Accounting Degrees in Louisiana
Introduction
Louisiana is known as a producer of agricultural products such as seafood, cotton, and soybeans, but the state's unique economy also thrives on manufacturing and industry, including paper products, petroleum and coal, and transportation equipment. Given its distinct geography and the presence of New Orleans, tourism, hospitality, and the film industry are another major contributor Louisiana's GDP. The state ranks as one of the larger economies in the south, with more than 11,000 accountants and auditors and over 1,000 licensed CPA firms. All four of the largest international CPA firms have offices in Louisiana, three of which (Deloitte & Touche, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Ernst & Young) are found in New Orleans, the largest city and financial center.
Louisiana at a glance
| Population | 4,684,333 |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | $24,800 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5% |
| Fortune 500 Companies | 2 |
| Licensed CPA Firms | 1,006 |
Accounting Programs in Louisiana
Search our comprehensive school directory to explore the accounting programs in Louisiana, including campus-based, online and hybrid programs.
- School
- Degree Levels
- State
Accounting Salaries and Employment
Louisianian accountants can look forward to a 17% increase in employment opportunities between 2012 and 2022; one of the largest percent increases in the nation, and 4% higher than national averages.
Job-seeking accountants can pursue employment with Postlethwaite & Netterville located in Baton Rouge, which garnered $47.07 million in revenue last year. Other major firms headquartered in Louisiana, including LaPorte in Metairie and Heard, McElroy & Vestal in Shreveport respectively reported revenues of $21.42 million and $16.40 million in 2014.
Accountants working in the top-paying Louisianian cities can expect to earn an average of $64,432 annually. In fact, average annual wages can range from $34,690 to a whopping $111,230, contingent upon experience, education level and area of expertise.
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
Financial Managers
Top-paying cities for accountants
- New Orleans-Metairie
- Houma-Thibodaux
- Lafayette
- Baton Rouge
- Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Major firms headquartered in Louisiana
| Count | Firm | Location | 2014 Revenue (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Postlethwaite & Netterville | Baton Rouge, LA | $53 |
| 2 | LaPorte | Metairie, LA | $23 |
| 3 | Heard, McElroy & Vestal | Shreveport, LA | $17 |
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 Louisiana
Once a student meets all of the eligibility qualifications listed below, he or she may apply to take the CPA Exam. A person who resides in a state other than Louisiana may apply as a Louisiana candidate to the Board to take the exam so long as they fulfill the requirement of 120 days of continuous residency during the year preceding the initial exam.
Unsuccessful candidates may apply to take the CPA Exam again; this procedure is quite common. The 2014 CPA Exam Pass Rates ranked below include the scores of both first-time test takers and students returning to attempt the entire exam or portions of it again. All sections of the exam must be completed within 18 months of the initial test start date; 75 is considered a passing score for each section of the exam.
Eligibility for CPA Licensure in Louisiana
In order to be eligible for CPA licensure in Louisiana, candidates must meet the requirements below before applying to sit for the CPA Exam:
- Have U.S. citizenship
- Be a resident of the state of Louisiana
- Have a Social Security number
- Demonstrate good moral character through character references
- Hold a baccalaureate degree
- Must participate in international programs
- Complete the 150 hour educational requirement, 24 of which must be in accounting courses
- Acquire 1 year of experience working in academia, government, industry or public practice
Accounting programs at Louisiana universities are typically designed to enable students to meet the 150 hour educational requirement to sit for the uniform CPA exam in Louisiana.
| Age Requirement | N/A |
|---|---|
| Citizenship Requirement | Yes |
| Residency Requirement | Yes |
| Social Security # Requirement | Yes |
| Education Requirement for Licensure | Bachelor's degree (150 hours) |
| Participates in International Programs | Yes |
| Hours in Accounting | 24 semester hours |
| Exam Sitting Requirements | 150 hours |
| Experience Requirements | 1 year of accounting experience |
| Ethics Exam | N/A |
Candidates are permitted to take each section of the exam up to four times a year. Source: The American Institute of CPAs
Source: The American Institute of CPAsCPA exam fees in Louisiana
- Application Fee $150
- Auditing & Attestation $208
- Financial Accounting & Reporting $208
- Regulation $208
- Business Environment & Concepts $208
Special Fees: A registration fee of $75 applies whether a candidate is taking four, three, two or one section at a time. A transfer of CPA grades application has a fee of $125. A CPA certificate license application fee is $100. Source: Kentucky NASBA and State Board of CPAs in Louisiana
Certifying and Professional Organizations
The State Board of CPAs of Louisiana is a state agency designed to administer and enforce the Louisiana Accountancy Act by advising CPAs on compliance with state accountancy laws and regulations. This agency also provides CPA exam preparation materials, consumer information resources and educational and licensing guides.
The Society of Louisiana CPAs, on the other hand, is a nonprofit professional association that provides licensed and potential CPAs with career tools and benefits, including peer review, membership discounts and networking opportunities.
State Board of CPAs of Louisiana
Address
601 Poydras Street Suite 70130
New Orleans, LA 70139
Phone Number
(504) 566-1244
Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants
Address
2400 Veterans Blvd. Suite 500
Kenner, LA 70062
Phone Number
(504) 904-1125