounting standards and practices," explains Skaats.
Managerial accounting
Managerial accountants use their financial knowledge to help businesses make well-informed financial decisions. They may perform duties such as preparing budgets and evaluating a business' financial performance. A management accountant may help financial managers to wisely choose financial investments, and they may advise business owners during times of transition, such as during the expansion or sale of a business.
Government accounting
Government accountants are typically employed by federal, state or local government agencies. They may help to maintain an agency's financial statements and perform internal audits, but accountants may also investigate sensitive issues, like white-collar crime. They are responsible for staying up-to-date on changing regulations, and may advise the agency about spending and investment best practices.
Educational & CPA requirements for Florida
It's helpful to start preparing for your accounting degree while you're still in high school. Many accounting degree programs require applicants to have completed at least two years of high school algebra and geometry. More advanced classes, like calculus and pre-calculus, are also helpful.
It's helpful to start preparing for your accounting degree while you're still in high school.
Tips for choosing the right college or university
Many colleges and universities in Florida offer accounting degree programs, so you'll have plenty of choices. When choosing the right college or university for your accounting career, consider your career goals and the type of degree program that's best for your needs. For example, most accounting jobs will require you to complete a bachelor's degree program in accounting.
If you plan to become a certified public accountant (CPA), then you will likely need to pursue a master's degree in accounting, too. In this case, it's important to choose an undergraduate program that can help to prepare you for your master's degree, and that can help you to start earning your required educational hours and experience for the CPA exam.
You will also need to consider other factors, like whether completing an in-person or an online business program is best for your schedule and your own personal motivations and learning habits. The program length and cost will also factor into your decision. Take some time to research the professors whom you will be learning from, as well as additional types of educational opportunities, like internships, that the school offers. Finally, it's important to choose an accredited program, which confirms the quality of the education that you'll receive.
Bachelor's degree in accounting
When you pursue a bachelor's degree in accounting, you will take coursework focused on core subjects:
Financial accounting and reporting
Auditing theory and application
Accounting law
Calculus for business
Business statistics
Financial markets, institutions and finance systems
Strategic management and business policy
These subjects prepare you to step into an entry-level accounting position, but they also give you the skills and knowledge that you will build on if you pursue a master's degree.
Furthering your education
If you choose to become a CPA or want to pursue more advanced accounting roles, then you may need to earn a master's degree in accounting, business or a related field. Most master's degree programs can be completed in about two years, and many are structured so that you can pursue your education while you work a full-time job.
To pursue advanced positions, such as a career as a financial manager, you may decide to earn your doctorate in accounting, which also qualifies you to teach and conduct industry research. A doctoral degree can help to prepare you to work in academia, research institutions and corporate settings.
Certifications and licensing
Certifications hold an important role in the accounting industry. "Certifications in the accounting profession signify a commitment to continuing education and demonstrate experience in specific areas," explains Skaats. "While I teach various topics, I emphasize the importance of certifications for those looking to specialize or gain a competitive edge. The gold standard in the accounting industry is being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, there are various certifications for every specialty. For example, in government, one certification is the Certified Responsible Government Auditor (CRGA) credential offered by the Public Sector Audit Institute."
Florida CPA Requirements (Certified Public Accountant)
Each section of the exam is four hours long and consists of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. There are also three written communication tasks in the Business Environments and Concepts section.
Submit official transcripts confirming completion of 120 semester hours from an accredited institution, including accounting and general business courses.
These educational requirements should include 24 semester hours in auditing and cost accounting, plus three semester hours of financial accounting and three hours of taxation. You must also complete 24 semester hours of business law.
Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
To become licensed as a CPA, Florida requires you to pass all four portions of the CPA exam within an 18-month period. You must complete a Work Experience Verification form confirming that you have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours of work as an accountant over the course of a year. You must also complete 150 semester hours of education.
Becoming a CPA can position you as an elite professional, and indicates that you have achieved an advanced level of expertise in accounting. A Florida CPA license can help you to stand out to potential employers and may make you a more competitive candidate. A career as a CPA typically involves multiple functions like auditing, business consulting, tax advisory services and more, which can make for a rewarding and challenging career.
