The Bachelor’s degree must include 30 credit hours of coursework in accounting and 30 credit hours of business coursework. The state does not require individuals with a bachelor’s degree to obtain a second undergraduate degree in accounting as long as education requirements are met. Accountants in Arkansas typically begin their careers by pursuing an accounting or business administration degree in the state. This level of education provides the prerequisites to sit for the CPA exam, including coursework in accounting and business. These professionals help individuals create a financial strategy to meet their goals, such as paying off debt or planning for retirement.
The best online accounting degree programs teach data analysis, financial reporting, and forecasting skills. As you can see from the BLS data above, Arkansas salaries for accounting professionals tend to be lower than national averages. Choosing a school and accounting program is a big step, and you might wonder if Arkansas is the best place to start your education. Degree-seekers have several options when paying for college, navigating possible concentrations, and choosing learning formats.
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.
Arkansas CPA Requirements
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.
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- We offer career resources, college readiness tips, educational guides, and tons more.
- Even if you take online courses at a school in another state, you can still network in Arkansas as you prepare for your career.
- To sit for a CPA exam in Arkansas, candidates must pay $743 plus $125-$170 in application 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.
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.
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.
Accountant earnings by seniority
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.
Average Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas
Additionally, several top industries in Arkansas require accounting specialists to perform financial management duties. Advanced manufacturing, financial services and technologies, and healthcare are a few prominent industries in the state that require accountants. The average salary for an accountant in Arkansas is around $61,770 per year.
How do accountant salaries compare to similar careers?
Students in more rural areas might find that online programs allow them to attend school without a long commute. The following information offers additional considerations as you decide the best pathway for your future accounting career in Arkansas. The breadth of key industries in Arkansas, such as retail, transportation, and food processing, creates a solid foundation for various types of accountants to find work. Patient billing specialists, financial analysts, and audit and reimbursement specialists are among the most in-demand positions for Arkansas accountants.
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.
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- Students do not need to pay back fellowships, grants, and scholarships but are responsible for loan repayment.
- On average, you can expect to pay less for groceries, housing, transportation, and other everyday costs in Arkansas than in many other states.
- You are eligible to sit for a CPA exam in Arkansas once you earn 150 semester hours of credit and completed the accounting and business component coursework.
- Generally, prospective accountants can expect to become a CPA 4-5 years after beginning their accounting program.
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.
Arkansas schools and programs may receive institutional or programmatic accreditation. However, a higher percentage of students in Arkansas are enrolled in distance education compared to the national average. After a CPA license application is received and approved by the Board, applicants will receive their license by mail. Once all the necessary documents are mailed an application approved, one should go to Prometric’s website and schedule an examination at one of cpa salary arkansas the following testing sites. Colleges in Arkansas tend to cluster around more populated areas, like Little Rock and Bentonville.
Similarly, candidates need to complete all sections of the course and take the 30-item test. Accounting and auditing specialties could be a worthy concentration for those interested in potential job opportunities in Arkansas. Professionals in the state earn an average salary of over $69,000, with organizations employing approximately 7,100 accounting and auditing professionals annually. We offer career resources, college readiness tips, educational guides, and tons more.
Arkansas is best known as the land of diamonds and is home to beautiful lakes, rivers, and springs. The state is also home to some of the biggest companies, organizations, and businesses, presenting perfect employment opportunities for Certified Public Accountants. In a primarily rural state like Arkansas, the in-person connections with peers and instructors made in on-campus programs can offer an invaluable networking boost.