If you’re looking for employment opportunities, our guide to accounting jobs in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida can help you land the job.

What educational background do you need to land a job in Ft. Lauderdale?

Typically, in Ft. Lauderdale, employers require at least an associate’s degree in a related field for entry level positions like bookkeeper. Some companies, however, require higher degrees for entry level positions such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting or a related field.

More advanced positions such as staff accountant require a BS in accounting. A preferential requirement is certification as a public accountant or proof that the applicant is working towards becoming a CPA. Senior positions such as senior auditor or audit supervisor require a bachelor's degree in an appropriate financial field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in accounting and who hold CPA status or provide proof they are working towards certification. Comptroller and chief financial officer positions require a master’s degree and CPA status. If you want to get your PhD in accounting, you can be a professor.

Maintaining your certification as a public accountant does include continuing education. You must biennially renew your CPA license by December 31st of the appropriate year. The state of Florida requires 80 hours of continuing education credit, referred to as CPE, biennially according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), which you must report during the period from July 1 to June 30 of the appropriate year. This includes four hours of ethics coursework including a review of Chapters 455 and 473, Florida statutes and statutory administrative rules. Other requirements include 20 hours in subjects related to accounting or auditing. If you conduct audits controlled by Government Auditing Standards, the 2007 Revision or the Rules of the Auditor General, Chapter 10.550, you must submit 24 hours of CPE in conducting audits. There are no additional local requirements for Ft. Lauderdale.

Many online courses offered through NASBA apply to the Florida CPE requirements. The site notes classes applicable in the state and the number of credits for which each qualifies. Other options include the annual University of Central Florida Accounting Conference which offers 24 hours of CPE credit earned during a three-day period. Another common option is the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) events which include classes, seminars, conferences, business shows, chapter events and on-site customized training.

How can I land an accounting job in Ft. Lauderdale?

You can meet people related to the field by visiting FICPA Ft. Lauderdale networking events like chapter meetings. You can also attend their annual Accounting and Business Show that has more than 100 vendors represented. These types of events provide an ideal time to learn about openings and to circulate your business card.

This provides you with the contacts needed to distribute your standout resume and cover letter. You’ll learn tidbits of information about each business and have a specific personal contact to mention in your cover letter.

In general, employers in Ft. Lauderdale require in-person interviews as opposed to phone or video interviews. Many companies require two interviews. Expect questions about your experience, specific computer programs used, examples of actions you took to reduce company costs and test question-style interview questions. These ask you to define a term like working capital or to explain the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable.

What are common jobs in this area?

The most common jobs in Ft. Lauderdale in accounting include entry level accounting clerk and bookkeeper positions. Most of the open positions fall in the mid-level job range, such as accountant, accounts payable clerk and associate forensic accountant. Senior level positions in Ft. Lauderdale fall into the category of assistant comptroller, senior tax accountant, accounting coordinator and accounting manager.

What are the biggest industries for this field in Ft. Lauderdale?

Major employers include Robert Half, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the city government and those of the surrounding communities. The city’s numerous private CPA firms also employee many people in Ft. Lauderdale's accounting industry. The IRS also employs accountants in every major city.

What kind of shifts can I work in this field in Ft. Lauderdale?

Most accounting jobs in Ft. Lauderdale are full-time or part-time jobs that take place during normal business hours between 8 am to 5 pm. The rare night shift positions are in the hospitality industry as night auditors. The Florida and US tax season provide seasonal and temp work for those with accounting-related careers.

External resources

There are many publications for accountants, including Journal of Accountancy, Accounting Today, The CPA Journal and Accountancy. In the US, accountants do not have a union. There are also many professional accounting organizations you might consider joining, such as the local chapter of the National Society of Accountants.

If you're looking to get a degree in accounting or continue your education, Ft. Lauderdale does have some good options. Two accounting and finance schools in Ft. Lauderdale are Broward College and Keiser University.