Quick Facts: Accounting Careers in New York
- Median Salary: $101,780 annually (May 2024)
- Employment: 111,860 accountants statewide
- Job Growth: 13% projected growth (2018-2028)
- Education Required: Bachelor’s degree minimum
- CPA Requirements: 150 credit hours + exam + experience
- Top Employers: Big Four firms, Wall Street banks, Fortune 500 companies
New York stands as the undisputed financial capital of the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for accounting professionals. Home to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and headquarters of global financial institutions, the Empire State provides accountants with diverse career paths and some of the nation’s highest salaries.
Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced world of investment banking, the stability of corporate accounting, or the prestige of working for a Big Four firm, New York’s accounting landscape offers something for every professional. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about building a successful accounting career in New York, from education requirements to salary expectations.
Table of Contents
Why Choose an Accounting Career in New York
New York’s accounting profession benefits from the state’s unique position in global finance. The concentration of financial institutions, multinational corporations, and professional service firms creates constant demand for skilled accountants across multiple specializations.
Key Advantages of New York Accounting Careers
Global Financial Hub: New York City houses the Federal Reserve Bank, major stock exchanges, and international banking institutions. This concentration creates opportunities for accountants to work on complex, high-stakes financial matters that shape global markets.
Diverse Industry Options: Beyond traditional finance, New York accountants serve industries including:
- Media and entertainment (NBC Universal, Viacom, Time Warner)
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals (Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb)
- Technology (IBM, Bloomberg)
- Real estate and construction
- Nonprofit organizations
Premium Compensation: New York accountants earn median salaries of $101,780, significantly above the national average. Specialized roles and senior positions command even higher compensation, with many exceeding $150,000 annually.
Career Advancement: The presence of major accounting firms’ headquarters and large corporate offices provides clear pathways for career progression. Many Fortune 500 CFOs and partners at major firms began their careers in New York.
Education Requirements for New York Accountants
Building a successful accounting career in New York starts with the right educational foundation. While requirements vary by career path, understanding the educational landscape helps you make informed decisions about your academic journey.
Bachelor’s Degree: The Foundation
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field serves as the entry point for most accounting careers. New York’s colleges and universities offer various pathways:
Traditional Accounting Degree: A focused curriculum covering financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing. Most programs require 120 credit hours and include:
- Core accounting courses (30-36 credits)
- Business foundation courses (24-30 credits)
- Liberal arts requirements (30-40 credits)
- Electives and specializations (20-30 credits)
Business Degree with Accounting Concentration: Provides broader business knowledge while developing accounting expertise. Ideal for students interested in management roles or entrepreneurship.
Finance Degree with Accounting Minor: Combines financial analysis skills with accounting fundamentals, preparing graduates for roles in investment banking or corporate finance.
Pro Tip: Many New York employers prefer graduates from AACSB-accredited programs. Check accreditation status when evaluating schools.
Master’s Degree: Advancing Your Career
A master’s in accounting offers several advantages for New York professionals:
CPA Preparation: Most master’s programs help students meet the 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure while providing targeted exam preparation.
Specialization Opportunities: Advanced degrees allow focus on areas like:
- Forensic accounting
- International accounting and IFRS
- Taxation
- Information systems and analytics
Salary Premium: Master’s degree holders typically earn 15-20% more than bachelor’s degree holders in similar roles.
Online Education Options
New York’s demanding work culture makes online accounting programs increasingly popular. Benefits include:
- Flexibility to work while studying
- Access to top programs regardless of location
- Lower overall costs (no relocation or commuting)
- Same accreditation and degree as on-campus programs
Career Paths and Specializations in New York
New York’s diverse economy supports numerous accounting specializations, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Understanding these paths helps you align your education and experience with your career goals.
Public Accounting
Public accounting firms provide audit, tax, and advisory services to clients across industries. New York hosts offices of all major firms:
Big Four Opportunities:
- Deloitte (Times Square headquarters)
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (Manhattan offices)
- Ernst & Young (5 Times Square)
- KPMG (345 Park Avenue)
Career Progression in Public Accounting:
- Staff Accountant (0-2 years): $65,000-$75,000
- Senior Accountant (2-5 years): $75,000-$95,000
- Manager (5-8 years): $95,000-$130,000
- Senior Manager (8-12 years): $130,000-$180,000
- Partner (12+ years): $200,000-$1,000,000+
Corporate Accounting
New York’s corporate landscape offers opportunities in:
Financial Services: Investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms need accountants for complex transactions and regulatory compliance.
