Accounting Jobs in Atlanta, GA: Where the Opportunities Are and How to Land One

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest business hubs, which makes it a strong city for anyone looking for accounting jobs in Atlanta, GA. From corporate headquarters in Buckhead and Midtown to small firms in the suburbs, there are options for new graduates, experienced CPAs, and career changers.

This guide walks through what the accounting job market looks like in Atlanta, what roles are most common, where to look, what employers expect, and how to use local resources to your advantage.

Why Atlanta Is a Strong Market for Accounting Jobs

Atlanta’s economy is diverse and growing, which feeds steady demand for accounting professionals. You’ll find accounting roles in:

• Large corporations (financial services, logistics, tech, healthcare, manufacturing)
• Public accounting firms (from big, international firms to small local practices)
• Government and public sector (City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, federal offices)
• Nonprofits and education (universities, foundations, cultural institutions)
• Startups and small businesses (especially around Midtown and the Tech Square area)

For someone based in Atlanta, GA, this means opportunities across:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead – corporate, finance, consulting, and public accounting
• Perimeter Center / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – corporate HQs and regional offices
• Cumberland / Galleria / Vinings – finance, real estate, and logistics-related companies
• Decatur, College Park, and other suburbs – local firms, small businesses, and city/county roles

Common Types of Accounting Jobs in Atlanta

Here are some of the most common accounting-related roles you’ll see in Atlanta job listings.

Entry-Level and Early Career Roles

These are common if you’re just finishing school or shifting into accounting:

• Staff Accountant
• Junior Accountant
• Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist
• Accounts Receivable (AR) Specialist
• Billing Specialist
• Payroll Specialist
• Bookkeeper

These jobs often appear at:

• Local CPA firms
• Regional corporate offices
• Hospitals and healthcare organizations
• Universities and school systems
• City and county departments

Mid-Level and Experienced Roles

If you have several years of experience or a CPA license, you’ll see roles such as:

• Senior Accountant
• Accounting Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Senior Financial Analyst
• Tax Accountant / Senior Tax Accountant
• Internal Auditor
• External Auditor (public accounting)

Mid-level roles are common in:

• Corporate finance departments (Fortune 500 and mid-size companies)
• Public accounting firms
• Shared-service centers around Perimeter Center, Cobb, and Gwinnett

Senior and Leadership Positions

For seasoned professionals:

• Controller
• Assistant Controller
• Director of Accounting
• Director of Finance
• VP of Finance
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

These higher-level jobs are concentrated where corporate headquarters and large organizations are located: Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, Cumberland, and major healthcare and university systems.

Typical Employers Hiring Accountants in Atlanta

Without promoting specific companies, here’s where accounting jobs commonly cluster in the metro area:

Public Accounting Firms

Atlanta hosts offices of many national and international public accounting firms, plus strong regional and local firms. Roles here often include:

• Audit associate / senior
• Tax associate / senior
• Advisory / consulting staff
• Forensic accounting and risk advisory

Most larger firms are located in:

• Midtown (around Peachtree Street / Tech Square)
• Buckhead (Peachtree Road corridor)
• Central Perimeter area (near I-285 / GA-400)

Corporate and Private Companies

Corporate accounting and finance departments are plentiful in:

• Downtown and Midtown – banks, insurance, tech, law firms, and service companies
• Buckhead – regional and national HQs, financial services, professional services
• Perimeter Center and Sandy Springs – multiple large corporate headquarters
• Cumberland / Galleria – transportation, logistics, real estate, and manufacturing

Common in-house accounting roles include:

• General ledger accounting
• Revenue and cost accounting
• Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
• Compliance and internal control positions

Government and Public Sector

Government employers that regularly need accounting and finance talent include:

• City of Atlanta
  City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Common titles: Budget Analyst, Accountant, Financial Manager.

• Fulton County Government
  Government Center: 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Roles in finance, grants management, and auditing.

• DeKalb County Government
  1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030.

• State of Georgia (various agencies based in downtown Atlanta)
  Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, Department of Revenue, and others.

• Federal agencies with regional offices in downtown and Midtown.

Nonprofits, Healthcare, and Education

Accounting roles also show up in:

• Major hospital systems in and around Atlanta
• Universities such as Georgia State University and Georgia Tech (finance offices)
• Nonprofits and foundations along the Peachtree corridor and throughout the city

Nonprofits may look for:

• Staff accountants
• Grant accountants
• Finance managers and controllers

What Skills and Qualifications Atlanta Employers Look For

Requirements vary by role, but some trends are consistent in Atlanta.

