Accounting Degrees in Mississippi
Introduction
Mississippi is home to one of the country's smaller economies, but the state also boasts a low cost of living, making it very accommodating for CPAs, who can still earn a proportionately high living wage. The state's major industries include agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, fishing, and gambling. Accounting positions in the state are projected to increase slightly slower than the national average, but Mississippi still employs a sizeable number of accountants throughout the state: more than 5,200 across nearly 400 licensed firms. Two of the “Big Four” international CPA firms have offices located in Mississippi – KPMG in Jackson and Deloitte in Hattiesburg. The state is also home to the accounting and advisory firm Horne, which ranks as one of the largest in the South.
Mississippi at a glance
| Population | 2,984,100 |
| Per Capita Income | $21,036 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% |
| Fortune 500 Companies | |
| Licensed CPA Firms | 396 |
Accounting Programs in Mississippi
Search our comprehensive school directory to explore the accounting programs in Mississippi, including campus-based, online and hybrid programs.
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- Degree Levels
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Accounting Salaries and Employment
Mississippian accountants and auditors can look forward to a 9.6% percent rise in employment between 2012 and 2022, leading to approximately 5,580 potential employment opportunities. While this growth rate is somewhat slower than national averages, job opportunities are available in growing regional firms such as Horne, which produced $67.37 million in revenue last year.
Top-paying cities for accountants in Mississippi include Pascagoula, Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi and Hattiesburg. Mississippi's accountants typically earn between $34,030 and $86,990 annually.
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
- Southwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
- Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula
- Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
- Northwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
- Hattiesburg
Major firms headquartered in Mississippi
| Count | Firm | Location | 2014 Revenue (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horne | Ridgeland, MS | $80 |
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 Mississippi
The CPA Exam in the state of Mississippi is administered by the State Board of Accountancy. Those interested in sitting for the exam must fulfill the requirements listed below. The exam is comprised of four sections, all of which must be passed within an 18 month long period, however, it is common for students to retake individual sections of the exam until a passing score is acquired.
The list of Mississippi schools ranked by their CPA Pass Rates from 2014 below includes both first-time test-takers as well as those retaking the whole exam or portions of it. Mississippi endorses the transfer of credits to or from another State Board, as well as reciprocal licensure.
Eligibility for CPA Licensure in Mississippi
Eligibility for CPA licensure in Mississippi is contingent upon the following qualifications:
- Candidates must be a resident of the state (even if tested by another jurisdiction)
- Be of good moral character
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (including 150 hours)
- Complete 24 graduate level semester hours in accounting
- Complete 1 year of experience in accounting and/or auditing, not including academia
| 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 | No |
| Hours in Accounting | 24 semester hours |
| Exam Sitting Requirements | 150 hours |
| Experience Requirements | 1 year of accounting experience |
| Ethics Exam | N/A |
Applicants must make the application for licensure within 5 years of passing the CPA exam.
Source: The American Institute of CPAsCPA exam fees in Mississippi
- Application Fee $150
- Auditing & Attestation $208
- Financial Accounting & Reporting $208
- Regulation $208
- Business Environment & Concepts $208
Special Fees: A reexamination fee applies in addition to the application fee, and varies depending on the number of sections an individual is taking. The reexamination fee for all four sections is $135, for three sections is $115, for two sections is $95, for one section is $75. The transfer credit fee is $50.
Certifying and Professional Organizations
The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy oversees the certification of CPAs and CPA firms in order to protect the financial consumers of the state. The Board is responsible for any necessary disciplinary actions, provides continuing education opportunities and administers the state CPA Exam. After passing the exam and receiving certification, CPAs may join the
Mississippi Society of CPAs, which offers its members state advocacy, continuing education, information, leadership, networking and resources.
Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy
Address
5 Old River Place Suite 104
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone Number
(601) 354-7320
Mississippi Society of CPAs
Address
306 Southampton Row
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone Number
(601) 856-4244