Institutional accreditation is the most sought-after among schools and employers. Schools with Arkansas accounting programs may most commonly be accredited regionally by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC currently accredits Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas, both of which offer accounting programs. Here is a list of resources that will help you take the CPA exam in Arkansas and become a certified public accountant. To be certified as a public accountant, prospective candidates must obtain at least 2,000 hours of work experience in a field related to accounting.
Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
For example, the University of Arkansas gives in-state tuition to students from Texas’ Texarkana and Bowie County areas. Follow the links below to learn about the breadth of financial aid options an accounting degree in Arkansas may provide. As you begin your accounting education, consider the differences between on-campus, online, and hybrid programs, along with how they fit your learning style. Let’s review each AR CPA requirement as well as the steps to take the CPA exam in Arkansas and the process to become a licensed CPA in Arkansas.
Top-level accountant earnings begin at:
Prospective candidates must apply and pay fees for each of the CPA sections. Once fees are paid, one is given six months to prepare and take the tests applied for. Any candidate who does not pass one of the tests must wait for six months to retake the exam. Discover the top online master’s degrees in accounting programs and what to expect once you enroll.
Still, the Big Four accounting firms have a presence within Arkansas, particularly in the Bentonville and Little Rock metropolitan areas. Bentonville ranks second in Arkansas’ best places to live by the Chamber of Commerce for its healthy economy, mix of Fortune 500 companies, and high-paying jobs. The BLS also projects economic health and accounting needs to grow together. News Economy Rankings, indicating that the demand for accountants in the state may not align with national demand. Arkansas has one of the lowest costs of living in the country, according to World Population Review.
According to BLS data from May 2021, accountants and auditors earn $69,410 on average. For example, property appraisers earn an average of $41,390, while personal financial advisors earn an average salary of $110,900. Pursuing an accounting degree in Arkansas is a wise move if you plan to start your career in the state.
Popular Accounting Careers in Arkansas
Arkansas CPA licenses are valid for one year and expire on December 31 of each calendar year. Any holder planning to renew their license must complete 40 hours of continuing professional education during the 12-months preceding the renewal. After passing the exam and becoming licensed, each licensee must take one hour of ethics training through the ASBPA and three additional hours of ethics every three years. They also need to complete at least 40 continuing education credits within the year before their license expiration date. Every state has specific requirements for CPA initial licensure and renewal. The Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy (ASBPA) oversees Arkansas accounting requirements for CPAs.
One point to consider is distance learning, which is relatively popular in Arkansas. Even if you take online courses at a school in another state, you can still network in Arkansas as you prepare for your career. Arkansas is also home to the unique Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, which has awarded over $4 billion in scholarships since 2009. The state also provides an easy-to-use scholarship search tool to help degree-seekers fund their education. With one of the country’s lowest cost of living indexes, Arkansas offers an affordable option for many aspiring accountants.
Why Get an Accounting Degree in Arkansas?
Accounting programs generally align with the state’s certified public accountant (CPA) requirements to transition learners into sitting for the CPA exam in Arkansas. To sit for the Arkansas CPA exam, each applicant must have a bachelor’s degree. An accounting or business administration degree in Arkansas that satisfies this requirement typically takes four years to complete. The processing time for the CPA application may take about four weeks, but students can sit for the exam once approved. Generally, prospective accountants can expect to become a CPA 4-5 years after beginning their accounting program.
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- Additionally, several top industries in Arkansas require accounting specialists to perform financial management duties.
- Accounting students who prefer a blend of online and on-campus learning can consider hybrid delivery.
- The state is also home to some of the biggest companies, organizations, and businesses, presenting perfect employment opportunities for Certified Public Accountants.
- Choosing a school and accounting program is a big step, and you might wonder if Arkansas is the best place to start your education.
- Pursuing an accounting degree in Arkansas is a wise move if you plan to start your career in the state.
Together, these educational requirements must equal at least 150 credit hours. Many other schools across the country require at least 12 months of residency for this status. Arkansas schools typically reserve the lowest tuition rates for in-state learners.
- Degree-seekers who work full time may prefer a hybrid format for scheduling flexibility.
- They also may assist with tax preparation and law adherence, billing processes, and risk management.
- For example, property appraisers earn an average of $41,390, while personal financial advisors earn an average salary of $110,900.
- Prospective CPA candidates must meet some education requirements to sit for the CPA exam.
- Follow the links below to learn about the breadth of financial aid options an accounting degree in Arkansas may provide.
- An accounting or business administration degree in Arkansas that satisfies this requirement typically takes four years to complete.
Explore this guide for accounting requirements, what pursuing an accounting degree in Arkansas looks like, and accounting employment data for the state. Discover the most affordable online accounting degree programs to advance your education. Compliance officers oversee organizations’ adherence to safety standards, licensure regulations, and other compliance measures. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for cpa salary arkansas the role, but some compliance officers may also pursue certifications to advance their careers. Financial managers help organizations increase profits through financial analysis, budgeting, and investing. They also may assist with tax preparation and law adherence, billing processes, and risk management.
Likewise, prospects must hold a four-year degree from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency. A few accounting careers, such as personal financial advisors and payroll clerks, also pay relatively close to national averages. Arkansas also pays personal financial advisors similar salaries as Texas, Ohio, and Florida.
The table and chart below show the trend of the median salary of accountants and auditorsfrom 2012 to 2022. However, it does not need to be earned in a period of consecutive employment. Likewise, candidates don’t have to graduate before earning work experience. First-time applicants taking the CPA exam in Arkansas pay an initial fee of $50. Test-takers must also pay $238.15 for each of the four sections as contract examination provider fees. A state’s cost of living also plays an important role in the total cost of a degree, as many learners must also budget for essential costs while attending school.
Accountant earnings by seniority
The school also offers a New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship. This scholarship awards $4,000 or more to degree-seekers from Georgia, Louisiana, and other surrounding states, to assist with tuition costs. Learners can also save on tuition by taking advantage of state reciprocity agreements, which allow out-of-state learners to qualify for Arkansas in-state tuition.
Arkansas has a deep-rooted history in the country’s natural resources and transportation infrastructure. The state was also the initial home to Walmart’s early beginnings, solidifying its importance in the United States business environment. Its dedication to stimulating the economy and encouraging business has also led to promising commercial expansion.