40h normalized salary comparison

Accountant Salary in Aurora

Average Accountant salary in Aurora on a 40h basis 83,577 $ 6,965 $ gross/month · 40.18 $ gross/hour
Full-time salary range/year 41,143 $ – 144,000 $
Full-time salary range/month 3,429 $ – 12,000 $
Based on 44 salary reports

The average salary for a Accountant in Aurora is 83,577 $ per year on a 40-hour full-time equivalent, or 6,965 $ gross per month and 40.18 $ gross per hour. The reported full-time salary range is 41,143 $ to 144,000 $. The analysis is based on 44 salary reports from workers and employers in Aurora. Part-time salaries are proportionally converted to 40 weekly hours so the values are comparable.

Reports 44
Minimum 40h 41,143 $
Avg. gross/year 40h 83,577 $
Avg. Gross/month 40h 6,965 $
Avg. gross/hour 40h 40.18 $
Maximum 40h 144,000 $

Minimum, average and maximum values on a 40h basis

Trend over time on a 40h basis

Individual reported salaries

Date Job title Weekly hours Reported gross/year Normalized to 40h/year Gross/month 40h Gross/hour 40h Note
04/10/2026 Controller (Large Company) 45.0 h 162,000 $ 144,000 $ 12,000 $ 69.23 $ I'm the regional controller for a large corporation overseeing multiple accounting teams and financial reporting for the region. The role is senior leadership with significant travel.
02/26/2026 Assistant Controller 42.0 h 121,000 $ 115,238 $ 9,603 $ 55.40 $ I work as assistant controller in a regional healthcare system, assisting with reporting, audit coordination, and supervising month-end activities. Leadership responsibilities increase workload.
01/17/2026 Senior Cost Accountant 40.0 h 99,000 $ 99,000 $ 8,250 $ 47.60 $ I handle complex costing and margin analysis for a food-production company. I'm senior level with cross-functional responsibilities and about nine years of experience.
11/23/2025 Accounting Analyst (Contract) 40.0 h 65,000 $ 65,000 $ 5,417 $ 31.25 $ I was on a one-year contract as an accounting analyst for a healthcare startup, doing revenue recognition and journal entries. Contract pay was higher than entry-level permanent roles.
09/29/2025 Tax Director 44.0 h 155,000 $ 140,909 $ 11,742 $ 67.74 $ I am the tax director for a privately held company, responsible for tax strategy, compliance, and a small tax team. My role is senior leadership and requires regular extended hours and travel.
08/01/2025 Finance Manager 42.0 h 132,000 $ 125,714 $ 10,476 $ 60.44 $ I manage finance operations for a mid-sized nonprofit, including budgeting, grants, and financial reporting. The position requires leadership and regular collaboration with the executive team.
07/11/2025 Payroll Manager 40.0 h 94,000 $ 94,000 $ 7,833 $ 45.19 $ I manage payroll operations for a large regional employer and oversee a small payroll team. My role includes system upgrades and ensuring compliance with state regulations.
05/20/2025 Controller (Medium Company) 45.0 h 138,000 $ 122,667 $ 10,222 $ 58.97 $ I'm the controller at a medium-size distribution company overseeing a five-person finance team. I handle reporting, budgeting, and strategic finance initiatives, and often work extended hours.
03/08/2025 Accounting Consultant (Self-employed) 35.0 h 96,000 $ 109,714 $ 9,143 $ 52.75 $ I consult independently providing month-end support and cleanup engagements for small businesses. I bill hourly and average about 35 hours a week across clients.
02/03/2025 Self-employed Accountant 30.0 h 78,000 $ 104,000 $ 8,667 $ 50.00 $ I run my own accounting practice offering bookkeeping and tax services to small businesses. I work about 30 hours a week split between client work and administrative tasks.
10/12/2024 Forensic Accountant (Senior) 40.0 h 118,000 $ 118,000 $ 9,833 $ 56.73 $ I work as a forensic accountant on investigations and litigation support for a midsize advisory practice. I have substantial experience and billable targets that influence compensation.
08/19/2024 Senior Accountant — Corporate Reporting 40.0 h 108,500 $ 108,500 $ 9,042 $ 52.16 $ I handle corporate reporting and SEC-style deliverables for a public-company audit-ready subsidiary. My responsibilities include consolidation and external reporting.