Fortune 500 Companies: Major corporations headquartered in New York include:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Verizon Communications
- Pfizer
- MetLife
- American Express
Typical Corporate Roles:
- Staff Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Controller
- Chief Financial Officer
Specialized Accounting Fields
Forensic Accounting: With New York’s complex financial landscape, forensic accountants investigate fraud, support litigation, and ensure regulatory compliance. Average salary: $95,000-$150,000.
Tax Accounting: New York’s state and city tax complexities create demand for tax specialists. Focus areas include:
- Individual tax planning
- Corporate tax strategy
- International taxation
- State and local tax (SALT)
Government Accounting: Opportunities exist at federal (IRS, SEC), state (New York State Comptroller), and local levels (NYC Department of Finance).
Nonprofit Accounting: New York’s vibrant nonprofit sector includes major foundations, hospitals, universities, and cultural institutions.
New York Accountant Salary Guide
New York offers some of the nation’s highest accounting salaries, reflecting both the cost of living and the complexity of work performed. Understanding salary ranges helps you negotiate compensation and plan your career trajectory.
Statewide Salary Overview
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years):
- Public Accounting: $60,000-$70,000
- Corporate Accounting: $55,000-$65,000
- Government: $50,000-$60,000
Mid-Career (3-7 years):
- Senior Accountant: $75,000-$95,000
- Financial Analyst: $80,000-$100,000
- Tax Senior: $85,000-$105,000
Experienced (8-15 years):
- Accounting Manager: $100,000-$130,000
- Controller: $120,000-$160,000
- Senior Manager (Big Four): $140,000-$180,000
Executive Level (15+ years):
- CFO (Mid-size company): $200,000-$400,000
- Partner (Big Four): $350,000-$1,000,000+
- VP Finance (Fortune 500): $250,000-$500,000
Regional Salary Variations
Factors Affecting Salary
Industry Premium: Financial services typically pay 20-30% above other industries for similar roles.
Certifications: CPAs earn approximately 15-20% more than non-certified accountants in comparable positions.
Specializations: Forensic accountants, international tax specialists, and IT auditors command premium salaries.
Firm Size: Big Four and large corporations generally offer higher base salaries but may require longer hours.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Top Accounting Employers in New York
New York’s status as a global business hub attracts the world’s leading accounting employers. Understanding the employment landscape helps you target your job search and career development efforts.
Big Four Accounting Firms
All Big Four firms maintain a significant New York presence:
Deloitte:
- Largest professional services firm globally
- 30 Rockefeller Plaza headquarters
- Specialties: Consulting, audit, tax, risk advisory
- Known for: Technology focus, diverse service lines
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC):
- 300 Madison Avenue offices
- Strong financial services practice
- Innovation in audit technology
- Excellent training programs
Ernst & Young (EY):
- 5 Times Square location
- Leader in IPO audits
- Strong entrepreneurial services
- Focus on diversity and inclusion
KPMG:
- 345 Park Avenue headquarters
- Advisory services leader
- Government contracting expertise
- Cutting-edge data analytics
Major Financial Institutions
Fortune 500 Companies
New York hosts numerous Fortune 500 headquarters, offering corporate accounting roles:
- Verizon Communications: Telecommunications giant with complex revenue recognition
- Pfizer: Pharmaceutical leader requiring specialized cost accounting
- IBM: Technology company with global operations
- MetLife: Insurance provider needing actuarial accounting expertise
- Colgate-Palmolive: Consumer goods company with an international presence
Growing Sectors
Technology and Startups:
- The growing fintech sector in NYC
- Need for accountants to understand SaaS metrics
- Equity compensation expertise is valuable
Real Estate:
- Major development projects throughout the state
- REITs require specialized accounting
- Property management accounting needs
Healthcare:
- Major hospital systems (NYU Langone, Mount Sinai)
- Biotechnology companies
- Healthcare technology startups
Steps to Become an Accountant in New York
Follow this comprehensive roadmap to launch your accounting career in New York:
Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
Choose Your Program:
- Research AACSB-accredited programs
- Consider location (NYC vs. upstate)
- Evaluate online vs. traditional programs
- Compare costs and financial aid options
Maximize Your Education:
- Join accounting clubs and Beta Alpha Psi
- Pursue internships each summer
- Attend recruiting events and career fairs
- Build relationships with professors
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
Internship Opportunities:
- Big Four summer internships (apply by September)
- Corporate finance rotations
- Government internships (IRS, State Comptroller)
- Nonprofit volunteer positions
Entry-Level Positions:
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
