Maine’s accounting profession offers diverse opportunities beyond traditional industries. While the state continues to produce over 700,000 gallons of maple syrup annually and hosts major employers such as Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the 21st century has brought growth in the technology, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors, all of which require skilled accounting professionals.
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maine, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree plus 150 semester hours of college credit, passing scores on the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of supervised experience. With most bachelor’s programs containing only 120 semester hours, many aspiring CPAs complete online master’s degrees in accounting to meet these requirements.
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Maine CPA Requirements Overview
The Maine Board of Accountancy sets the requirements for CPA licensure in the state. To become a licensed CPA in Maine, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 150 semester hours of college education total
- 15 semester hours in accounting courses, including:
- 3 semester hours in auditing and attestation (mandatory)
- Additional hours in financial accounting, taxation, or management accounting
- 24 semester hours in business courses
Examination Requirements
Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Experience Requirements
Complete one year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This experience must include exposure to various accounting functions and can be gained in public accounting, industry, or government.
Educational Pathways in Maine
Maine offers several accredited accounting programs to help you meet CPA requirements. Since standard bachelor’s programs typically include 120 semester hours, most candidates pursue additional education through:
Traditional Pathways
- Bachelor’s + Master’s Combination: Complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting (120 hours) followed by a Master of Science in Accounting or MBA with accounting concentration (30 hours)
- Five-Year CPA Track Programs: Integrated programs that combine undergraduate and graduate coursework to reach 150 hours
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificates: For those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field
Accredited Maine Institutions
The Maine Board of Accountancy accepts programs from regionally accredited institutions. Key schools offering accounting programs include:
- University of Maine – Orono
- University of Southern Maine – Portland
- Husson University – Bangor
- Thomas College – Waterville
- Saint Joseph’s College – Standish
Top Accounting Employers in Maine
While Maine doesn’t host any “Big Four” international CPA firms, the state offers diverse opportunities across regional firms and major corporations:
Regional CPA Firms
- Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker – Portland (one of New England’s largest regional firms)
- Baker Newman Noyes – Multiple Maine locations
- Runyon Kersteen Ouellette – South Portland
- Purdy Powers & Company – Portland
- Loiselle, Goodwin & Hinds – Bangor
- One River CPAs – Oakland, Bath, and Augusta
Major Corporate Employers
- IDEXX Laboratories (Westbrook) – Pet healthcare technology leader
- L.L.Bean (Freeport) – Outdoor retail giant
- TD Bank (Falmouth) – Major financial institution
- Hannaford Supermarkets (Scarborough) – Regional grocery chain
- WEX Inc. (South Portland) – Payment processing company
- Fairchild Semiconductor (South Portland) – Technology manufacturer
2024 Accountant Salaries in Maine
According to the May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Maine accountants and auditors earn competitive salaries that vary by location and experience level:
Statewide Salary Overview
Salaries by Metro Area
Specialized Accounting Roles
While specific role data for Maine isn’t available, national trends suggest these salary ranges for specialized positions:
Career Outlook & Job Growth
The Maine Center for Workforce Research and Information identifies accounting as a high-paying, high-demand field in the state. Key projections include:
- 490 annual job openings expected between 2018-2028
- Growth is driven by business expansion, retirements, and regulatory complexity
- Increased demand for specialized services, including:
- Forensic accounting and fraud examination
- Environmental and sustainability reporting
- Technology and cybersecurity auditing
- International tax planning
Industry Growth Sectors
Maine’s evolving economy creates opportunities in:
- Healthcare & Biotechnology: A Growing sector requiring specialized healthcare accounting
- Technology: Emerging tech companies need financial expertise
- Tourism & Hospitality: Seasonal business accounting and tax planning
- Marine Industries: Specialized accounting for fishing and aquaculture
- Renewable Energy: Tax credits and project accounting for solar and wind farms
Maine Accounting Resources
Professional Organizations
- Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants (MECPA)
- Professional development and CPE courses
- Networking events and career resources
- Student membership options
- Maine Board of Accountancy
- Official licensing information
- CPA exam applications
- Continuing education requirements
Testing Centers
Maine offers Prometric testing centers for the CPA exam in:
- Portland
- Bangor
- Auburn
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Maine CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE every two years, including:
- 4 hours of professional ethics
- Courses relevant to your practice area
- Options through MECPA, colleges, and online providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the CPA requirements in Maine?
To become a CPA in Maine, you need a bachelor’s degree, 150 semester hours of education (including specific accounting and business courses), passing scores on all four parts of the CPA exam, and one year of supervised accounting experience.
How much do CPAs make in Maine?
According to May 2024 BLS data, accountants and auditors in Maine earn a median salary of $77,680. In Portland and South Portland, the median income rises to $82,580, with experienced professionals earning over $133,950.
Can I sit for the CPA exam before completing 150 hours?
Yes, Maine allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam after earning a bachelor’s degree (typically 120 hours), but you must complete the full 150 hours before applying for licensure.
What schools offer accounting programs in Maine?
Maine offers several accredited accounting programs, including the University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, Husson University, Thomas College, and Saint Joseph’s College. Many also offer online options for working professionals.
How long does it take to become a CPA in Maine?
Typically 5-6 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional education to reach 150 hours, plus 1 year of required work experience. The CPA exam can be taken during this time.
Do I need a master’s degree to become a CPA in Maine?
No, a master’s degree isn’t required, but it’s a common way to fulfill the 150-hour education requirement. You can also meet this requirement through additional undergraduate courses or a post-baccalaureate certificate.
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.
