Understanding how to become an accountant in North Dakota involves navigating specific educational pathways, licensure requirements, and professional development strategies tailored to the state’s unique economic landscape. North Dakota’s thriving industries—from agricultural enterprises in the Red River Valley to energy operations in the Bakken region—create exceptional opportunities for accounting professionals who understand both traditional financial principles and sector-specific regulations.
This comprehensive guide outlines the steps to become an accountant in North Dakota, including structured educational programs, professional certifications, and strategic career planning. Whether pursuing entry-level positions or advancing toward CPA licensure, prospective accountants must understand state-specific requirements, compensation expectations, and the diverse career trajectories available across North Dakota’s dynamic business environment.
- Complete Educational Requirements
- Gain Relevant Experience
- Pursue CPA Licensure (Optional)
- Advance Your Career
- Understanding Salary Expectations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Complete Educational Requirements
The foundation of becoming an accountant in North Dakota begins with obtaining appropriate educational credentials. The state’s educational institutions offer multiple pathways tailored to different career objectives and professional aspirations.
Bachelor’s Degree: The Essential Foundation
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field serves as the minimum educational requirement for most accounting positions in North Dakota. Typical programs encompass 120-128 credit hours, incorporating:
- Core Accounting Courses: Financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, and accounting information systems
- Taxation Studies: Federal income tax, corporate taxation, and state tax regulations
- Auditing and Assurance: Internal auditing, external auditing procedures, and fraud examination
- Business Foundation: Economics, finance, business law, and organizational management
- Quantitative Analysis: Statistics, business analytics, and financial modeling
North Dakota’s universities, including the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University, offer AACSB-accredited programs, ensuring that the quality of their education meets international standards.
Advanced Degrees: Enhancing Career Prospects
For professionals seeking leadership positions or CPA licensure, pursuing a master’s degree in accounting provides significant advantages:
Graduate education not only fulfills the 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure but also develops advanced analytical skills increasingly valued in today’s data-driven business environment.
Online Education Options
North Dakota’s accounting programs are increasingly offering flexible online formats, accommodating working professionals and distance learners. Online programs maintain identical accreditation standards and curriculum rigor as traditional formats while providing:
- Asynchronous learning opportunities fit various schedules
- Access to recorded lectures and digital resources
- Virtual collaboration with peers and faculty
- Reduced commuting and relocation requirements
Quality online accounting programs demonstrate that geographical constraints need not limit educational opportunities. North Dakota employers increasingly recognize online degrees from accredited institutions as equivalent to traditional credentials.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
Practical experience transforms theoretical knowledge into professional competency. North Dakota offers diverse opportunities for accounting students and recent graduates to develop hands-on skills.
Internship Opportunities
Internships provide crucial early career experience and often lead to full-time employment offers. North Dakota accounting students should pursue internships during their junior or senior year, focusing on:
- Public Accounting Firms: Exposure to multiple clients and industries
- Corporate Accounting Departments: Understanding Internal Financial Operations
- Government Agencies: Learning regulatory compliance and public sector accounting
- Nonprofit Organizations: Developing skills in fund accounting and grant management
Entry-Level Positions
Recent graduates typically begin careers in positions such as:
- Staff Accountant: Managing general ledger entries, preparing financial statements, and assisting with month-end closing procedures
- Tax Associate: Preparing individual and business tax returns, researching tax issues, and ensuring compliance
- Audit Assistant: Participating in financial audits, testing internal controls, and documenting findings
- Bookkeeper: Recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and maintaining accurate records
Industry-Specific Experience
North Dakota’s economy offers unique industry experiences valuable for career development:
- Energy Sector: Oil and gas accounting, joint venture arrangements, and commodity price risk management
- Agriculture: Farm financial management, crop insurance, and agricultural cooperative accounting
- Healthcare: Medical billing, insurance reimbursements, and healthcare regulatory compliance
- Financial Services: Banking operations, investment accounting, and regulatory reporting
Step 3: Pursue CPA Licensure (Optional but Recommended)
While not required for all accounting positions, CPA certification significantly enhances career prospects and earning potential. The North Dakota State Board of Accountancy oversees the licensure process, maintaining standards that protect the public interest.
Educational Requirements
North Dakota CPA candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college education, including:
CPA Examination Process
The Uniform CPA Examination tests comprehensive accounting knowledge across four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): 4 hours testing audit procedures, professional standards, and risk assessment
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): 4 hours covering corporate governance, economic concepts, and IT
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): 4 hours examining financial reporting, governmental accounting, and not-for-profit accounting
- Regulation (REG): 4 hours testing federal taxation, business law, and professional ethics
Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window, achieving a minimum score of 75 on each section.
