How to Become an Accountant in Maryland: Complete Education and Career Guide

Reviewed by Tyler Denton

Becoming an accountant in Maryland requires strategic planning to navigate education requirements, professional licensure, and career development in one of the nation’s most dynamic business markets. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to become an accountant in Maryland, from selecting the right educational program through achieving CPA certification and launching your professional career.

Key Professional Insights: Maryland accountants earn a median annual salary of $84,890, with experienced CPAs in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area earning median salaries of $99,440. The state’s proximity to federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies creates exceptional career opportunities for qualified professionals.

The accounting profession in Maryland has evolved significantly since the establishment of the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy in 1924, reflecting both technological advancement and increasing regulatory complexity. Today’s aspiring accountants must master traditional financial principles while adapting to emerging technologies and specialized industry requirements.


Steps to Become an Accountant in Maryland: Quick Navigation

The pathway to becoming an accountant in Maryland follows a structured progression ensuring professionals possess both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies. This comprehensive roadmap outlines each critical milestone in your professional journey.

Your Professional Development Timeline:

  1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree – Complete foundational accounting education (4 years)
  2. Pursue Additional Education – Achieve the 150-hour requirement for CPA eligibility (1 year)
  3. Gain Professional Experience – Complete supervised accounting practice (1 year)
  4. Pass the CPA Examination – Master all four exam sections
  5. Complete Ethics Requirements – Pass Maryland’s professional conduct examination
  6. Apply for Licensure – Submit a comprehensive application to the state board
  7. Maintain Your Certification – Fulfill continuing education requirements

Each phase builds systematically upon previous accomplishments, creating a comprehensive foundation for professional practice. The typical timeline for becoming a CPA in Maryland spans 5-6 years, though accelerated programs and individual circumstances may alter this trajectory.


Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

The foundation of becoming an accountant in Maryland begins with completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. This four-year commitment establishes core competencies in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business operations.

Essential Undergraduate Components:

  • Core Accounting Courses: Financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, cost accounting
  • Business Foundation: Economics, statistics, business law, information systems
  • Liberal Arts Requirements: Communication, mathematics, social sciences
  • Practical Application: Internships, case studies, software training

Maryland’s leading accounting programs integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for immediate entry into the profession or continued graduate studies. Selecting an AACSB-accredited program ensures a high-quality curriculum and recognition from employers.


Step 2: Pursue Additional Education (150-Hour Requirement)

Maryland law requires CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of education, exceeding the traditional 120 hours required for a bachelor’s degree. This additional educational component ensures comprehensive preparation for professional practice.

Pathways to 150 Hours:

  • Master’s in Accounting: Most efficient route, adding specialized expertise (30 hours)
  • MBA with Accounting Concentration: Broader business perspective with accounting focus
  • Dual Degree Programs: Combined bachelor’s/master’s completed in 5 years
  • Additional Undergraduate Coursework: Extended bachelor’s program or second major

The Maryland Board of Public Accountancy specifies that candidates must complete:

  • 24 semester hours in accounting subjects
  • 24 semester hours in business-related courses
  • 3 semester hours in ethics specific to accounting

Step 3: Gain Professional Experience

Practical experience transforms academic knowledge into professional competence. Maryland requires one year of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA, ensuring new professionals develop essential skills.

Qualifying Experience Categories:

  • Public Accounting: Audit, tax, and consulting services with CPA firms
  • Industry Accounting: Corporate financial reporting, internal audit, management accounting
  • Government Service: Federal, state, or local government accounting positions
  • Academic Instruction: Teaching accounting at accredited institutions (with restrictions)

Experience Documentation Requirements:

  • Verification by a supervising CPA
  • Detailed description of duties performed
  • Demonstration of progressive responsibility
  • Evidence of professional judgment development

Step 4: Pass the CPA Examination

The Uniform CPA Examination represents the professional gateway for aspiring accountants. This comprehensive assessment tests both technical knowledge and practical application across four distinct sections.

Examination Structure:

Section
Duration
Question Types
Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
4 hours
Multiple choice; Task-based simulations
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
4 hours
Multiple choice; Task-based simulations; Written communication
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
4 hours
Multiple choice; Task-based simulations
Regulation (REG)
4 hours
Multiple choice; Task-based simulations

Strategic Preparation Approach:

  • Timeline Planning: Complete all sections within an 18-month window
  • Study Resources: Professional review courses, practice exams, study groups
  • Testing Strategy: Schedule based on personal strengths and work commitments
  • Maryland-Specific Considerations: Prometric testing centers in Baltimore, Rockville, and Salisbury

Step 5: Complete Ethics Requirements

Professional ethics form the cornerstone of accounting practice. Maryland mandates specific ethics education and examination to ensure practitioners understand their fiduciary responsibilities.

Ethics Components:

  • Educational Requirement: 3 semester hours of accounting ethics coursework
  • Professional Conduct Exam: Maryland-specific ethics examination
  • Continuing Education: Ongoing ethics requirements for license maintenance

The Maryland ethics examination covers state-specific regulations, professional conduct standards, and practical ethical scenarios encountered in professional practice.


