Illinois offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring accountants, with Chicago ranking as the third-largest metropolitan area for accounting employment nationwide. Home to 36 Fortune 500 companies and all Big Four accounting firms, Illinois provides a thriving environment for accounting professionals at every career stage.
Whether you’re pursuing your first accounting degree or advancing toward CPA licensure, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming an accountant in Illinois, including educational pathways, certification requirements, salary expectations, and career opportunities throughout the state.
Illinois Accounting Education Requirements
To become an accountant in Illinois, you’ll need to meet specific educational requirements that vary based on your career goals. While some entry-level positions accept associate degrees, most professional accounting roles require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Minimum Education Requirements by Career Path
Illinois follows the national standard requiring 150 semester hours of education for CPA licensure. Many candidates fulfill this requirement by completing a master’s degree in accounting, which provides advanced skills while meeting the hour requirement.
Top Accounting Schools in Illinois
Illinois hosts numerous AACSB-accredited accounting programs that prepare students for successful careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and government positions. These institutions offer various pathways, including traditional on-campus programs, online accounting degrees, and accelerated options.
Featured Illinois Accounting Programs
When selecting an accounting program, consider factors beyond tuition including CPA exam pass rates, career services support, internship opportunities with Illinois firms, and alumni networks throughout the state.
Illinois CPA Requirements: LCPA vs RCPA
Illinois offers two distinct CPA licenses: the Licensed Certified Public Accountant (LCPA) and Registered Certified Public Accountant (RCPA). Understanding the differences is crucial for planning your career path.
LCPA (Licensed CPA) Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours of total education
- 24 semester hours in accounting (including specific courses)
- Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- One year of accounting experience under a licensed CPA
- Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam
RCPA (Registered CPA) Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours acceptable)
- 24 semester hours in accounting
- Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- One year of accounting experience
- Cannot provide attest services (audit, review, compilation)
The Illinois Board of Examiners (ILBOE) evaluates educational credentials for CPA exam eligibility, while the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) handles licensure and practice privileges.
For detailed CPA requirements and application procedures, visit our comprehensive Illinois CPA requirements guide.
Illinois Accountant Salary Data (2024)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois accountants earn competitive salaries that often exceed the national average. The state’s median annual salary for accountants and auditors is $79,300, with experienced professionals earning significantly more.
Statewide Salary Overview
Salary by Illinois Metro Area
The Chicago metropolitan area offers the highest concentration of accounting jobs and competitive salaries, particularly for specialized roles in forensic accounting, management accounting, and public accounting with Big Four firms.
Specialized Accounting Salaries in Illinois
- Entry-Level Staff Accountants: $45,000 – $55,000
- Senior Accountants: $65,000 – $85,000
- Accounting Managers: $85,000 – $115,000
- Controllers: $110,000 – $160,000
- CFOs: $150,000 – $250,000+
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 Illinois Accountants
Illinois’s diverse economy creates opportunities across multiple accounting specializations. The state’s blend of Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations ensures steady demand for qualified accounting professionals.
Major Employers
Big Four Accounting Firms (Chicago offices):
- Deloitte & Touche LLP
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- KPMG LLP
Fortune 500 Companies Headquartered in Illinois:
- Abbott Laboratories
- Boeing
- McDonald’s Corporation
- Walgreens Boots Alliance
- Archer Daniels Midland
Career Progression Pathways
Many Illinois accountants begin as bookkeepers, tax preparers, or enrolled agents before advancing to senior positions. Common career progression includes:
Job Outlook and Growth Projections
The Illinois Department of Employment Security projects strong growth for accounting professionals through 2028. The state expects to add approximately 2,830 new accounting positions, representing a 4.9% increase from 2018 levels.
Key Growth Drivers
- Business Formation: An Increasing number of startups and small businesses require accounting services
- Regulatory Changes: Evolving tax laws and financial regulations are creating demand for expertise
- Technology Integration: Need for accountants skilled in data analytics and automation
- Retirement Wave: Baby boomer CPAs retiring, creating advancement opportunities
Annual job openings in Illinois accounting average 5,840 positions, combining new growth with replacement needs. Specialized areas showing exceptional growth include international taxation, information systems auditing, and sustainability reporting.
Steps to Start Your Illinois Accounting Career
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or considering a career change, here’s your roadmap to becoming an accountant in Illinois:
- Choose Your Educational Path: Research accounting degree programs that align with your career goals and budget
- Gain Practical Experience: Pursue internships with Illinois accounting firms or corporate finance departments
- Build Technical Skills: Master accounting software, Excel, and data analytics tools
- Network Professionally: Join the Illinois CPA Society and attend industry events
- Pursue Certification: Determine whether CPA, CMA, or other certifications align with your goals
- Continue Learning: Stay current with continuing professional education (CPE) requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between LCPA and RCPA in Illinois?
The LCPA (Licensed CPA) requires 150 education hours and allows full practice rights, including audit services. The RCPA (Registered CPA) requires only 120 hours, but cannot perform attest services like audits or reviews. Both require passing the CPA exam and one year of experience.
How much do entry-level accountants make in Illinois?
Entry-level accountants in Illinois typically earn between $45,000-$55,000 annually, with Chicago-area positions often starting at the higher end. Salaries vary based on firm size, industry, and specific location within the state.
Can I become a CPA in Illinois with an online accounting degree?
Yes, Illinois accepts online degrees from regionally accredited institutions. Ensure your program meets the specific accounting and business course requirements set by the Illinois Board of Examiners for CPA exam eligibility.
What are the best cities for accountants in Illinois?
Chicago offers the most opportunities and highest salaries, followed by Springfield, Peoria, and the Metro East St. Louis area. Smaller cities like Decatur and Bloomington also provide solid opportunities with lower costs of living.
How long does it take to become a CPA in Illinois?
Most candidates need 5-6 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional education (often a master’s degree), plus time to pass the CPA exam and gain one year of required experience.
