Accountant Jobs in Atlanta: Where the Opportunities Are and How to Get Hired

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.

What Kinds of Accountant Jobs Are Common in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, accounting roles range from entry-level bookkeeping to senior leadership in large corporations. Some of the most common job titles include:

• Staff Accountant
• Senior Accountant
• Cost Accountant
• Tax Accountant
• Payroll Accountant
• Financial Analyst (often overlapping with accounting skills)
• Internal Auditor
• Controller
• Accounting Manager
• Bookkeeper / Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist

Entry-Level vs. Experienced Roles

Entry-level roles in Atlanta often include:

• Junior or Staff Accountant
• Accounts Payable (AP) / Accounts Receivable (AR) Clerk
• Billing Specialist
• Bookkeeper in small firms or local businesses

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:

• Senior Accountant
• Accounting Manager
• Controller
• Tax Manager
• Audit Manager
• CFO or Director of Finance in mid-size organizations

These often require several years of experience and, for many employers, a CPA license or progress toward one.

Where Accountants Work in Atlanta

Atlanta’s economy is broad, so accountants can work in many settings.

1. Corporate and Private Sector Employers

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:

• Transportation and logistics (Hartsfield-Jackson airport–related businesses, logistics firms)
• Financial services and fintech
• Healthcare and hospital systems
• Real estate and property management
• Manufacturing and distribution
• Media and entertainment
• Technology and startups, especially around Midtown’s Tech Square and Atlantic Station

If you’re targeting corporate jobs, look for roles with:

• Regional or national headquarters
• Shared service centers
• FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) departments
• Corporate tax or internal audit teams

2. Public Accounting Firms (Audit & Tax)

Atlanta is a major hub for public accounting, from large national firms to small local practices. Roles here often focus on:

• Audit and assurance
• Tax preparation and planning
• Advisory/consulting services
• Forensic accounting (in some specialized firms)

Public accounting is especially active around:

• Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
• Buckhead
• Perimeter/Sandy Springs
• Office corridors along Peachtree Road, Cumberland, and near I-75/I-285

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.

3. Government and Public Sector Accounting Jobs

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.

4. Education, Nonprofit, and Healthcare

Atlanta’s large university systems, charities, and hospital networks also hire accountants:

• Universities and colleges (e.g., Georgia State University, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta)
• Nonprofits and foundations (arts, housing, community services)
• Major healthcare systems with multiple Atlanta-area hospitals and clinics

In these settings, roles may involve:

• Grant accounting
• Fund accounting
• Budgeting and reporting
• Compliance with donor and regulatory requirements

Typical Salary Ranges for Accountants in Atlanta

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:

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.

Skills and Qualifications Atlanta Employers Look For

Education

Most accountant jobs in Atlanta require at least a:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or
• Bachelor’s in Finance/Business with significant accounting coursework

More advanced positions may prefer or require:

• A Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or related master’s degree
• A MBA with a finance/accounting focus for management-track roles

Professional Certifications

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.

Technical and Software Skills

Atlanta employers commonly look for:

• QuickBooks, NetSuite, or other small/mid-market ERP tools (for small firms and nonprofits)
• SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or other enterprise systems (for large organizations)
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, basic modeling)
• Familiarity with tax preparation software (for public accounting)
• Comfort with data analytics tools (e.g., basic Power BI or Tableau) in some roles

Soft Skills

Across the Atlanta job market, hiring managers often emphasize:

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to explain financial information to non-financial staff
• Time management, especially around month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close
• Professional communication, both written and verbal
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, HR, and leadership teams

Where to Find Accountant Job Listings in Atlanta

You can search broadly online, but focusing on Atlanta-specific channels can make your search more targeted.

1. City and Government Job Portals

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.

2. Local University Career Centers and Job Boards

If you are a student or recent graduate in Atlanta, check:

• Georgia State University – Career Services
  33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Georgia Tech – Career Center
  North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30332
• Kennesaw State University and Emory University career portals

Many Atlanta employers post internships, co-op roles, and entry-level staff accountant positions targeted directly at these schools.

3. Staffing and Recruiting Firms in Atlanta

Several local and national recruiting agencies in Atlanta specialize in accounting and finance. They often place:

• Temp and contract accountants (e.g., for year-end or system implementations)
• Temp-to-hire roles
• Direct-hire accountants and finance leaders

Recruiters can help you:

• Polish your resume for the Atlanta market
• Understand realistic salary expectations
• Get access to unadvertised roles

Look for agencies located in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and Cumberland business areas, where many financial recruiters maintain offices.

4. Networking and Local Professional Groups

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.

How to Stand Out for Accountant Jobs in Atlanta

Tailor Your Resume to the Role and the City

To catch attention in the Atlanta job market:

• Highlight experience with multi-entity or multi-state operations, which is common in large Atlanta-based companies.
• Emphasize any experience with Georgia tax rules, local sales tax, or state-specific compliance.
• Note industry experience that matches Atlanta strengths (logistics, healthcare, real estate, tech, or public sector).

Emphasize Certifications and Progress

Even if you’re still working toward credentials:

• Clearly state “CPA candidate”, “CPA eligible in Georgia”, or “CMA in progress” if true.
• List any passed exam sections or expected completion dates.

Many Atlanta employers are willing to support continued education and exam preparation, especially if they see clear progress.

Prepare for Common Interview Topics

Hiring managers in Atlanta often ask about:

• Month-end and year-end close responsibilities you’ve handled
• Experience with budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis
• Handling of tight deadlines, especially during busy periods
• Internal controls, reconciliations, and audit preparation
• Teamwork and communication with non-accounting departments

Having specific Atlanta-relevant examples, like working with local vendors, Georgia sales tax filings, or budgeting for regional offices, can differentiate you.

Considering Commute, Location, and Work Setup in Atlanta

Atlanta’s traffic and public transit options are major practical factors in choosing a job.

• Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead: Often accessible by MARTA rail and bus, useful if you prefer to avoid driving daily.
• Perimeter Center, Cumberland, Alpharetta, Gwinnett, and other suburbs: Typically more car-dependent, but many accounting roles exist in office parks and corporate centers.

When evaluating job postings, check for:

• On-site vs. hybrid vs. remote expectations
  Many accounting teams in Atlanta now offer hybrid schedules, with some days in-office.
• Exact office location (e.g., “Perimeter Center near Dunwoody MARTA” vs. “North Fulton off GA-400”) to estimate commute time.
• Parking availability or transit proximity, which can meaningfully affect your daily routine.

Practical Next Steps for Finding an Accountant Job in Atlanta

If you’re ready to act, here’s a simple action plan:

1. Clarify your target
   Decide whether you want public accounting, corporate roles, government, or nonprofit/education in the Atlanta area.

2. Update your resume

   • Add location (Atlanta, GA or metro area).
   • Emphasize software, certifications, and Atlanta-relevant experience.

3. Search systematically

   • Check city, county, and state job portals for public roles.
   • Use major job boards, filtered to Atlanta, GA and nearby ZIP codes.
   • Look up local staffing agencies specializing in accounting.

4. Network locally

   • Attend GSCPA or other Atlanta finance events.
   • Connect with other accountants in the city through professional groups.

5. Consider additional education or certification

   • If you aim for higher-level roles in Atlanta, map out a timeline for CPA, CMA, or CIA and verify requirements with Georgia’s licensing authorities.

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.