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 from 2016 to 2026, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an increase of 11.9%. 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	2,913,123
Per Capita Income	$27,870
Unemployment Rate	3.3%
Fortune 500 Companies	1
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.

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

Top-paying cities for accountants

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	N/A
Citizenship Requirement	No
Residency Requirement	Yes
Social Security # Requirement	Yes
Education Requirement for Licensure	Bachelor's degree (150 hours)
Participates in International Programs	Yes
Hours in Accounting	30 semester hours
Exam Sitting Requirements	150 hours
Experience Requirements	1 year of accounting experience
Ethics Exam	AICPA Ethics Exam

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 CPAs

CPA exam fees in Kansas

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.