Experience Requirements
North Dakota requires practical experience for CPA licensure:
- Public Accounting Route: Two years under a licensed CPA’s supervision
- Alternative Route: Four years in industry, government, or academia with substantial accounting responsibilities
- Part-Time Consideration: Experience calculated proportionally for part-time work
Step 4: Advance Your Career
Building a successful accounting career in North Dakota requires strategic planning and continuous professional development. The state’s diverse economy provides numerous advancement opportunities across various sectors.
Career Progression Pathways
Typical career advancement in North Dakota accounting follows predictable patterns:
Professional Certifications
Beyond the CPA, additional certifications enhance specialization and marketability:
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Valuable for management accounting careers in corporate settings
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): Essential for internal audit leadership positions
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): Opens opportunities in forensic accounting and fraud prevention
- Enrolled Agent (EA): Enables unlimited practice before the IRS
Continuing Professional Education
North Dakota CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education every three years, including:
- 4 hours of professional ethics every three years
- Courses relevant to professional practice
- Emerging topics like data analytics, cybersecurity, and sustainability reporting
Professional Networking
Active participation in professional organizations accelerates career advancement:
- North Dakota Society of CPAs: State-specific networking, advocacy, and professional development
- Institute of Management Accountants: Resources for corporate accounting professionals
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: Specialized training and certification support
- Industry Associations: Sector-specific knowledge and networking opportunities
Step 5: Understanding Salary Expectations
Compensation for accountants in North Dakota reflects the state’s economic strength and demand for qualified professionals. Understanding salary ranges is essential for effective career planning and negotiation.
Current Salary Data (May 2024)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Dakota accountants and auditors earn competitive salaries:
Factors Influencing Compensation
Several variables affect accounting salaries in North Dakota:
- Geographic Location: Urban centers like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks typically offer 10-15% higher salaries than rural areas
- Industry Sector: Energy and financial services lead compensation, followed by healthcare and government
- Professional Certifications: CPAs earn approximately 10-15% more than non-certified accountants
- Specialization: Forensic accountants, IT auditors, and tax specialists command premium salaries
- Company Size: Large corporations and international firms generally offer higher compensation packages
Total Compensation Considerations
Beyond base salary, North Dakota accountants often receive:
- Performance bonuses ranging from 5-20% of base salary
- Comprehensive health insurance packages
- Retirement contributions (typically 3-6% employer match)
- Professional development funding
- Flexible work arrangements
North Dakota’s favorable cost of living enhances the value of accounting salaries. Professionals often find their compensation provides greater purchasing power compared to coastal metropolitan areas, contributing to superior quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is required to become an accountant in North Dakota?
Most accounting positions require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field of business. The typical program includes 120-128 credit hours covering financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and general business courses. For advanced positions or CPA licensure, many professionals pursue a master’s degree to meet the 150-hour educational requirement.
How long does it take to become a CPA in North Dakota?
Becoming a CPA typically takes 5-7 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional education to meet the 150-hour requirement, plus 2 years of qualifying work experience. The CPA exam itself can be completed in 6-18 months, depending on study schedule and pass rates.
What is the average accountant salary in North Dakota?
As of May 2024, the median annual salary for accountants and auditors in North Dakota is $75,220. Entry-level positions typically start around $52,040, while experienced professionals can earn over $103,400 annually. Salaries vary significantly based on location, industry, certifications, and years of experience.
Are there good job opportunities for accountants in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota offers excellent accounting career opportunities across diverse industries including energy, agriculture, healthcare, and financial services. The state’s economic stability and business growth create consistent demand for qualified accounting professionals, particularly those with CPA certification or specialized skills.
Can I become an accountant in North Dakota with an online degree?
Yes, many reputable universities offer accredited online accounting degrees accepted by North Dakota employers and the State Board of Accountancy. Ensure your chosen program holds appropriate accreditation (preferably AACSB) and meets the educational requirements for your career goals, including CPA licensure if desired.
What industries hire the most accountants in North Dakota?
North Dakota’s major accounting employers span several industries: energy companies (particularly oil and gas), agricultural enterprises and cooperatives, healthcare systems, financial institutions, government agencies, and public accounting firms. Each sector offers unique career paths and specialization opportunities.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