Education and Credentials

Common expectations:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field for most professional roles.
• Associate degree or strong experience may be accepted for bookkeeping, AP/AR, and some payroll roles.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is highly valued for:
  • Public accounting positions
  • Senior corporate accounting roles
  • Controller and finance leadership tracks
• Other respected credentials:
  • CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
  • CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
  • CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)

Atlanta employers also tend to value ongoing professional education, which is widely available through local associations.

Technical Skills

Common tools and systems used in Atlanta accounting jobs:

• Accounting software: QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics.
• Spreadsheets: Advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas).
• ERP systems: Large companies often use enterprise platforms like SAP or Oracle.
• Data and reporting tools: Power BI, Tableau, and similar tools appear in more analytical roles.

Soft Skills

Across metro Atlanta, hiring managers often emphasize:

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Dependability and integrity
• Clear communication, both written and verbal
• Ability to work with non-accountants (operations, sales, leadership)
• Time management, especially during month-end and year-end close or tax season

Where to Find Accounting Jobs in Atlanta, GA

You can search broadly online, but using local-focused resources often gives an edge.

1. Local Professional Associations

These organizations are active in the Atlanta metro and often share job openings, networking events, and training:

• Georgia Society of CPAs – Atlanta Chapter
  Main office (statewide):
  6 Concourse Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328
  Offers CPE courses, networking, and a job board.

• Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) – Atlanta chapters
  Focused on corporate and management accounting roles.

• Accounting and finance meetup groups across Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter often host informal networking events.

These groups can help you understand the Atlanta market, meet hiring managers, and hear about openings before they’re widely posted.

2. College and University Career Centers

If you are a student or recent graduate in metro Atlanta, local schools are powerful launching points:

• Georgia State University – Robinson College of Business (downtown)
• Georgia Institute of Technology – Scheller College of Business (Midtown)
• Kennesaw State University – Coles College of Business
• Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College (Westside/AUC)

These schools’ career centers often:

• Coordinate internships and co-ops with Atlanta employers
• Host on-campus recruiting for public accounting and corporate finance roles
• Provide resume reviews and mock interviews tailored to local expectations

3. Local Staffing and Recruiting Firms

Many Atlanta-area staffing agencies specialize in accounting and finance placements, including:

• Temporary and contract roles (good for gaining experience quickly)
• Contract-to-hire positions with local businesses
• Direct-hire recruiting for mid-level and senior jobs

Their offices cluster in business districts like:

• Buckhead
• Central Perimeter / Sandy Springs
• Cumberland / Galleria
• Midtown

Contacting a couple of these firms can give you a clearer picture of current pay ranges, in-demand skills, and active openings in Atlanta.

Using Atlanta’s Neighborhoods to Guide Your Job Search

It can help to think geographically when you’re planning where to apply or network.

Downtown Atlanta

Best for:

• Government and public sector accounting jobs
• Larger law firms and service firms
• Nonprofits and cultural institutions

Typical roles:

• Staff and senior accountants
• Budget and grants accountants
• Internal auditors and financial analysts

Midtown Atlanta

Best for:

• Tech companies and startups (around Tech Square)
• Corporate offices and consulting firms
• Public accounting firms with advisory practices

Typical roles:

• Financial analysts
• Staff and senior accountants
• Advisory and consulting roles linked to accounting

Buckhead

Best for:

• Professional services and finance
• Wealth management and family office accounting roles
• Regional HQs of national companies

Typical roles:

• Senior accountants
• Controllers and assistant controllers
• Tax and estate-related accounting roles

Perimeter Area (Sandy Springs / Dunwoody)

Best for:

• Large corporate headquarters
• Shared service centers (AP/AR, payroll, GL accounting)
• Finance and treasury teams

Typical roles:

• AP/AR specialists and supervisors
• Staff to senior accountants
• Controller-track roles

Suburban Cities (Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, etc.)

Best for:

• Smaller CPA firms
• City and county government roles
• Local businesses and nonprofits

Typical roles:

• Staff and tax accountants
• Bookkeepers and payroll specialists
• Government finance positions

Sample Atlanta Accounting Job Paths

Here’s a simple way to see how different starting points in Atlanta might develop:

Entry-Level Accounting Jobs in Atlanta: How to Get Started

If you’re new to the field and living in Atlanta, focus on three main steps.

