Atlanta is one of the strongest accounting job markets in the Southeast, thanks to its mix of corporate headquarters, fast-growing startups, healthcare systems, universities, and government agencies. If you’re searching for accountant jobs in Atlanta, you’re in a good place to build a stable and potentially well-paying career.
This guide walks through common accounting roles in Atlanta, typical employers, salary ranges, key local certifications, and where to actually find and apply for jobs in the metro area.
In Atlanta, accounting roles range from entry-level bookkeeping to senior leadership in large corporations. Some of the most common job titles include:
Entry-level roles in Atlanta often include:
These are common starting points for new graduates from schools like Georgia State University, Georgia Tech (for more analytical roles), Kennesaw State University, and Emory University.
Experienced roles include:
These often require several years of experience and, for many employers, a CPA license or progress toward one.
Atlanta’s economy is broad, so accountants can work in many settings.
Many Fortune 500 and large corporations have offices or headquarters in metro Atlanta, particularly in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs), and along the I-285 corridor.
Common industries hiring accountants here include:
If you’re targeting corporate jobs, look for roles with:
Atlanta is a major hub for public accounting, from large national firms to small local practices. Roles here often focus on:
Public accounting is especially active around:
These roles may require longer hours during busy season (typically January–April for tax, and various year-end periods for audit), but offer exposure to many industries and can be a strong stepping stone to corporate positions.
If you prefer more structure and public service, Atlanta offers government accounting jobs at the city, county, state, and federal levels.
Some key employers:
City of Atlanta – Department of Finance
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main switchboard): (404) 330-6000
Roles may include accountant, budget analyst, grants accountant, and financial reporting positions.
Fulton County Government – Finance Department
Fulton County Government Center
141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 612-4000
DeKalb County Government – Finance Department
1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
Main line: (404) 371-2000
State of Georgia offices located in Atlanta, such as:
– Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
270 Washington St SW, Suite 1-156, Atlanta, GA 30334
– Georgia Department of Revenue
1800 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
Federal agencies with local offices, including financial and inspector general roles
Government roles can offer predictable schedules, benefits, and a structured pay scale, though pay ranges may differ from private-sector roles at similar experience levels.
Atlanta’s large university systems, charities, and hospital networks also hire accountants:
In these settings, roles may involve:
Actual pay depends on your experience, certifications, industry, and specific employer, but Atlanta generally offers competitive wages relative to its cost of living.
Below is a high-level, approximate overview of what you’re likely to see in the metro area:
| Role Level | Typical Background | Approximate Salary Range (Atlanta) |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper / AP / AR | 0–3 years, maybe no degree | Lower to mid range for admin roles |
| Staff Accountant | Bachelor’s in accounting/finance, 0–2 years | Early professional range |
| Senior Accountant | 3–6 years, often pursuing or holding CPA | Mid professional range |
| Accounting Manager | 5–10 years, supervisory experience | Upper mid-range professional |
| Controller / Finance Dir. | 8–15+ years, strong leadership, often CPA | High professional range |
For more precise numbers, many job listings in Atlanta note ranges openly, especially for corporate and public-sector roles. Checking several postings for the same title is a good way to see real-time market expectations.
Most accountant jobs in Atlanta require at least a:
More advanced positions may prefer or require:
In the Atlanta market, some certifications are especially valuable:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Highly respected for audit, tax, and senior corporate roles. Licensing in Georgia is overseen by:
Georgia State Board of Accountancy
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SE, 11th Floor, East Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
Main line via Professional Licensing Boards: (404) 424-9966
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Useful for cost accounting, corporate finance, and internal management roles.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Valued for internal audit positions, especially in larger companies and government.
Other specialized certifications (e.g., CFE for fraud examination, CGMA, or technology-related credentials) may help depending on your niche.
Atlanta employers commonly look for:
Across the Atlanta job market, hiring managers often emphasize:
You can search broadly online, but focusing on Atlanta-specific channels can make your search more targeted.
For public-sector accounting roles:
City of Atlanta – Careers
Search for positions under finance, budget, or accounting titles.
City Hall main line: (404) 330-6000 (ask for Human Resources).
Fulton County Government – Careers
Look for “Accountant,” “Budget Analyst,” “Financial Analyst,” and “Auditor.”
State of Georgia Careers (Team Georgia Careers portal)
Many state-level accountant and auditor jobs in Atlanta are posted through the centralized state system under departments like revenue, audits, and human services.
These job boards typically list salary ranges, minimum qualifications, and application instructions clearly.
If you are a student or recent graduate in Atlanta, check:
Many Atlanta employers post internships, co-op roles, and entry-level staff accountant positions targeted directly at these schools.
Several local and national recruiting agencies in Atlanta specialize in accounting and finance. They often place:
Recruiters can help you:
Look for agencies located in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and Cumberland business areas, where many financial recruiters maintain offices.
In Atlanta, face-to-face networking and local memberships can significantly help your job search.
Consider:
Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) – Atlanta Chapter
Headquarters:
Six Concourse Parkway, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30328
Main phone: (404) 231-8676
They often host networking events, CPE courses, and local chapter meetings.
Local Accounting & Finance Meetups and business associations, often held around Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter.
Industry associations for specific sectors (healthcare, real estate, nonprofits) that frequently need accountants.
To catch attention in the Atlanta job market:
Even if you’re still working toward credentials:
Many Atlanta employers are willing to support continued education and exam preparation, especially if they see clear progress.
Hiring managers in Atlanta often ask about:
Having specific Atlanta-relevant examples, like working with local vendors, Georgia sales tax filings, or budgeting for regional offices, can differentiate you.
Atlanta’s traffic and public transit options are major practical factors in choosing a job.
When evaluating job postings, check for:
If you’re ready to act, here’s a simple action plan:
Clarify your target
Decide whether you want public accounting, corporate roles, government, or nonprofit/education in the Atlanta area.
Update your resume
Search systematically
Network locally
Consider additional education or certification
With its diverse economy, strong professional community, and mix of public and private employers, Atlanta offers a wide range of options for accountants at every career stage. Focusing your search on the neighborhoods, industries, and credentials that fit you best will help you land the right accountant job in the Atlanta area.
