Fastest Way To Become a Accountant in Massachusetts 2025

If you're interested in pursuing a career in accounting in Massachusetts, you are likely wondering: What's the fastest way to make your goal a reality? It's possible to enter the profession quickly � sometimes in as little as four years, with the right educational path and licensure planning. This guide outlines the fastest way to become an accountant, including education and certification, and highlights accelerated programs that will help you get there even faster.

What Does an Accountant Do?

Accountants are responsible for preparing, analyzing, and maintaining financial statements and records for individuals, businesses, and organizations. They ensure financial accuracy and compliance with regulations to help clients make informed financial decisions. Some accountants have specializations in areas such as tax preparation, auditing and attestation, forensic accounting, or management accounting. Additionally, some go on to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), which opens doors to more opportunities and higher earning potential.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Accountant in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, it typically takes about five to six years to become a licensed accountant or CPA. This includes approximately four years of earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and time spent gaining work experience and completing the CPA exam requirements.

The Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Massachusetts

If your goal is to become an accountant in Massachusetts as quickly as possible, there are a few strategies that can shorten your timeline. For example, starting with an associate degree, choosing a fast-track bachelor's program, earning credits through dual enrollment or CLEP exams, or choosing a master's degree program that allows CPA eligibility in fewer semesters. Below are the steps to become an accountant to launch your accounting career.

1. Start With Dual Enrollment or AP Courses in High School

When possible, one of the fastest ways to become an accountant is to start early by earning college credit in high school. Many Massachusetts high schools offer dual enrollment programs or Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like economics or math that count toward college general education requirements.

2. Enroll in an Accelerated or Online Bachelor's in Accounting Program

To achieve your accounting degree quickly, choose a university that offers an accelerated accounting degree or allows you to take extra credits per term. Online universities commonly offer bachelor's degrees in accounting that can be completed in two and a half to three years instead of the typical four. Ensure you select a program at an accredited institution, accepted by the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy for CPA eligibility.

3. Complete 150 Credit Hours Through a Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program

If you decide to pursue a Massachusetts CPA license, the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy requires 150 credit hours to qualify for CPA licensure. Some universities offer 4+1 programs, where students complete both a bachelor's and master's in five years total � saving time over pursuing them separately. This also fulfills CPA education requirements more efficiently.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Exam

Once your accounting coursework is complete, you must register for and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. This four-part exam covers auditing, business concepts, financial accounting, and regulation. You can take sections individually, but many candidates aim to pass within 12 to 18 months.

5.Fulfill Work Experience Requirements

To become a CPA in Massachusetts, you must complete at least one year (approximately 2,000 hours) of supervised work experience in accounting. This can be done during or after your education. Working in public accounting or under a licensed CPA helps you meet the board's requirements.

6. Apply for CPA Licensure in Massachusetts

Once you've passed the Uniform CPA examination and fulfilled the experience requirements, you can apply for your CPA licensure through the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy. You'll need to submit your license application along with your transcripts, uniform CPA examination scores, accounting experience work verification, and application fees.

Accelerated Accounting Programs in Massachusetts

Looking for fast accounting degrees? Several schools in Massachusetts and online offer full-time accelerated programs to help students complete their undergraduate and graduate-level accounting degrees quickly.

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Accounting that you can complete in as little as two and a half years. Their coursework's flexible, self-paced format makes it ideal for students balancing work and education.

• Time to completion: Two and half to three years
• Tuition cost: $39,600 total
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Suffolk University

Suffolk University offers an accelerated Master of Science in accounting (MSA) 4+1 program for students pursuing their graduate degree in accounting. This program allows you to waive the prerequisite or preparation courses for your program of interest by using equivalent undergraduate coursework that you've already completed with grades of B or better. This will shorten the total length of time to complete your accounting degree.

• Time to completion: Five years
• Tuition cost: $70,851
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Merrimack College

Merrimack College offers a five-year combined Bachelor of Science (BS)/MS in accounting program that helps students meet CPA requirements faster. Students can apply during undergrad and start graduate-level coursework early.

• Time to completion: Five years
• Tuition cost: $47,000/year (undergrad); graduate tuition varies
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

FAQs About the Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Massachusetts

If you're interested in pursuing your degree in accounting, you may have other questions about how to get started. Below, we've covered some of the most common questions degree-seekers have about the cost, career opportunities, and education requirements to become an accountant in Massachusetts.

How Much Does it Cost To Become an Accountant in Massachusetts?

Earning a degree and becoming a CPA in Massachusetts typically costs between $60,000 and $120,000, depending on the institution. Additional fees for exams and licensure can total $1,500 to $3,000.

What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree in Massachusetts?

With an accounting degree in Massachusetts, you can work in an accounting firm as a public accountant, internal auditor, tax preparer, financial analyst, or CPA. Opportunities exist in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors.

What Are the Education Requirements To Become a CPA in Massachusetts?

CPA candidates in Massachusetts must complete 150 semester hours of college coursework, including a bachelor's degree with specific accounting courses and business courses. Many candidates fulfill this through a combined bachelor's and master's degree program. After CPA licensure, you must earn continuing education credits to maintain your CPA licensure.

Explore Accounting Degrees

If you're ready to pursue a career in accounting, the fastest way to become an accountant in Massachusetts starts with choosing the right degree program. Explore the featured accelerated online accounting degrees to find the path that fits your timeline and career goals.