Accounting Degrees in Kansas
Introduction
Agriculture and livestock are two major components of the Kansas economy, but the industrial manufacturing and aerospace industries also play an important role. The state is home to two Fortune 500 companies that reflect the diversity of its economy: aircraft manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems and Seaboard, a global agriculture and transportation company. While Kansas proportionately employs a smaller number of accountants and auditors than the national average, the state is expected to experience above average job growth in the field through 2024, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an increase of 12.5%. The four major international CPA firms all maintain offices in Kansas, and the state is also home to several notable independent firms, including K-Coe Isom and Mize Houser & Co.
Kansas at a glance
| Population | 3,907,000 |
| Per Capita Income | $27,870 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% |
| Fortune 500 Companies | 2 |
| Licensed CPA Firms | 488 |
Accounting Programs in Kansas
Search our comprehensive school directory to explore the accounting programs in Kansas, including campus-based, online and hybrid programs.
- School
- Degree Levels
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Accounting Salaries and Employment
Job growth for accountants and auditors in Kansas is expected to rise 16.1% over the span of seven years (3% more than the national percent change rate), culminating in 14,470 accounting positions by 2022.
Iowan accountants can make between $34,400 and $109,470, but on average earn about $72,463. Top-paying cities for accountants in the state include Wichita, Manhattan, Lawrence and Topeka, home to one of the largest firms in the state, Mize Houser & Co. One Salina-based firm, Kennedy and Coe, grossed $33.80 million in revenue last year, making it one of the highest-performing firms in a seven state region.
Projected Job Growth for Accountants
Accounting Salaries by Specialty
Associate Degree Recommended
Bookkeeping and Auditing Clerks
Payroll Clerks
Credit Counselors
Bachelor's Degree Recommended
Cost Estimators
Tax Examiners and Collectors
Master's Degree Recommended
Accountants and Auditors
Budget Analysts
Personal Financial Advisors
Actuaries
Financial Managers
Top-paying cities for accountants
- Wichita, KS
- Manhattan, KS
- Topeka, KS
- Lawrence, KS
Major firms headquartered in Kansas
| Count | Firm | Location | 2014 Revenue (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | K-Coe Isom | Salina, KS | $57 |
| 2 | Mize Houser & Co. | Topeka, KS | $24 |
Accounting Today named these firms among the highest performing in a multi-state region. Rankings as based upon reported net revenues from 2014. Source: Accounting Today, "Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders"
Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) in Kansas
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the eligibility requirements for sitting for the Kansas Uniform CPA Exam, as well as the required coursework and a breakdown of the exam fees.
In 2009, Kansas enacted a Practice Mobility Legislation that enables out-of-state CPAs to practice in Kansas, without having to notify the Board or obtaining a Kansas permit first. This legislation does not apply to in-state CPAs, however.
Eligibility for CPA Licensure in Kansas
Below is a list of eligibility requirements candidates must meet in order to sit for the Exam:
- Have Kansas residency
- Hold a baccalaureate degree
- Meet the 150 semester hours as stipulated by the Board
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours in accounting theory and practice
- Participate in international program
- Take the Professional Ethics course and pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam
The Board currently has put in place a requirement for two business courses since the Regulation Section of the Uniform CPA Exam includes a 20-25% Business Law component.
| Age Requirement | None |
| Citizenship Requirement | No |
| Residency Requirement | Yes |
| Social Security # Requirement | Yes |
| Education Requirement for Licensure | 150 hours (including bachelor's degree) |
| Participates in International Programs | Yes |
| Hours in Accounting | 30 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours in accounting theory and practice. |
| Exam Sitting Requirements | 150 hours (must complete education requirement prior to sitting for exam) |
| Experience Requirements | 1 year of accounting experience in government, industry, academia or public practice. |
| Ethics Exam | Must pass AICPA Professional Ethics Exam for initial licensure. |
Candidates can verify that their undergraduate coursework satisfies Kansas’s CPA licensure requirements by filling out this pre-evaluation form.
Source: The American Institute of CPAsCPA exam fees in Kansas
- Application Fee $145
- Auditing & Attestation $208
- Financial Accounting & Reporting $208
- Regulation $208
- Business Environment & Concepts $208
Special Fees: Sections of the exam require a registration fee. $110 for all four sections, $95 for three sections, $80 for two sections, $65 for one section.
Certifying and Professional Organizations
The Kansas Board of Accountancy is a regulatory body that administers the Uniform CPA Exam in the state and provides online services related to certification and licensure, such as identifying CPAs and upholding the laws and administrative regulations that govern CPAs.
Once officially certified, Kansas CPAs may join the Kansas Society of CPAs (KSCPA). The KSCPA is a professional member organization that represents its members, administers peer review programs for the Kansas Board of Accountancy, hosts networking events, promotes professional relationships and professional development programs, organizes leadership events, affinity programs and more.
Kansas Board of Accountancy
Address
900 SW Jackson, Suite 556
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone Number
(785) 296-2162