07/30/2024 Accounting Manager (Large Corp) 42.0 h 125,000 $ 119,048 $ 9,921 $ 57.23 $ I manage an accounting team at a large corporation's regional office. I handle month-end close, reporting, and staff development. Management duties and project deadlines often extend my hours.
04/16/2024 Corporate Accountant 38.0 h 87,000 $ 91,579 $ 7,632 $ 44.03 $ I work as a corporate accountant in a regional tech firm. My responsibilities include consolidation and intercompany accounting. I work a slightly reduced schedule due to family obligations.
02/07/2024 Tax Accountant (Senior, CPA) 40.0 h 112,500 $ 112,500 $ 9,375 $ 54.09 $ I am a CPA and senior tax accountant providing tax planning and compliance for mid-market clients. I have substantial experience and manage client relationships directly.
01/28/2024 Senior Accountant (CPA) 40.0 h 101,500 $ 101,500 $ 8,458 $ 48.80 $ I am a CPA working as a senior accountant in corporate accounting. I lead audits, complex reconciliations, and support accounting policy decisions. I have ten years of experience.
12/05/2023 Finance & Accounting Lead 40.0 h 107,000 $ 107,000 $ 8,917 $ 51.44 $ I lead the finance and accounting functions at a fast-growing startup. My role spans month-end, forecasting, and building accounting processes; it requires cross-team collaboration.
10/04/2023 Accounting Supervisor 40.0 h 98,000 $ 98,000 $ 8,167 $ 47.12 $ I supervise month-end close and accounts payable for a large regional retailer's distribution center. I manage two direct reports and coordinate with corporate accounting.
09/15/2023 Controller (Startup) 44.0 h 128,000 $ 116,364 $ 9,697 $ 55.94 $ I'm the first finance hire at a growth-stage startup acting as controller and hands-on financial operator, building systems and processes. Hours are long during scaling phases.
06/11/2023 Senior Financial Analyst 40.0 h 92,000 $ 92,000 $ 7,667 $ 44.23 $ I work in finance reporting as a senior financial analyst for a regional healthcare group. My role includes forecasting, variance analysis, and presenting to leadership.
02/22/2023 Cost Accounting Supervisor 40.0 h 89,000 $ 89,000 $ 7,417 $ 42.79 $ I supervise cost accounting at a mid-sized manufacturing plant, leading a team of two. I oversee inventory costing and continuous improvement projects and have eight years of experience.
11/09/2022 Tax Associate 40.0 h 65,500 $ 65,500 $ 5,458 $ 31.49 $ I am a tax associate at a local CPA firm, focused on small business returns and payroll tax issues. I'm two years into public accounting and work extended hours in tax season.
07/01/2022 Senior Accountant — Nonprofit 40.0 h 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 6,250 $ 36.06 $ I work as a senior accountant in the finance department of a nonprofit. I handle grant accounting and financial reporting and have about seven years' accounting experience.
03/14/2022 Bookkeeper (Part-time) 25.0 h 26,000 $ 41,600 $ 3,467 $ 20.00 $ I do part-time bookkeeping for a local café, handling payroll and daily deposits. I've been doing this for three years alongside another part-time job.
12/07/2021 Controller (Small Company) 45.0 h 112,000 $ 99,556 $ 8,296 $ 47.86 $ I serve as controller for a small manufacturing company where I handle all finance functions and manage a two-person accounting team. The role requires long hours during budgeting season.
08/29/2021 Accounting Manager 42.0 h 98,000 $ 93,333 $ 7,778 $ 44.87 $ I'm the accounting manager at a medium-sized construction firm. I supervise three accountants, oversee monthly close, and coordinate audits. I regularly work extra hours during month-end.
05/19/2021 Senior Tax Accountant 40.0 h 86,000 $ 86,000 $ 7,167 $ 41.35 $ I am a senior tax accountant at a regional tax advisory group. I handle complex individual and small business returns, and mentor two junior staff. I've been with the firm six years.
