Rhode Island offers aspiring accountants unique opportunities in both public and private sectors, with salaries well above the national average. The Ocean State is among the few remaining states to license non-certified public accountants (PAs) alongside CPAs, providing multiple pathways to a successful accounting career.
Whether you’re interested in working for Big Four firms in Providence, serving local businesses through regional accounting firms, or managing finances for Rhode Island’s major corporations, this guide covers everything you need to know about accounting education and careers in the state.
Quick Facts: Accounting in Rhode Island
- Median Accountant Salary: $90,040
- Job Growth Projection: 8.1% through 2026
- Annual Job Openings: ~510 positions
- CPA Requirements: 150 credit hours + Bachelor’s degree
- Top Employers: Ernst & Young, KPMG, Amica Mutual Insurance
Top Accounting Schools in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s universities offer AACSB and ACBSP-accredited accounting programs designed to prepare students for CPA licensure and successful careers. Here are the state’s leading accounting programs:
Each program offers unique advantages, from Bryant University’s integrated five-year BS/MS program that satisfies the 150-hour CPA requirement to the University of Rhode Island’s flexible hybrid options for working professionals.
Rhode Island CPA Requirements
To become a Certified Public Accountant in Rhode Island, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy. Here’s what you need to know:
Education Requirements
- Total Credit Hours: 150 semester hours of college-level education
- Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree minimum
- Accounting Coursework: 24 semester hours in accounting subjects
- Business Coursework: 24 semester hours in business-related subjects
Since a typical bachelor’s degree in accounting consists of 120 credit hours, most candidates pursue a master’s degree or additional coursework to meet the 150-hour requirement.
CPA Exam Requirements
Candidates must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Experience Requirements
Rhode Island requires one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience in public or private accounting under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
Pro Tip: Start gaining experience through internships during your undergraduate program. Many Rhode Island firms offer internship-to-hire programs that can fulfill your experience requirement while you complete your education.
For a detailed guide on becoming a CPA in Rhode Island, visit our comprehensive Rhode Island CPA requirements page.
Accountant Salaries in Rhode Island
Rhode Island accountants enjoy competitive salaries that exceed national averages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), accountants and auditors in Rhode Island earn significantly more than their counterparts in many other states.
Statewide Salary Data
Salary by Experience and Role
Based on industry data for Providence, starting salaries vary significantly by role and experience:
Industry-Specific Salaries
Rhode Island’s diverse economy offers varied compensation across industries:
- Financial Services: Typically 10-15% above average due to Providence’s banking sector
- Healthcare: Competitive salaries at hospitals and insurance companies like Amica Mutual
- Manufacturing: Strong compensation at companies like Hasbro and American Power Conversion
- Nonprofit: Generally 10-20% below corporate salaries but with strong benefits
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.
Career Opportunities for Rhode Island Accountants
Rhode Island’s accounting professionals find opportunities across various sectors, from international firms to local businesses. The state’s strategic location between Boston and New York provides additional regional opportunities.
Major Employers
Big Four Accounting Firms
- Ernst & Young (Providence): Specializes in management consulting and audit services
- KPMG (Providence): Offers audit, tax, and advisory services
Regional Public Accounting Firms
- Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co. (Providence): Full-service CPA firm
- Rubiano & Co. (Greenville): Specializes in small business services
- DiSanto, Priest & Co. (Warwick): Tax and audit focus
Corporate Headquarters
- Amica Mutual Insurance: Opportunities in actuarial accounting and corporate finance
- Citizens Bank: Corporate accounting and internal auditing positions
- Hasbro: International accounting and financial reporting roles
- GTECH (IGT): Gaming industry accounting specialization
Specialized Career Paths
Rhode Island offers unique opportunities in specialized accounting fields:
- Forensic Accounting: Growing demand in Providence’s financial sector
- Government Accounting: Positions with state agencies and municipalities
- Nonprofit Accounting: Opportunities at universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions
- Tax Accounting: High demand during tax season with year-round opportunities
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Rhode Island Students
Rhode Island offers several financial aid programs specifically for accounting students:
State-Specific Aid
- Rhode Island State Grant Program: Need-based grants up to $1,500 annually
- Rhode Island Promise: Two years free at the Community College of Rhode Island
- Academic Promise Scholarship: Merit-based aid for high-achieving students
Professional Organization Scholarships
- Rhode Island Society of CPAs Educational Foundation: Multiple scholarships for accounting majors
- AICPA Scholarships: National scholarships available to Rhode Island students
- IMA Memorial Education Fund: For students pursuing management accounting
School-Specific Scholarships
Each Rhode Island university offers accounting-specific scholarships. Contact financial aid offices for current opportunities and application deadlines.
Continuing Education and CPE Requirements
Rhode Island CPAs must complete 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every three years, including:
- Minimum of 20 hours annually
- 4 hours of ethics every three years
- Courses must be from Board-approved providers
Popular CPE providers in Rhode Island include:
- Rhode Island Society of CPAs
- Local universities offering professional development
- Online platforms approved by the Board
Resources for Rhode Island Accounting Students and Professionals
Professional Organizations
- Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants (RISCPA): Primary professional organization offering networking, CPE, and career resources
- Providence Chapter of IMA: For management accountants
- Association of Government Accountants (Rhode Island Chapter): For public sector professionals
Regulatory Bodies
- Rhode Island Board of Accountancy
560 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 200
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: (401) 462-5595
Career Services
- University career centers with accounting-specific advisors
- RISCPA job board and career fairs
- LinkedIn groups for Rhode Island accounting professionals
Making Your Decision: Choosing the Right Path
When selecting an accounting program in Rhode Island, consider these factors:
- Accreditation: Prioritize AACSB or ACBSP-accredited programs
- CPA Track: Ensure the program helps you meet the 150-hour requirement
- Location: Providence offers more internship opportunities with major firms
- Cost: Compare in-state tuition rates and available financial aid
- Format: Choose between traditional, hybrid, or online accounting programs
- Specializations: Look for programs offering concentrations in your area of interest
Next Steps: Request information from multiple schools, attend virtual or in-person information sessions, and connect with current students or alumni to get insider perspectives on each program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Rhode Island?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), accountants and auditors in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $90,040, with the top 10% earning over $145,290. Salaries vary by experience, credentials, and industry, with CPAs typically earning 10-15% more than non-certified accountants.
What are the CPA requirements in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires 150 credit hours of education, including a bachelor’s degree, passing all four sections of the CPA exam, and one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. The state also requires 24 credit hours each in accounting and business subjects.
Which Rhode Island schools offer online accounting programs?
Johnson & Wales University and Southern New Hampshire University (which serves Rhode Island students) offer fully online accounting programs. The University of Rhode Island offers hybrid options that combine online and on-campus learning, ideal for working professionals.
How long does it take to become a CPA in Rhode Island?
Typically 5-6 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional credits (often through a master’s program), plus 1 year of required work experience. Many students complete their experience requirement while finishing their education.
What’s the job outlook for accountants in Rhode Island?
Excellent. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training projects 8.1% growth through 2026, with approximately 510 annual job openings. This growth rate exceeds many other professions and outpaces the number of accounting graduates in the state.
Can I become an accountant in Rhode Island without being a CPA?
Yes. Rhode Island is one of the few states that still licenses Public Accountants (PAs) who can perform most accounting services except audits and attestations. Many successful accountants work in private industry without a CPA certification.
What’s the difference between AACSB and ACBSP accreditation?
Both are respected business school accreditations. AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) is considered the gold standard, held by about 5% of business schools worldwide. ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs) focuses on teaching excellence and is common among smaller schools. Both prepare students well for CPA exams and careers.
