Accountant Jobs in Houston

Top Companies Hiring Accountants in Houston

What Do Accountants Do?

Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations, analyze financial data, prepare tax returns, and provide strategic financial guidance to individuals and organizations. In Houston's diverse business environment—from Big Four firms like Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG serving Fortune 500 energy clients in Downtown Houston's high-rises to regional firms like BDO and Grant Thornton, corporate accounting departments at Shell, ExxonMobil, and energy companies in the Energy Corridor, oil and gas accounting specialists managing complex revenue recognition and joint venture accounting, healthcare finance at Texas Medical Center institutions, real estate accounting for Houston's booming development sector, and small CPA practices throughout Greater Houston—accountants play critical roles in financial management, tax planning, audit services, and business advisory across industries including energy, healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, and professional services in America's fourth-largest city and Energy Capital of the World.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare and review financial statements and reports
  • Conduct audits and ensure GAAP compliance
  • Prepare federal, state, and local tax returns
  • Analyze financial data and identify trends
  • Develop budgets and financial forecasts
  • Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies
  • Advise management on financial decisions
  • Maintain general ledger and accounting systems
  • Ensure internal controls and procedures
  • Communicate financial information to stakeholders

Required Skills for Success

Essential Accounting Skills:

  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Problem-solving and research abilities
  • Organization and time management
  • Communication of complex financial information
  • Integrity and ethical judgment
  • Adaptability to changing regulations
  • Collaboration with clients and teams

Technical Competencies:

  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Tax law and regulations (federal, state, local)
  • Accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, Xero)
  • Enterprise systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
  • Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, VLOOKUP)
  • Financial analysis and modeling
  • Audit procedures and internal controls
  • Industry-specific accounting (oil & gas, healthcare)

Work Environment in Houston

Accountants in Houston work across varied settings including Big Four firms in Downtown Houston's high-rises serving public companies and energy giants, regional firms throughout the Galleria area and Energy Corridor, corporate accounting departments at Shell, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and energy companies, oil and gas accounting roles requiring specialized knowledge of joint interest billing and revenue recognition, healthcare finance at Texas Medical Center institutions, real estate firms managing Houston's extensive development, government agencies, and small CPA practices in neighborhoods throughout Greater Houston. Public accounting (audit and tax) involves busy seasons (January-April for tax, year-end for audit) with long hours (50-70 hours weekly during peak), while corporate accounting typically offers more consistent 40-45 hour weeks. Work environments are professional offices with business or business casual dress codes. Many firms adopted hybrid models (2-3 days remote) post-pandemic. Houston's energy sector dominance creates unique accounting opportunities and premium compensation for oil and gas accounting expertise. Texas's lack of state income tax significantly increases take-home pay.

Education & Certification Requirements

Most accounting positions require a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from universities like University of Houston's Bauer College of Business (highly regarded accounting program), Rice University, Texas A&M, or University of Texas. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license is essential for career advancement and required for public accounting—Texas requires 150 credit hours (typically a Master's degree or additional coursework), passing the four-part CPA exam, and one year of experience under a licensed CPA. Many accountants work while completing the 150-hour requirement and studying for the CPA exam. Other valuable certifications include CMA (Certified Management Accountant) for corporate roles, CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), and EA (Enrolled Agent) for tax specialists. Oil and gas accounting experience is highly valued in Houston. Internships at Big Four firms, regional firms, or energy companies provide crucial experience and often lead to full-time offers. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required to maintain CPA licensure—40 hours annually in Texas.

Salary & Compensation in Houston

  • Entry-Level Accountants/Staff Accountants: $55,000 - $65,000 annually
  • Accountants (2-4 years experience): $65,000 - $80,000 annually
  • Senior Accountants: $80,000 - $100,000 annually
  • Accounting Managers: $95,000 - $125,000 annually
  • Controllers: $120,000 - $165,000 annually
  • CFOs/Finance Directors: $165,000 - $280,000+ annually

Public Accounting (Big Four and regional firms):

  • Associate/Staff: $60,000 - $70,000
  • Senior Associate: $75,000 - $90,000
  • Manager: $100,000 - $130,000
  • Senior Manager: $130,000 - $170,000
  • Partner: $225,000 - $600,000+

Houston accounting salaries are highly competitive and benefit tremendously from Texas having no state income tax—accountants keep significantly more of their earnings compared to high-tax states. Energy sector accounting roles often pay premium compensation. CPA certification typically adds $10,000-$15,000 to compensation. Big Four firms offer structured salary progressions with annual raises and promotions every 2-3 years. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) matching (4-6%), paid time off (15-25 days), CPA exam study materials and bonuses ($5,000 upon passing), continuing education, and performance bonuses (5-15% of salary). Public accounting firms offer busy season bonuses and overtime pay. Energy companies provide excellent benefits and annual bonuses tied to oil prices and company performance. Houston's lower cost of living compared to other major cities means excellent purchasing power and quality of life on accounting salaries.

Career Growth Opportunities

Accounting careers offer clear advancement:

  • Entry Level: Staff Accountant, Junior Accountant, Tax Associate
  • Intermediate: Accountant, Senior Accountant, Tax Senior
  • Management: Accounting Manager, Tax Manager, Audit Manager
  • Senior Management: Controller, Director of Finance, Senior Manager
  • Executive: Chief Financial Officer (CFO), VP of Finance, Partner
  • Specialized: Oil & Gas Accountant, Tax Specialist, Internal Auditor

Why Become an Accountant in Houston?

  • Energy Capital: Unique oil and gas accounting opportunities
  • No State Income Tax: Keep significantly more of your earnings
  • Excellent Salaries: Competitive pay with lower cost of living
  • Big Four Presence: Work for prestigious global firms
  • Career Stability: Accounting skills always in demand
  • Diverse Industries: Energy, healthcare, real estate, and more
  • Clear Advancement: Structured career progression
  • Lower Cost of Living: Affordable housing and quality of life
  • Professional Community: Active CPA societies and networking

Tips for Landing Your Accounting Job in Houston

Start building your career during college through internships at Big Four firms, regional firms, or energy companies—firms recruit heavily from University of Houston's Bauer College, Rice University, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Join accounting student organizations like Beta Alpha Psi and attend firm networking events. Maintain strong GPA (3.5+ preferred for Big Four). Begin CPA exam preparation early—many candidates start studying senior year. Consider completing 150-hour requirement through Master's in Accounting or Master's in Taxation. Tailor resume highlighting relevant coursework, technical skills (Excel, SAP, accounting software), and leadership activities. Quantify achievements. Network through Texas Society of CPAs Houston Chapter and connect with alumni. Research each firm's culture and service lines—Big Four offer prestige and exit opportunities, regional firms provide better work-life balance, energy companies offer stability and industry expertise. During interviews, demonstrate technical knowledge, communication skills, and cultural fit. Prepare for behavioral questions using STAR method and technical questions about accounting principles and current events. Show genuine interest in Houston's energy sector—understanding oil and gas accounting basics is valuable. For Big Four recruiting, timing is critical—apply in fall for summer internships and full-time positions. Dress professionally in business formal attire. Follow up with personalized thank-you notes. Consider starting in public accounting for 2-3 years to gain excellent training, then transition to corporate roles with better work-life balance and often higher compensation. Pass CPA exam as quickly as possible—firms provide study support and bonuses. Be realistic about busy season demands but recognize career benefits. Houston's accounting market is exceptionally strong with opportunities across firm sizes and industries, particularly for those interested in energy sector accounting.

Ready to build your accounting career in Houston? Browse available accountant positions on Houston.LocalJobPage.com and join the Energy Capital's finance community.

Search other Career Resources