02/10/2021 Payroll Specialist (Part-time) 24.0 h 30,000 $ 50,000 $ 4,167 $ 24.04 $ I work part-time as a payroll specialist for a small nonprofit handling weekly payroll and benefits deductions. I prefer reduced hours while finishing school.
12/15/2020 Staff Accountant (Part-time) 20.0 h 29,500 $ 59,000 $ 4,917 $ 28.37 $ I work part-time as a staff accountant doing month-end support and invoice review for a small consulting company. I took reduced hours to pursue a master's degree.
09/02/2020 Accounting Specialist 36.0 h 49,500 $ 55,000 $ 4,583 $ 26.44 $ I work as an accounting specialist handling AR and billing at a small software firm. I'm full-time but on a slightly reduced schedule to accommodate childcare.
06/06/2020 Senior Staff Accountant 40.0 h 80,000 $ 80,000 $ 6,667 $ 38.46 $ I am a senior staff accountant at a logistics firm handling A/P, month-end entries, and assisting with monthly reporting. I train newer staff and handle escalated accounting issues.
03/25/2020 Internal Auditor 40.0 h 61,000 $ 61,000 $ 5,083 $ 29.33 $ I am an internal auditor for a nonprofit. I perform compliance reviews and internal control testing. This was my first audit role after two years in general accounting.
11/11/2019 Payroll Accountant 38.0 h 54,000 $ 56,842 $ 4,737 $ 27.33 $ I manage payroll for a staff of about 200 at a mid-sized service company. I work full-time with occasional spikes for quarter-end processes. I have six years in payroll accounting.
06/30/2019 Senior Accountant 40.0 h 72,000 $ 72,000 $ 6,000 $ 34.62 $ I am a senior accountant at a regional healthcare provider. I lead month-end close, supervise a junior accountant, and handle complex reconciliations. I've been in this role five years.
03/12/2019 Senior Audit Associate 45.0 h 83,000 $ 73,778 $ 6,148 $ 35.47 $ I am a senior audit associate at a regional public accounting firm. Seasonal hours push me up to 45 during busy season; I perform complex audit testing and supervise staff.
01/20/2019 Junior Tax Preparer (Part-time) 20.0 h 22,000 $ 44,000 $ 3,667 $ 21.15 $ I work part-time preparing basic tax returns during tax season at a small tax office while finishing school. The role is seasonal and entry-level.
12/17/2018 Cost Accountant 40.0 h 58,000 $ 58,000 $ 4,833 $ 27.88 $ I work as a cost accountant in manufacturing. I track product costs and support production planning. I'm mid-level with about four years' experience and limited management duties.
06/05/2018 Staff Accountant (Entry) 40.0 h 52,000 $ 52,000 $ 4,333 $ 25.00 $ I was hired as an entry-level staff accountant in accounts payable and now handle reconciliations. This is my first post-grad role and there's room for promotion.
04/03/2018 Tax Accountant (Entry) 40.0 h 52,500 $ 52,500 $ 4,375 $ 25.24 $ I am an entry-level tax accountant at a local tax firm. I prepare individual returns seasonally and assist seniors during busy periods. This was my first full-time role after graduation.
01/03/2018 Accounting Technician 37.5 h 44,000 $ 46,933 $ 3,911 $ 22.56 $ I work as an accounting technician handling reconciliations and vendor queries for a local supplier. I am full-time with a slightly flexible schedule.
10/13/2017 Bookkeeper 30.0 h 34,000 $ 45,333 $ 3,778 $ 21.79 $ I do bookkeeping for a small retail business, part-time, entering transactions, payroll, and invoicing. I have been here four years and don't have supervisory responsibilities.
05/22/2017 Staff Accountant 40.0 h 47,000 $ 47,000 $ 3,917 $ 22.60 $ I work full-time as a staff accountant for a medium-sized manufacturing company. I prepare monthly financials and assist with month-end close. I have three years of experience in accounting.
11/08/2016 Junior Accountant 32.0 h 38,500 $ 48,125 $ 4,010 $ 23.14 $ I am a junior accountant at a small logistics firm. I work part-time while completing my CPA coursework and handle reconciliations and AP. I've been here two years and get little overtime.
08/29/2016 Accounting Clerk 35.0 h 36,000 $ 41,143 $ 3,429 $ 19.78 $ I work as an accounting clerk at a small clinic doing billing and patient account follow-up. I am full-time but do not perform higher-level accounting tasks.

