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 cpa salary arkansas 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.
Are there variations in CPA salaries based on geographic regions in Arkansas?
- Candidates who are re-taking the CPA exam must pay a $75-$120 in application fee plus the exam fees.
- Several of Arkansas’ most popular colleges and universities, including the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, offer accounting programs.
- A few accounting careers, such as personal financial advisors and payroll clerks, also pay relatively close to national averages.
- Many other schools across the country require at least 12 months of residency for this status.
- Arkansas schools and programs may receive institutional or programmatic accreditation.
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.
What Do Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s Do?
On average, you can expect to pay less for groceries, housing, transportation, and other everyday costs in Arkansas than in many other states. On-campus learners typically enjoy social learning environments and thrive with face-to-face instruction and collaboration. Accreditation indicates that colleges and universities adhere to rigorous quality academic standards.
Additional Arkansas CPA Resources
Entry-level personal financial advisors typically possess bachelor’s degrees, but some employers may prefer master’s-level candidates or certified financial planners. The salary for certified public accountants in Arkansas is slightly lower than what other licensed CPAs earn in other states. While most accountants are located in the Little Rock area, most earn an average of $66,450 a year. 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. Prospective candidates who are still enrolled in courses necessary for graduation may not take an exam in the state.
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.
- This scholarship awards $4,000 or more to degree-seekers from Georgia, Louisiana, and other surrounding states, to assist with tuition costs.
- Generally, prospective accountants can expect to become a CPA 4-5 years after beginning their accounting program.
- As you can see from the BLS data above, Arkansas salaries for accounting professionals tend to be lower than national averages.
- The Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy (ASBPA) oversees Arkansas accounting requirements for CPAs.
Work Experience Requirements
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.
Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
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.
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.
Online Programs
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.
Arkansas schools typically offer financial aid through grants, loans, fellowships, and scholarships. Students do not need to pay back fellowships, grants, and scholarships but are responsible for loan repayment. Online accounting programs generally apply the same curriculum and expectations as on-campus programs. However, online students must remain self-motivated and able to learn concepts without as much instructor guidance.
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.