Where is the best area to live that will offer me the best opportunities as an accountant?

Hi Logan,
One of the beautiful things about accounting is that it is pretty much everywhere. Yes there are more likely to be more jobs in the big cities, but that doesn't mean that you can't choose where you want to live either. You should look at a combination of things in your choices
- Do you want to live in a big city?
- Is there a company or industry that you really want to be involved with?
- Do you want to be in a big company or a smaller company? They both have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

one of many talented people who were all high achievers and it's harder to stand out - not impossible, just harder, OR one of a smaller group where it's easier to be noticed.
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Hey Logan,

Thanks for asking the question. A great place to begin would be Projections Central which compiles federal and state employment data which they turn into forecasts.

First, visit: http://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm (note that this is long-term data which is through the year 2024)

Next, select your state from the drop-down menu.

Then select your desired occupation.

I selected my state of Illinois and then selected "Accountants and Auditors". The data tells me there should be a growth of over 6,500 positions over the next several years; however, a brief search of other states (including Michigan and New York) tells me that those states are projected to experience even more growth.

It's my hope that this will give you a good starting place. It's always a good to monitor data published by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to monitor changes. Economic events such as a recession, etc. could result in drastic changes to these projections.

Any big city that has either Big Four exposure or small city accounting companies. Every company needs accountants whether it be a public accounting firm, small private accounting, or any industry corporation. There is no city or area that will have more opportunities. However, there are cities that may interest you depending on the industry i.e. San Francisco would be more tech/start-up accounting, Chicago would be more manufacturing/agriculture accounting, New York has more financial accounting opportunities, etc.

Logan:

What do you enjoy when you aren't working?

If you love the arts, museums & night life, then look for a job in an urban setting.

But, if you'd rather hike, camp, mountain bike or take landscape photographs, then another location might be more fulfilling.

Look at the whole picture of your life, not just the job. Accountants can work anywhere!

Good luck!
DRH