Job Outlook for Accountants in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado sits within the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood metro, one of the Mountain West’s most diverse regional economies. That mix of industries—healthcare and biosciences, aerospace and defense, logistics and warehousing, hospitality, construction, and public sector—creates steady, year-round demand for accountants. Employers in and around Aurora typically look for professionals who can keep complex operations compliant, manage growing volumes of financial data, and support leadership with clear reporting.

Local industry structure shapes the day-to-day work for accountants in Aurora. The Anschutz Medical Campus anchors a large healthcare and research ecosystem, while Buckley Space Force Base and nearby contractors support a significant defense and space cluster. Proximity to Denver International Airport has fueled rapid growth in distribution centers and e-commerce facilities along the I‑70 corridor. Major hospitality and convention business, ongoing residential and commercial development, and a sizable public sector presence round out the picture. These sectors generally need accountants who understand GAAP, internal controls, and the requirements that come with grants, government contracts, or multi-entity operations.

Labor Market

Hiring demand for accountants in Aurora is closely tied to compliance cycles and organizational growth. Public accounting firms often ramp up for audit and tax busy seasons, healthcare and universities frequently operate on fiscal years that drive mid-year hiring, and government agencies recruit around budget cycles. Many employers in the metro have adopted hybrid schedules, and some shared-service accounting teams support multiple sites across the Front Range.

Industry characteristics influence skill requirements. Healthcare and research organizations commonly seek grants accountants and financial analysts who understand Uniform Guidance and sponsor rules. Defense and aerospace contractors in the Aurora area often value familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and tools like Deltek Costpoint. Growing logistics and manufacturing operations frequently need cost accountants who can analyze inventory, standard costs, and variance trends. Hospitality and event-driven businesses emphasize revenue reconciliation, cash controls, and forecasting around occupancy and bookings.

Technology proficiency is increasingly important. Employers in the Denver–Aurora market commonly use systems such as SAP, Oracle, Workday, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics, along with Excel, Power BI, or similar analytics tools. For internal audit and corporate accounting roles, knowledge of SOX-style controls and process documentation can be a differentiator. Professional certifications—such as CPA, CMA, CIA, CFE, or CGFM—are not always required but are frequently preferred for advancement.

Major Employers

Accountants in Aurora can pursue roles across hospitals, universities, local government, defense, logistics, hospitality, education, and professional services. Organizations that commonly hire for accounting and finance roles include:

  • UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora) for hospital, research, and grants accounting.
  • City of Aurora and regional public agencies for governmental accounting, budget, and internal audit roles.
  • Buckley Space Force Base (Aurora) and defense contractors with Aurora operations, such as Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, which often seek accountants versed in government cost principles.
  • Amazon fulfillment and delivery operations in Aurora for cost, inventory, and operations-focused accounting.
  • Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center (Aurora) for hospitality accounting, revenue audit, and financial analysis.
  • Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District for school finance, grants, and fund accounting.
  • Public accounting firms with Denver-area offices—such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PWC, Moss Adams, Plante Moran, Eide Bailly, CLA, and FORVIS—which serve clients throughout the metro, including Aurora.

Career Opportunities

Aurora offers a full spectrum of accounting career paths. Early-career candidates often start as staff accountants, AP/AR specialists, payroll analysts, or audit associates. As experience grows, common titles include senior accountant, cost accountant, fixed asset accountant, grants accountant, revenue accountant, internal auditor, and accounting manager. In construction and real estate—both active in and around Aurora—project and property accounting roles are typical. Defense and aerospace entities may seek project controllers and compliance accountants, sometimes requiring security clearances. In healthcare and higher education, sponsored research and foundation accounting roles are prevalent.

Professionals who combine accounting knowledge with process improvement and systems skills can move into roles supporting ERP implementations, financial planning and analysis, or shared-service leadership. Those interested in client service can build careers in audit, tax, or advisory with the many public accounting firms serving the Denver–Aurora market. Networking through the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and statewide professional associations often helps candidates learn about upcoming needs, particularly around audit season, fiscal year transitions, and major system upgrades.

Overall, the outlook for accountants in Aurora is generally positive. The city’s mix of healthcare, government, aerospace, logistics, and hospitality typically sustains consistent hiring, and the broader Denver metro provides access to regional headquarters, public companies, and a deep professional services ecosystem. Candidates who bring strong GAAP fundamentals, attention to internal controls, and comfort with modern finance systems are well positioned to find opportunities across Aurora’s major employers and growing industries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accountant in Aurora

How much does a Accountant make in Aurora?

The average salary for a Accountant in Aurora is 83,577 $ per year on a 40-hour basis, or 6,965 $ gross per month.

Why are salaries converted to 40 hours?

Part-time and full-time reports are normalized to a 40-hour workweek so salary reports can be compared fairly.

Where can I find more salary comparisons for Accountant or Aurora?

You can find more comparisons on the profession overview for Accountant and the city overview for Aurora. They show reported cities or jobs with their difference from the average.