Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Ohio 2025

Ohio needs strong accountants to prepare financial statements, conduct audits, and educate clients on critical tax laws. If you wish to enter this field, then you should learn more about the fastest way to become an accountant. Below, we explain the top institutions, including accelerated programs that make it easier to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Ohio.

What Does an Accountant Do?

Accountants have a fiduciary responsibility to manage sensitive financial information for their clients. This includes cost accounting, financial accounting, auditing and attestation, managerial accounting, and more. Accountants also help business owners and government agencies prepare payrolls and ensure tax compliance.

Only CPA license holders with significant work experience can qualify for upper-level jobs, but it's possible to secure entry-level employment with just a bachelor's degree.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Accountant in Ohio?

It will take at least four or five years to become an accountant because the minimum requirement for employment is an accounting degree or a similar degree involving accounting courses. Higher-paying jobs require a passing score on the Ohio CPA exam after completing prerequisite coursework and gaining work experience. An undergraduate degree in accounting requires at least 120 semester hours of study.

The Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Ohio

Follow these important steps to become an accountant to enter the field faster. This four-step outline covers educational requirements, work experience, preparation for the CPA exam, and the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam.

1. Get Your Bachelor's Degree

Prospective accountants can train for successful careers by obtaining at least a Bachelor of Accounting (BACC) degree. Many accountants also do this by obtaining a related bachelor's degree with approved courses in accounting. Business courses prepare accountants for further education as well.

Prospective CPAs will still benefit from pursuing a master's in this field, but Ohio no longer requires 150 semester hours for CPA certification. A bachelor's degree will satisfy the educational requirements. According to the Accountancy Board of Ohio, accountants need only 120 semester credits to qualify for the CPA license.

2. Build Relevant Work Experience

You must have at least one year of experience working as an accountant (or similar role) before becoming a licensed CPA. Ohio law has established the following criteria for work experience in accounting.

• Accounting experience must be in public accounting, academia, government, or the private sector.
• Applicants must complete an experience form, approved and verified by a CPA-holding supervisor.
• One year of experience equals 2,000 hours of work.
• Internships apply only if they involve accounting services.

Many aspiring CPAs will build work experience while doing the following step of preparing for the Uniform CPA Examination.

3. Study for the CPA Exam

You should prepare to take the CPA exam by learning its format, selecting appropriate sub-disciplines for testing, and reviewing your undergraduate/graduate coursework. Ohio does not require state residency to sit for the exam, but applicants must be at least 18 years old.

The CPA exam covers topics from three core accounting areas: auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, and taxation and regulation. Applicants then select an additional testing component from one of three categories: business analysis and reporting, information systems and control, or tax compliance and planning.

4. Take the CPA Exam

You can take the CPA exam once you've verified your eligibility with the Ohio CPA board. They offer the exam at authorized Prometric computer-based testing locations. You can apply to take the exam through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) by visiting the Ohio CPA exam page.

There are some other minor requirements for taking the examination. CPA candidates will undergo a criminal records check and background check to sit for the CPA exam. You must also renew the CPA license every three years in the state of Ohio.

Accelerated Accounting Programs in Ohio

Accelerated accounting programs offer the fastest way to become an accountant. They quicken the education process by granting students the chance to earn a master's degree faster, which improves employment prospects upon graduation. You can also explore ways to earn your degree remotely through accelerated online accounting degrees.

Ohio University

Students can pursue a one-year Master of Accounting (MACC) degree to earn college credit faster than traditional programs. A full-time commitment requires two courses every seven weeks at the master's level.

This program does not require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for admissions. It emphasizes either accounting or business with courses designed to train accounting professionals and prepare them to pass the CPA exam.

• Time to completion: one year
• Tuition cost: $18,090 (accounting path), $25,326 (business path)
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB)

Kent State University

Kent State University's accelerated format permits students to complete a bachelor's degree and master's degree together within four or five years. Their accounting department has both a 3+1 and a 4+1 degree format, including the chance to overlap with up to nine credit hours. High achievers can even apply for direct admission, allowing candidates to bypass the requirements for recommendation letters, GMAT scores, application essays, and application fees.

• Time to completion: four to five years
• Tuition cost: $13,100 to $17,800
• Accreditation: AACSB

Ohio State University

Ohio State University gives undergraduates a chance to complete a master's degree simultaneously while paying the lower undergraduate tuition rate for two semesters of graduate work. Qualified students must possess at least a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) to work on both accounting degrees concurrently. The expected total tuition for this accelerated program amounts to $32,989, but 88% of students receive merit-based funding to reduce these costs.

• Time to completion: four years
• Tuition cost: $32,989
• Accreditation: AACSB

FAQs About the Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Ohio

You may have other questions regarding the requirements to become an accountant in Ohio. These FAQs will address the most common concerns for prospective accountants.

How Much Does It Cost To Become an Accountant in Ohio?

The education costs will depend on the program you select. The cost ranges between $20,000 and $60,000 depending on the selected degree program, CPA exam preparatory expenses, and licensing fees. We've also mentioned the cost of three accelerated programs, but Ohio has several other universities, which offer accounting degrees through either part-time or full-time study. Many schools offer degrees online for lower costs, too.

You will also have to pay individual licensing fees, firm fees, and miscellaneous fees, contingent upon your type of accounting employment.

What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree in Ohio?

Accountants audit company finances, work in government departments at every level, and prepare tax documents for their clients. There are career opportunities at small or large companies, municipal governments, public accounting firms, and any other organization with financial assets.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are over 1.5 million accountants nationwide who enjoy a median salary of $79,880. BLS considers the growth in accounting jobs to be faster than average, with about 6% annual growth.

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

Ohio accountants must first obtain a bachelor's degree. Then you should pursue an advanced degree through an accredited master's program if you desire better employment chances. CPA licensure depends on finishing the required volume of accounting and business credits.

You can learn the exact course requirements, experience requirements, and other board rules by visiting the Accountancy Board of Ohio's website.

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