1. Build Local Experience

Even short-term or part-time roles can help:

• Internships with public accounting firms or corporate finance teams
• Seasonal tax work (especially January–April)
• Bookkeeping for small businesses, often in neighborhoods like Decatur, East Atlanta, or West Midtown
• Campus or student organization finance positions if you’re in school

Atlanta’s large number of small businesses means there are often openings for people willing to handle basic bookkeeping, AP/AR, or payroll.

2. Sharpen In-Demand Skills

For entry-level roles around Atlanta, it’s useful to be comfortable with:

• QuickBooks or similar small-business accounting software
• Excel basics plus pivot tables and common formulas
• Understanding of Georgia-specific issues (like state tax basics) if you’re leaning toward tax or public accounting

Community colleges and continuing education programs in the metro area often offer evening or weekend courses that fit around work schedules.

3. Use Local Networking

A few practical ideas:

• Attend Atlanta professional meetups for accounting and finance.
• Join student or young professional groups at Georgia Society of CPAs.
• Participate in career fairs at area universities, even if you’re an alum and not currently enrolled.

Meeting people in person can make a noticeable difference in public accounting and corporate hiring in the city.

Government & Public-Sector Accounting Opportunities in Atlanta

Public-sector accounting in Atlanta can offer:

• More predictable hours than some public accounting roles
• Structured pay scales and benefits
• Clear promotion paths

Common Public-Sector Employers

• City of Atlanta Department of Finance
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Handles city budgeting, accounting, and revenue.

• Fulton County Finance Department
  141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

• Georgia Department of Revenue (downtown Atlanta state office buildings)
  Often needs auditors, tax specialists, and revenue agents.

• Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
  Provides audit services for state agencies and local governments.

Roles may include:

• Government Accountant
• Budget Analyst
• Grants Accountant
• Financial Reporting Specialist

These positions are a solid fit if you like public service, structure, and long-term stability within the Atlanta area.

Remote and Hybrid Accounting Jobs in Atlanta

Atlanta’s traffic and commuting patterns push many employers toward hybrid or remote-friendly setups, especially in accounting and finance.

You’ll commonly see:

• Hybrid schedules (2–3 days in office, the rest remote) in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter
• Fully remote roles tied to Atlanta-based companies or teams
• Public accounting firms offering remote days outside of peak busy season

When you apply, pay attention to:

• “Atlanta preferred” or “must be within X miles of Atlanta” in job descriptions
• Requirements to come in for month-end close, audits, or team meetings

If you live inside the perimeter (ITP) or near MARTA, hybrid roles in downtown and Midtown can be easier to manage than full-time commuting from farther suburbs.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out in the Atlanta Market

A few Atlanta-focused tips:

• Address local context in your resume and cover letter.
  Mention experience with Georgia or city-level taxes, local industries (logistics, healthcare, real estate, tech), or multi-state companies if that fits the job.

• Show familiarity with the type of employer.
  For example, if applying to a Midtown tech startup, emphasize adaptability, systems skills, and comfort with fast-paced change. For a government role downtown, highlight stability, accuracy, and compliance experience.

• Prepare for technical and behavioral questions.
  Common local interview topics include:

  • How you’ve handled tight deadlines during close or tax season
  • Examples of catching errors or improving a process
  • Comfort with learning new systems on the job

• Leverage local references when possible.
  References who are known in the Atlanta accounting or business community can carry additional weight.

Local Resources That Can Help You Move Forward

Here are some Atlanta-area resources that can support your accounting job search or career growth:

• WorkSource Atlanta – City workforce center offering job search help, training, and career counseling
  818 Pollard Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30315

• Goodwill Career Centers (multiple Atlanta locations) – Resume assistance, basic skills training, and job search support

• Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System – Many branches provide access to computers, resume workshops, and sometimes employer info sessions
  Central Library: 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Community colleges and technical colleges – Such as Atlanta Technical College and Gwinnett Technical College, for accounting/bookkeeping certificates and training

Using these free or low-cost resources can make a real difference, especially if you’re transitioning into accounting or re-entering the job market.

Atlanta offers a broad range of accounting jobs—from entry-level bookkeeping in neighborhood businesses to leadership roles in major corporate headquarters. By focusing on the types of roles you want, targeting the right Atlanta neighborhoods and industries, and tapping into local professional and educational networks, you can build a strong, sustainable accounting career right here in Atlanta, GA.