Accountant Jobs in San Francisco, CA
About Accountant Jobs in San Francisco
Looking for a Accountant job in San Francisco? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Accountant in San Francisco, CA.
We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.
San Francisco has a strong job market for Accountants. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.
Accountant Salary in San Francisco
Accountant salaries in San Francisco are 79% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.
Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.
Required Skills
Accountant Job Market in San Francisco
San Francisco, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Accountant professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 874K residents, San Francisco balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Technology and Finance sectors create robust demand for Accountant talent. The market for Accountant positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.
Top Companies Hiring Accountants in San Francisco
Major employers hiring Accountants in San Francisco include Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab, Visa, First Republic, and Silicon Valley Bank. The strong financial services presence creates consistent demand for experienced Accountant professionals, with competitive compensation packages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
Cost of Living for Accountants in San Francisco
Living in San Francisco as a Accountant means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month (89% above the national average of $1,800). Housing costs are manageable for Accountant salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $2,600/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.
Commuting as a Accountant in San Francisco
San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute time is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport. Caltrain serves the Peninsula and South Bay tech corridor.
Best neighborhoods for Accountants in San Francisco: Financial District (Traditional finance hub with banks and fintech); Embarcadero (Premium waterfront offices). Financial District is particularly popular among Accountant professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.
Tax Considerations in California
California has relatively high state income taxes. A Accountant earning $120,825 might pay approximately $9,666 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.
Career Outlook for Accountants
The job outlook for Accountants in San Francisco is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, San Francisco typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include GAAP, Financial Reporting, Excel, Tax Preparation.
Relocating to San Francisco
San Francisco has a very high cost of living. Many Accountants negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Accountant salary in San Francisco, CA?
The average Accountant salary in San Francisco, CA is $120,825 per year. Entry-level Accountants typically start around $76,075, while experienced professionals can earn $174,973 or more. The national average for Accountant roles is $67,500.
How many Accountant jobs are available in San Francisco?
San Francisco has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Accountant professionals. Major employers hiring Accountants include Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab, Visa, First Republic. The Technology and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.
Is San Francisco a good city for Accountants?
San Francisco is an excellent choice for Accountants. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.
What skills are most in-demand for Accountants in San Francisco?
Top skills for Accountants in San Francisco include GAAP, Financial Reporting, Excel, Tax Preparation, Auditing. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.
What is the cost of living for Accountants in San Francisco?
San Francisco's cost of living is significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month. Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.
How is the commute for Accountants in San Francisco?
San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport.
More Finance & Accounting Jobs in San Francisco
Career Resources
Popular Jobs in San Francisco
Accountant in Other Cities
Get Hired Faster
Create an AI-optimized resume tailored for Accountant jobs in San Francisco.
Get Started Free