- Bookkeeping assistant
- Junior tax preparer
- Audit associate
Step 3: Pursue Professional Certifications
CPA (Certified Public Accountant):
- Complete 150 credit hours
- Pass the four-part Uniform CPA Exam
- Gain one year of qualifying experience
- Complete ethics exam
- Apply for a New York CPA license
Other Valuable Certifications:
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
- CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
- CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
- EA (Enrolled Agent)
Step 4: Develop Specialized Skills
Technical Competencies:
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling
- ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)
- Data analytics and visualization
- Tax software proficiency
Soft Skills for Success:
- Communication and presentation
- Project management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Business development
Step 5: Build Your Professional Network
Professional Organizations:
- New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA)
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
- Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
Networking Strategies:
- Attend industry conferences and CPE events
- Join LinkedIn groups for NY accountants
- Participate in firm alumni networks
- Volunteer for professional committees
Resources and Next Steps
Take action today to advance your accounting career in New York:
Educational Resources
- Degree Programs: Explore accounting degree options at New York schools
- Online Learning: Consider flexible online accounting programs
- Advanced Degrees: Research master’s in accounting programs
- CPA Preparation: Understand New York CPA requirements
Career Planning Tools
- Salary Research: Use BLS data to research specific roles and regions
- Job Boards: Indeed, LinkedIn, Robert Half, accounting-specific sites
- Company Research: Glassdoor, Vault, company websites
- Skills Assessment: Identify gaps in technical and soft skills
Professional Development
- Continuing Education: Plan for 40 hours of annual CPE if pursuing CPA
- Industry Publications: Journal of Accountancy, Accounting Today
- Online Courses: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy
- Mentorship: Seek mentors through professional organizations
Next Step: Request information from accredited accounting programs to compare options and start your journey toward a rewarding accounting career in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become an accountant in New York?
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related business field is the minimum requirement for most accounting positions in New York. However, many employers prefer candidates with 150 credit hours (typically achieved through a master’s degree), especially if you plan to pursue CPA licensure.
How long does it take to become a CPA in New York?
Most candidates complete CPA requirements within 2-3 years after earning their bachelor’s degree. This includes completing the additional 30 credit hours (if needed), studying for and passing the four-part CPA exam, and gaining one year of qualifying work experience.
Is the accounting job market strong in New York?
Yes, New York’s accounting job market remains robust with 13% projected growth through 2028. The state employs over 111,000 accountants and auditors, with consistent demand driven by the financial services industry, corporate headquarters, and complex tax environment.
What’s the difference between working in NYC versus upstate New York?
New York City offers higher salaries (median $105,100) but also higher living costs and typically longer hours, especially in Big Four firms. Upstate positions offer better work-life balance, lower living costs, but salaries are typically 25-30% lower than NYC.
Do I need to be a CPA to work as an accountant in New York?
No, CPA licensure is not required for all accounting positions. However, CPAs typically earn 15-20% more than non-certified accountants and have better advancement opportunities, especially in public accounting, where CPA licensure is often required for manager-level positions.
Can I become an accountant in New York with an online degree?
Yes, online accounting degrees from accredited institutions are widely accepted by New York employers. Ensure your program is regionally accredited and AACSB-accredited for business programs. Online programs offer flexibility for working professionals and can fulfill CPA education requirements.
What accounting specialization has the highest earning potential in New York?
Forensic accounting, international tax, and financial services audit specializations typically offer the highest earning potential. Forensic accountants in NYC can earn $150,000+, while Big Four partners specializing in financial services can earn well over $500,000 annually.
How important is networking for accounting careers in New York?
Networking is crucial in New York’s competitive market. Join the New York State Society of CPAs, attend industry events, and maintain relationships with colleagues. Many senior positions are filled through professional networks rather than public job postings.