Step 6: Apply for CPA Licensure

The formal licensure application represents the culmination of educational and professional preparation. Maryland’s application process requires comprehensive documentation demonstrating fulfillment of all requirements.

Application Components:

  • Official Transcripts: Documenting the 150-hour educational requirement
  • Examination Results: Verification of passing all CPA exam sections
  • Experience Verification: Detailed forms completed by a supervising CPA
  • Character References: Professional references attesting to moral character
  • Background Check: Criminal history verification
  • Application Fee: Current fees available on the Maryland Board website

Processing Timeline:

Applications typically require 6-8 weeks for review and approval, though complex cases may require additional time. Maintaining communication with the Board ensures smooth processing.


Step 7: Maintain Your Professional Certification

CPA licensure signifies a commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. Maryland’s continuing professional education (CPE) requirements ensure practitioners remain current with evolving standards and practices.

Biennial CPE Requirements:

  • Total Hours: 80 CPE hours every two years
  • Ethics Component: 4 hours of Maryland-specific ethics
  • Technical Subjects: Minimum percentages in accounting and auditing
  • Delivery Methods: Live instruction, self-study, webinars, conferences

License Renewal Process:

  • Biennial renewal by June 30 of odd-numbered years
  • CPE reporting and documentation retention
  • Renewal fees and updated contact information
  • Compliance with peer review requirements (if applicable)

Selecting the Right Accounting School in Maryland

Selecting an educational institution profoundly impacts your journey to becoming an accountant in Maryland. The state’s premier accounting schools offer AACSB-accredited programs combining rigorous academics with practical experience.

Institution
Program Options
Career Support Services
University of Maryland - Smith School
BS/MS Accounting; MBA/MS Dual Degree
Comprehensive CPA prep; 78% first-time pass rate
Loyola University Maryland
BS Accounting; 4+1 BS/MBA Program
Becker partnership; Individual mentoring
Towson University
BS/MS Accounting; Certificate programs
On-campus review courses; Career center
University of Baltimore
BS/MS Accounting; Online options
Flexible scheduling; Industry connections
Morgan State University
BS Accounting; MBA concentration
Minority CPA initiatives; Mentorship programs

These institutions have shaped Maryland’s accounting landscape for decades, evolving programs to meet changing industry demands while maintaining foundational excellence.


Maryland Accounting Career Landscape

Understanding how to become an accountant in Maryland extends beyond education to encompass diverse career trajectories. The state’s strategic positioning creates multifaceted opportunities across sectors.

Public Accounting Evolution

Maryland’s public accounting sector has transformed from traditional compliance services to comprehensive business advisory:

  • Big Four Presence: Substantial operations serving federal contractors and agencies
  • Regional Specialists: SC&H Group, Gross Mendelsohn, Hertzbach & Company
  • Boutique Practices: Industry-specific expertise in healthcare, nonprofits, government contracting

Government Accounting Opportunities

Federal agency proximity creates unique pathways for government accounting careers:

  • Defense and Intelligence: DoD, NSA, Defense Contract Audit Agency
  • Healthcare Administration: CMS, NIH, FDA, financial operations
  • Social Services: Social Security Administration headquarters
  • State Operations: Comptroller’s Office, Treasury, Budget Management

Corporate Financial Leadership

Management accountants find opportunities in Maryland’s diverse corporate landscape:

  • Defense Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics
  • Financial Services: T. Rowe Price, Legg Mason, PNC Bank
  • Healthcare Systems: Johns Hopkins, MedStar Health, Kaiser Permanente
  • Consumer Brands: Under Armour, McCormick & Company
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Compensation Analysis for Maryland Accountants

Financial considerations significantly influence decisions about becoming an accountant in the state of Maryland. The state’s compensation structures reflect regional economic dynamics and specialized industry demands.

Statewide Compensation Overview

Percentile
Annual Salary
Career Stage Typical
25th Percentile
$65220
Entry to early career
Median (50th)
$84890
Mid-career professional
75th Percentile
$109120
Senior/specialized roles
90th Percentile
$150560
Leadership positions
Mean Average
$95950
Overall market average

Metropolitan Market Analysis

Metro Area
Employment Level
Market Characteristics
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
42320
Federal contracting; International firms
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
12810
Diverse industries; Healthcare focus
Lexington Park
370
Defense contractors; Specialized roles
Hagerstown-Martinsburg
650
Manufacturing; Distribution
Salisbury
360
Tourism; Small business

Career Progression Timeline

Salary advancement reflects experience accumulation and credential achievement:

  • Entry Level (0-2 years): $55,000-$65,000
  • Staff Accountant (2-4 years): $65,000-$75,000
  • Senior Accountant (4-7 years): $75,000-$95,000
  • Manager/CPA (7-10 years): $95,000-$120,000
  • Senior Manager (10+ years): $120,000-$150,000+
  • Partner/Executive: $150,000-$300,000+

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.


Strategic Educational Planning Considerations

Optimal program selection requires a comprehensive evaluation of institutional characteristics, delivery modalities, and career alignment factors.

