All About the Best Accounting Schools in Arizona

by Alex Morgan · March 29, 2023

Feature Best Accounting Schools in Arizona

There are plenty of schools in Arizona that offer accounting degree programs. A college degree in accounting can lead to various career opportunities in finance, audit, taxation, and consulting. In fact, accounting is currently among the top 10 best-paid careers in the country.

Let’s explore the best accounting schools in Arizona, and the fine points of choosing a career in accountancy in Arizona.

Why It’s Good to Have a Degree in Accounting in Arizona

An accounting degree in Arizona is worth it for several reasons. Firstly, Arizona homes numerous accounting firms, government entities, and financial companies that offer job opportunities to accounting graduates. Secondly, the state’s favorable business environment, low taxes, and growing economy create a demand for skilled accountants. Thirdly, accountants are in high demand across various industries, making it a stable and lucrative career choice. Lastly, earning an accounting degree provides graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue enter organizations with top management roles, including CPA certification, which opens up opportunities for growth and career advancement.

Best Accounting Schools in Arizona

There are several accounting schools in Arizona, each offering unique programs and opportunities to help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the field.

Arizona State University – W.P. Carey School of Accountancy

Arizona State University is known for its innovative and experiential approach to business education, emphasizing hands-on learning, real-world projects, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Graduate Degrees: Master of Accountancy (MACC), Master of Taxation (MTax), Ph.D. in Business Administration (Accounting)
Requirements: Completed application, official transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, a personal essay, and a resume.
Courses offered: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Law, Information Systems, and Controls.

University of Arizona – Eller College of Management

The University of Arizona is also home to the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, which provides students with practical experiences and resources to develop their entrepreneurial skills. The University of Arizona’s ranking is number 13 among all public universities.

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting
Graduate Degrees: Master of Accounting (MAcc), Ph.D. in Management (Accounting)
Requirements: a completed application, high school transcripts, official ACT or SAT scores, and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Courses offered: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Law, and Ethics.

Northern Arizona University – W.A. Franke College of Business

Northern Arizona University’s W.A. Franke College of Business offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business and accounting, with a focus on sustainable business practices.

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Graduate Degrees: Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Requirements: a minimum GPA of 2.5, a minimum ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1120, and to have completed high school courses in math and English.
Courses offered: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Law, and Ethics.

Grand Canyon University – Colangelo College of Business

Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programs that aim to prepare students for successful careers in business through hands-on experience and a values-based education.

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Graduate Degrees: Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Requirements: a minimum 2.5 GPA, meeting the university’s proficiency requirements, and submitting transcripts.
Courses offered: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Law, and Ethics.

YavaPai College

Yavapai College’s accounting program prepares students for careers in accounting through courses covering financial and managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing, as well as providing students with real-world experience through internships and participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Undergraduate Degree: Associate of Business in Accounting, Certificate of Business in Accounting, and Associate of Applied Science in Business – Accounting.

Graduate Degrees: None

Requirements: Completion of the application process, meeting the prerequisites, and enrolling in required courses.

Courses offered: Principles of Accounting, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Cost Accounting, Income Tax, Auditing, Payroll Accounting, and Accounting Information Systems.

How to Become a CPA in Arizona

Now that you’ve got the degree in accountancy or finance, what’s next? If you are looking to have a career in accounting then, be prepared for a long and arduous journey but it’s worth the investment.

To being with the Arizona State Board of Accountancy, outlines six steps to becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) in Arizona These steps are listed below.

First, you have 150 college-level hours to complete accounting courses. This includes 36 hours of courses in accounting as well as completing the upper-division courses which comprise 30 hours along with the 30 semester hours of accounting and other business courses.
Next, it’s important to complete 2000 hours of relevant accounting experience under a CPA or equivalent individual. One could get experience prior to or after the Uniform CPA Exam.
Then take the ethics course from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). When you take the exam, try to score of at least 90 percent from self-study. Passing this exam will give you a two-year license.
Afterward get ready to take and pass the four-section Uniform CPA Exam. You need to get a score of at least 75 percent on all sections to qualify for the next step.
One of the most important CPA licenses you need later on is from the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. They provide degrees/certifications, experience, scores, and citizenship on the AICPA Ethics and Uniform CPA Exams.
Finally, after approval from the Certification Committee and the Executive Director, you will receive your CPA license within a few weeks.

It’s worth noting that after licensure, Arizona CPAs have to keep on completing professional education worth 80 hours every renewal period. Moreover, in Arizona there is an additional requirement of completing at least 4 hours of education in ethics in order to get started with your practice.

Accounting Job Opportunities in Arizona and Employment Rate

Upon graduating with an accounting degree in Arizona, a variety of career opportunities await.

Accounting firms like Gaintner Bandler Reed and Peters, Ascot Tax and Accounting, and Henry and Horne, may offer entry-level positions to graduates.
Government agencies like the State Department and the Department of Defense, and others may also provide possible work opportunities.
Banks and finance companies like Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Northern Trust, and Charles Schwab have established centers in Arizona that may provide jobs.

Furthermore, obtaining a CPA certification opens up additional options for graduates. They can choose to start their own accounting business or work for small businesses throughout the state. Now onto salary expectations.

As per the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2021, the number of job openings for accountants in Arizona stood at 12,283 according to LinkedIn job search, with an average salary of $77, 250. Looking ahead, the state of Arizona is expected to witness a remarkable 14.5% growth in the demand for accountants and auditors by 2028, which is twice the national forecast.

Conclusion

Arizona offers various accounting degree programs in top-notch business schools from the University of Arizona to Yavapai College. Most of these schools offer both undergraduate and graduate programs. A degree in accounting can lead to various career opportunities in finance, audit, taxation, and consulting, with a growing demand for accounting professionals in Arizona’s growing economy. Pursuing an accounting degree in Arizona can be a great investment in one’s future career.

Photo by Unsplash.com