Michigan’s thriving economy offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring accountants. With 43,910 accountants and auditors employed statewide and a median annual salary of $130,320, the Great Lakes State provides a robust career path for accounting professionals. Whether you’re aiming to work for one of the Big Four firms in Detroit or serve Michigan’s manufacturing giants, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of becoming an accountant in Michigan.
From meeting educational requirements to obtaining your CPA license, we’ll cover the specific steps, requirements, and opportunities available to accounting professionals in Michigan. You’ll also discover salary expectations across different cities and specializations, helping you make informed decisions about your accounting career.
Michigan Accounting Career Overview
Michigan’s diverse economy creates strong demand for accounting professionals across multiple industries. The state’s automotive sector, led by General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, employs thousands of management accountants and financial controllers. Beyond automotive, Michigan’s advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors offer varied career paths for accountants.
All Big Four accounting firms maintain a presence in Michigan:
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – Grand Rapids
- Deloitte – Grand Rapids
- Ernst & Young (EY) – Detroit
- KPMG – Detroit
Regional firms like Doeren Mayhew (Troy) and Plante Moran (Southfield) also rank among Michigan’s top employers for accounting professionals.
Education Requirements for Michigan Accountants
To begin your accounting career in Michigan, you’ll need to meet specific educational requirements that vary based on your career goals:
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
Most entry-level accounting positions require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. A typical accounting degree program includes:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Business Law
- Information Systems
150-Hour Requirement for CPAs
If you plan to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Michigan, you must complete 150 semester hours of college education. Since a bachelor’s degree typically provides only 120 hours, most candidates pursue one of these options:
- Master’s in Accounting (30 additional credits)
- MBA with accounting concentration
- Additional undergraduate coursework
- Combined bachelor’s/master’s program
Michigan CPA License Requirements
The Michigan Board of Accountancy oversees CPA licensure in the state. To become a CPA in Michigan, you must meet these requirements:
1. Educational Requirements
- 150 semester hours of college education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- 24 semester hours in accounting courses
- 24 semester hours in business courses
2. 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)
3. Experience Requirements
- One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience
- Experience must be verified by a licensed CPA
- Can be gained in public, private, or government accounting
4. Ethics Requirement
Complete the AICPA Professional Ethics self-study course with a score of 90% or higher
Top Accounting Schools in Michigan
Michigan offers several AACSB-accredited accounting programs. Here are the state’s top institutions for accounting education:
Michigan Accountant Salary Guide
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), Michigan offers competitive salaries for accounting professionals. The state’s median annual wage of $130,320 significantly exceeds the national median.
Statewide Salary Statistics
Salary by Major Metro Areas
Salary by Specialization
Different accounting roles command varying salaries in Michigan:
- Entry-Level Accountants: $77,720 – $100,020
- Forensic Accountants: Starting at approximately $91,700 (Ann Arbor)
- Controllers/Financial Managers: Median $122,700, up to $208,000+
- CPAs in Public Accounting: 90th percentile earning $115,150+
- Chief Financial Officers: Typically $200,000+
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 Michigan Accountants
Michigan’s diverse economy provides numerous career paths for accounting professionals:
Public Accounting
Work with CPA firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services to clients. Michigan hosts offices of all Big Four firms, plus numerous regional and local practices.
Corporate Accounting
Join Michigan’s major corporations as:
- Staff Accountant
- Senior Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
Government Accounting
Opportunities exist at all levels:
- Federal: IRS, Defense Contract Audit Agency
- State: Michigan Department of Treasury
- Local: County and municipal governments
Specialized Fields
- Manufacturing Accounting: Vital in Michigan’s industrial sector
- Healthcare Accounting: A Growing field with major hospital systems
- Fund Accounting: For nonprofits and government entities
- Automotive Industry: Unique to Michigan’s economy
Steps to Start Your Michigan Accounting Career
- Choose Your Educational Path: Select an accredited accounting program that aligns with your career goals
- Gain Relevant Experience: Pursue internships with Michigan employers during your studies
- Network Actively: Join the Michigan Association of CPAs (MICPA) as a student member
- Prepare for Certification: If pursuing CPA, plan for the 150-hour requirement early
- Apply for Positions: Target firms and industries that match your interests
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Michigan accountants must stay current with evolving regulations and practices:
CPE Requirements for CPAs
- 40 hours of continuing professional education annually
- Including 2 hours of Michigan-specific ethics
- Courses available through MICPA and online programs
Professional Organizations
- Michigan Association of CPAs (MICPA): Primary state organization
- Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): For management accountants
- Association of Government Accountants: For public sector professionals
Job Outlook for Michigan Accountants
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget projects steady growth in accounting positions through 2028:
- 2018 Employment: 37,190
- 2028 Projected Employment: 37,460
- Annual Job Openings: Approximately 3,510
- Growth Drivers: Retirements, business expansion, regulatory complexity
Key growth areas include:
- Forensic accounting
- Environmental accounting
- Information systems auditing
- International accounting
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an accountant in Michigan?
Typically 4 years for a bachelor’s degree to become an entry-level accountant. To become a CPA, plan for 5 years of education (150 credit hours) plus 1 year of experience, totaling approximately 6 years.
What degree do I need to be an accountant in Michigan?
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related business field. Some entry-level bookkeeping positions may accept an associate degree, but career advancement typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
How much do accountants make in Michigan?
The median annual salary for accountants in Michigan is $130,320 (May 2024 BLS data). Entry-level positions start around $77,720, while experienced professionals can earn well over $150,000, especially in specialized roles or major metro areas.
What are the CPA requirements in Michigan?
Michigan requires 150 semester hours of education, passing all four parts of the CPA exam, one year of accounting experience, and completion of an ethics course. You must also maintain 40 hours of continuing education annually.
Do I need a master’s degree to become a CPA in Michigan?
No, a master’s degree is not required, but it’s the most common way to meet the 150-hour education requirement. Alternatives include taking additional undergraduate courses or pursuing a combined bachelor’s/master’s program.
Which Michigan cities pay accountants the most?
Midland offers the highest average salaries ($97,350 mean, $154,770 median), followed by Detroit-Warren-Dearborn ($91,040 mean, $135,510 median). Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids also offer competitive salaries above the state average.
Can I become an accountant in Michigan with an online degree?
Yes, many online accounting degrees are accepted in Michigan, provided they’re from accredited institutions. Ensure any online program meets the Michigan Board of Accountancy’s requirements if you plan to pursue CPA licensure.