"I am personally a CPA because when I was graduating from college, I wasn't yet sure what type of accounting or auditing work I wanted to do," says Skaats. "I decided to get the certification that was the most widely recognized in the industry."
Other accounting certifications
While the Florida CPA certification is a versatile option that can open up many career opportunities, there are plenty of other accounting certifications, too.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA): The CMA certification demonstrates an accountant's specialized knowledge in financial planning, performance, management, and analytics. CMAs might pursue careers as CFOs, controllers, and more.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): The CIA certification helps to prove that an accountant is highly qualified to perform auditing services and can adhere to industry audit standards. CIAs specialize in performing auditing services for a variety of businesses and organizations.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): The CFE certification demonstrates that an accountant is trained in how to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud. CFEs serve in a wide variety of sectors and industries throughout the world.
Gaining experience as a CPA in Florida
Internships provide valuable firsthand experience that can help accountants prepare for their careers. You may establish important networking connections during your internship that may help you to secure job positions later on. Entry-level positions are also valuable in helping to build experience. Earning an internship or an entry-level position at a top accounting firm in Florida like Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CS&L CPAs, IBN Bookkeeping Services, or Woodruff & Co. LLC can be an excellent way to gain on-the-job experience.
"For budding accountants, joining professional associations, attending conferences and participating in webinars or seminars can be invaluable," says Skaats. "Business schools usually set up various events throughout the year to facilitate such events for students."
Networking, earning additional certifications and simply building on-the-job experience can help to prepare you to transition from junior to senior accounting roles.
Florida state-specific regulations and requirements
The Florida Board of Accountancy (FLBOA) oversees the state's Certified Public Accountants and Certified Public Accounting Firms. The FLBOA administers CPE exam applications, disciplines licensees and approves rules in the Florida Administrative Code.
To become a licensed CPA in Florida, you must meet the FLBOA's requirements:
Be of Good Moral Character
Pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam within an 18-month period
Complete 1 year of work experience and submit the Verification of Work Experience form
Submit official transcripts proving your completion of the Florida education requirements
Submit a CPA license application and official transcript, and pay a $50 application fee
To become a licensed CPA in Florida, you must meet the FLBOA's requirements.
Licensed and practicing CPAs in Florida must renew their licenses every two years. To renew your license, you must pay a license renewal fee and document the completion of 80 continuing education credits. Florida requires that four of your 80 CPE hours must be in Florida-specific ethics, and at least eight hours must be in accounting and auditing.
Salaries and career growth in Florida
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs for accountants and auditors should grow by 4.4% through 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Over the course of the decade, about 126,500 job openings for accountants and auditors should become available. The employment of accountants and auditors is closely tied to overall economic health.
Florida has thriving tourism and business industries, indicating increased accounting job opportunities. According to United States Census Bureau data, Florida has undergone rapid population growth, and in 2023, it became the fastest-growing state in the country. That growth suggests increased opportunities for accountants, especially for those specializing in personal finance and tax preparation.
The BLS reports that the median annual wage for accountants and auditors nationally was $79,880. Here are the median salaries for Florida and for major cities in the state:
Accountants and Auditors
10%$46,380
25%$58,740
50%$76,480Median
75%$99,540
90%$130,460
Median Hourly Wage$37
Job growth4.4%
Total Employment89,350
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL
$79,730
$49,080
$134,300
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
$78,300
$47,960
$127,180
Jacksonville, FL
$77,550
$45,260
$124,990
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL
$77,500
$51,710
$133,360
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
$77,120
$48,260
$130,780
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
$76,200
$45,220
$125,810
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
$75,690
$45,640
$126,950
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
$72,900
$42,960
$128,550
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
$72,460
$44,740
$128,970
Port St. Lucie, FL
$72,320
$45,570
$130,330
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Final steps
With its thriving economies and rapid population growth, Florida is rich with employment opportunities for accountants. Accounting is a challenging yet rewarding field that offers valuable personal growth and development opportunities.
If you enjoy working with numbers and have an eye for detail, pursuing a career as an accountant in Florida may be an excellent and rewarding choice that can open up career opportunities in many industries. All you need to do to get started is click Find Schools to begin researching local or online programs.