Accreditation and Quality Indicators

AACSB accreditation represents the premier benchmark for the quality of accounting education. Beyond accreditation, evaluate:

  • Faculty credentials and industry experience
  • Research output and thought leadership
  • Advisory board composition
  • Technology integration and innovation

Program Delivery Modalities

Contemporary accounting education accommodates diverse learning preferences:

  • Traditional Campus-Based: Immersive experience with comprehensive resources
  • Hybrid Integration: Flexibility with periodic campus engagement
  • Online Programs: Maximum accessibility for working professionals
  • Accelerated Pathways: Efficient 150-hour completion strategies
  • Executive Formats: Designed for career changers and advancement

Financial Investment Analysis

Institution Type
Annual Investment Range
Value Considerations
Maryland Public (Resident)
$10000-$13000
Exceptional ROI; State support
Maryland Public (Non-Resident)
$28000-$35000
Consider residency establishment
Private Universities
$35000-$50000
Enhanced services; Networking
Online Programs
$15000-$25000
Flexibility premium; Technology

Maryland CPA Licensure: Comprehensive Overview

Successfully navigating CPA licensure represents the professional pinnacle for those learning how to become a CPA in Maryland. For detailed guidance, consult our resource on Maryland CPA requirements.

Examination Preparation Strategy

The Uniform CPA Examination demands systematic preparation across four comprehensive sections:

  1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
  2. Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
  3. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
  4. Regulation (REG)

Professional Development Requirements

Licensed CPAs must demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement through:

  • 80 hours biennial CPE requirement
  • 4 hours of Maryland-specific ethics
  • Technical competency maintenance
  • Professional standards awareness

Financial Support Resources

Financing your accounting education requires awareness of available assistance programs:

State-Sponsored Initiatives

  • Maryland Community College Promise: Tuition coverage for qualifying students
  • Legislative Scholarships: Senatorial and Delegate Awards
  • Graduate Assistance: Need-based state programs
  • Workforce Development: Career transition support

Professional Organization Support

  • MACPA Scholarships: Multiple annual awards
  • GWSCPA Programs: Regional student support
  • Diversity Initiatives: NABA, ALPFA chapter scholarships
  • IMA Awards: Management accounting focus

Future Outlook and Emerging Trends

Understanding how to become an accountant in Maryland today requires anticipating tomorrow’s professional landscape:

Technology Integration

  • Artificial Intelligence: Automating routine processes
  • Blockchain Applications: Revolutionizing Audit Trails
  • Data Analytics: Transforming decision support
  • Cloud Computing: Enabling distributed practice

Specialization Opportunities

  • Cybersecurity Assurance: Protecting Financial Data
  • ESG Reporting: Sustainability metrics
  • International Taxation: Global business support
  • Digital Assets: Cryptocurrency accounting
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the seven essential steps to become an accountant in Maryland?

The seven steps to become an accountant in Maryland are: (1) earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution, (2) complete additional education to reach 150 credit hours, (3) gain one year of qualifying professional experience under CPA supervision, (4) pass all four sections of the CPA examination, (5) complete Maryland’s ethics requirements, (6) apply for licensure through the state board, and (7) maintain certification through continuing education.

How long does the complete process of becoming a CPA in Maryland typically take?

Becoming a CPA in Maryland typically requires 5-6 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 additional year to complete the 150-hour educational requirement (often through a master’s program), plus 1 year of qualifying work experience. Some accelerated programs allow educational completion in 4.5 years, though work experience requirements remain unchanged.

Which accounting schools in Maryland offer the best preparation for the CPA exam?

Top accounting schools in Maryland for CPA preparation include the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School, and Towson University. These AACSB-accredited programs consistently achieve CPA exam pass rates exceeding the national average of 50% and provide comprehensive exam preparation support.

What salary can new accounting graduates expect when starting their careers in Maryland?

Entry-level accountants in Maryland typically earn between $55,000 and $65,000 annually, with variations based on location, firm size, and specialization. Graduates joining Big Four firms or federal agencies often start at the higher end of this range, with additional benefits including signing bonuses, professional development support, and comprehensive benefits packages.

Can online degree programs fulfill Maryland’s requirements for becoming an accountant?

Yes, Maryland accepts degrees from regionally accredited online programs for both general accounting positions and CPA licensure. The critical requirements are regional accreditation and completion of specific accounting and business coursework mandated by the state board. Many Maryland universities offer online or hybrid programs specifically designed to meet these requirements.

What makes Maryland unique for accounting careers compared to other states?

Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C. creates unique opportunities in federal government accounting, defense contracting, and regulatory compliance. The state hosts major employers such as Lockheed Martin, T. Rowe Price, and numerous federal agencies. Additionally, Maryland’s diverse economy, spanning healthcare, financial services, and technology, provides varied career paths uncommon in other regions.

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author avatar
Tyler Denton
With a Bachelor's in Accounting from Western Washington University and 24+ years of experience across multiple industries, Tyler Denton provides expert guidance on accounting education and career development for AccountingEDU.org readers.



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