Not long ago, DFW’s accounting and finance job market was moving at full speed. Today, it is pacing itself—steady, thoughtful, and still full of opportunity for professionals who know how to read the room. The field is evolving in compelling ways, from tech-enabled roles and new reporting requirements to flexible work structures and project-based staffing models. While the frenzied hiring pace of the past couple of years has cooled somewhat, the outlook remains strong for candidates who bring a mix of expertise, agility, and business acumen.

Dallas-Fort Worth has spent the last several years establishing itself as a hub for financial and accounting talent. In 2025, that foundation is holding firm. Employers have grown more deliberate in their hiring and roles are being shaped with greater specificity. But the big picture is encouraging: our region continues to offer competitive salaries, room for growth, and a front-row seat to the future of finance.

Salary Trends in Dallas-Fort Worth

Mid-level and senior professionals in DFW are still commanding strong salaries. Accounting managers are averaging nearly $116,000 per year. Senior accountants are averaging $82,490. Staff accountants are close behind at nearly $74,645. These roles are critical in organizations that depend on reliable financial reporting and strategic insight, and compensation reflects that.

The CFO role continues to set the pace. DFW-based CFOs are seeing compensation averages of more than $393,000 annually, per Salary.com. That reflects the concentration of enterprise-level employers and financial headquarters here in North Texas including Charles Schwab and JP Morgan/Chase, with more to come.

The middle of the market tells another important story. Financial analysts in DFW are earning between $62,000 and $75,000 depending on experience and industry, while budget analysts are averaging over $102,000. These roles are central to forecasting and developing financial strategies, and employers continue to value candidates who can translate data into insight.

Support roles like accounting clerks and bookkeepers, while still essential, come in at more modest pay levels. These positions offer an accessible entry point into the profession and remain a solid foundation for professionals looking to build experience and grow into more specialized paths.

Accounting & Finance Base Salary Comparison – Dallas/Fort Worth (2025)

Notes: Salary data provided as of April, 2025. Indeed salary data tends to run lower and are often not accurate with too few salaries reported.

National Averages vs. DFW: What the Data Shows

When comparing local and national salary data, DFW continues to be a strong market, especially at the mid to senior levels. Roles like accounting manager and controller consistently outpace national averages. CFOs in DFW generally outperform the national average, reinforcing the region’s status as a financial hub. Even for budget analysts, the DFW average sits notably higher than the national benchmark.

At the same time, entry-level roles like Accounting Clerk and Bookkeeper tend to come in just below national figures. For instance, accounting clerks in DFW average around $42,365 while nationally, they sit slightly higher at $53,903. This small but consistent difference suggests that while support roles are in steady demand, DFW employers may be more conservative in early-career compensation.

Some positions, such as payroll specialists, show remarkable consistency between local and national salaries. These steady benchmarks point to reliable opportunities for candidates seeking career stability within well-defined specialties.

Overall, DFW offers a competitive salary landscape with real advantages at the mid to senior levels. For entry-level professionals, national averages may serve as helpful context, but DFW’s affordability and upward mobility continue to make it a compelling place to build a long-term career. Candidates who combine technical skills with initiative and adaptability are likely to find North Texas full of possibilities.

National Salary Comparison – Accounting & Finance Roles (2025)

What Employers Want Now

The expectations for accounting and finance roles have evolved dramatically. Companies want professionals who can bridge traditional accounting practices with modern tools and platforms. ERP systems like SAP and NetSuite are now common requirements. AI-assisted accounting software is becoming standard. And data visualization tools like Power BI are used to turn numbers into strategic insights.

Soft skills matter more than ever. Communication, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration are critical. Accountants and finance professionals are no longer working in isolation. They’re working closely with operations, sales, HR, and IT and need to be able to translate financial data into action-oriented guidance.

Where Specialized Skills Stand Out

Even in a slower hiring market, certain roles remain in steady demand. These include:

• Tax specialists with knowledge of evolving regulations and ESG frameworks
• Payroll professionals who understand multi-state or global compliance
• Financial analysts with strong modeling and forecasting capabilities
• Accountants who can support audits, transitions, or regulatory filings
• ESG-literate professionals who can contribute to sustainability reporting

Candidates with these specialties often find that while there are fewer roles open, their experience places them at the top of shortlists.

Remote Work and Flexibility: Still Relevant, Less Automatic

Remote and hybrid roles remain part of the conversation, but they’re no longer as common as they were from 2020 to 2023. Most companies in our market have settled into a hybrid model, asking employees to be on-site at least part of the week. For our candidates, this means demonstrating an ability to thrive in both in-person and virtual settings. It also means staying visible, even when working remotely. Clear communication, availability, and collaboration are non-negotiables.

If you’ve succeeded in a hybrid or remote model, make sure your resume and interviews reflect that. Employers want to see that you can contribute to a team even when you’re not in the room.

The Rise of Project-Based Work

Contract and temporary roles are becoming more common again. As companies prioritize flexibility, many are turning to project-based staffing. These roles fill critical gaps or address short-term goals without long-term commitments. For candidates, they offer the chance to stay active, build experience, and sometimes transition into full-time employment.

Assignments tied to ERP implementations, year-end audits, regulatory filings, and process improvement are all areas where contract opportunities are opening up. If you’ve been considering consulting or contract work, this is a good time to explore those options.

Entry-Level Openings Are Slower, But Pathways Still Exist

We’ve seen hiring slowdowns in early-career positions. Fewer companies are hiring large groups of junior accountants or clerks. Instead, they’re asking existing teams to handle more. For candidates just starting out, this makes experience even more valuable. Internships, certifications, and even short-term placements can offer the exposure and credibility needed to break into full-time roles.

Entry-level professionals should focus on demonstrating reliability, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to contribute beyond the job description. Those are the qualities that stand out when fewer seats are available at the table.

Preparing for Your Next Step

The fundamentals of accounting and finance are not going anywhere. Every business still needs professionals who can manage budgets, forecast growth, and ensure compliance. What has changed is how those needs are being filled, and how quickly companies are willing to make decisions.

This is a time to be intentional. Candidates who are clear about their value, proactive in upskilling, and flexible in how they contribute will remain competitive in 2025. If you’re thinking about a move, start by refining your story. What do you bring that’s relevant now? What tools are you proficient in? Where have you made a measurable impact?

At Imprimis Group, we live and breathe this market. We’ve supported professionals across DFW for decades and understand what local employers need. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just ready for a conversation about what’s next, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about your goals and how to move toward them—one strategic step at a time.