Missouri Accounting Career Quick Facts
- CPA Requirements: 150 credit hours + CPA Exam + 1 year experience
- Average Accountant Salary: $79,520 (2024)
- Job Growth: 4.9% through 2028
- Top Employers: H&R Block, Express Scripts, Edward Jones
- Time to CPA: 5-6 years (including education)
Missouri offers excellent opportunities for aspiring accountants, with Fortune 500 companies, Big Four accounting firms, and a growing financial services sector. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about earning your accounting degree and becoming a CPA in the Show-Me State.
Missouri CPA Requirements at a Glance
The Missouri State Board of Accountancy oversees CPA licensure in the state. To become a certified public accountant in Missouri, you must meet three core requirements:
- Education: Complete 150 semester hours of college credit (including specific accounting and business coursework)
- Examination: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- Experience: Gain one year of relevant accounting experience under a licensed CPA
Since a typical bachelor’s degree provides only 120 credit hours, most candidates pursue a master’s in accounting to meet the 150-hour requirement while gaining advanced skills valued by employers.
Educational Pathways to Accounting Careers in Missouri
Missouri offers multiple educational pathways to enter the accounting profession. Here’s a comparison of your options:
Most Missouri accounting students follow the bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway, which efficiently meets CPA education requirements while building expertise for career advancement.
Top Accounting Programs in Missouri
Missouri is home to several AACSB-accredited accounting programs recognized for excellence in accounting education:
University of Missouri – Columbia
- AACSB-accredited School of Accountancy
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program
- 150-hour integrated program available
Washington University in St. Louis
- Olin Business School ranking among top 20 nationally
- BSBA with Accounting major
- Master of Accounting (MACC)
- Strong Big Four recruiting presence
Missouri State University
- School of Accountancy with separate AACSB accounting accreditation
- BS in Accounting
- Master of Accountancy
- High CPA exam pass rates
CPA Exam Requirements in Missouri
To sit for the CPA exam in Missouri, candidates must:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Have at least 120 semester hours of education
- Complete specific accounting and business coursework:
- 27 semester hours in accounting (beyond principles courses)
- 27 semester hours in business administration
- 3 semester hours in business law
The exam consists of four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD) – 4 hours
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) – 4 hours
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) – 4 hours
- Regulation (REG) – 4 hours
Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window. Missouri’s CPA exam pass rates typically exceed the national average, particularly for candidates from AACSB-accredited programs.
Experience Requirements for Missouri CPA License
After passing the CPA exam, candidates must complete one year of accounting experience that includes:
- 2,000 hours of work (typically one year full-time)
- Supervision by a licensed CPA
- Experience in:
- Providing accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting services
- OR employment in government, industry, or academia using accounting skills
Many candidates complete this requirement while working for public accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies in Missouri’s major cities.
Missouri Accounting Career Outlook & Major Employers
Missouri’s diverse economy provides excellent opportunities for accounting professionals. The state hosts:
Fortune 500 Companies
- Express Scripts: Healthcare/pharmaceutical benefits management
- Centene Corporation: Managed healthcare
- Emerson Electric: Manufacturing and technology
- H&R Block: Tax preparation services (world headquarters in Kansas City)
Big Four Accounting Firms
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC): Kansas City office
- Deloitte: St. Louis and Kansas City offices
- Ernst & Young (EY): Kansas City and St. Louis offices
- KPMG: Kansas City and St. Louis offices
Regional Accounting Firms
- BKD CPAs & Advisors: Springfield headquarters
- RubinBrown: St. Louis-based regional firm
- Anders CPAs + Advisors: St. Louis regional firm
The Missouri Department of Economic Development projects 4.9% growth in accounting positions through 2028, with approximately 2,870 annual job openings due to growth and turnover.
Missouri Accountant Salary Guide 2024
According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, accounting professionals in Missouri earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, credentials, and location:
Salaries by Specialization
Salaries by Metro Area
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.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements
Missouri CPAs must complete continuing education to maintain their license:
- 120 CPE hours every three years (reporting period)
- Minimum 20 hours per year
- 2 hours of Missouri ethics every three years
- Acceptable subjects include:
- Accounting and auditing
- Taxation
- Management services
- Computer science (related to accounting)
- Business law
- Ethics
CPE can be completed through various providers, including the Missouri Society of CPAs, universities, and online platforms.
Steps to Start Your Missouri Accounting Career
- Choose Your Educational Path: Research AACSB-accredited programs that align with your career goals and location preferences.
- Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree: Focus on building a strong foundation in accounting principles, taxation, and business law.
- Plan for 150 Hours: Decide whether to pursue a master’s degree, double major, or additional coursework.
- Gain Experience: Seek internships with accounting firms or corporate finance departments during your studies.
- Prepare for the CPA Exam: Utilize review courses and study materials while completing your education.
- Network: Join the Missouri Society of CPAs student chapter and attend recruiting events.
- Apply for Jobs: Target positions that provide CPA supervision for your experience requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the CPA requirements in Missouri?
To become a CPA in Missouri, you need 150 semester hours of college credit (including specific accounting and business courses), pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam, and complete one year of qualifying work experience under a licensed CPA.
How long does it take to become a CPA in Missouri?
Typically 5-6 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional education to reach 150 credit hours, plus 1 year of required work experience. The CPA exam can be taken during your final semester or after graduation.
What’s the average CPA salary in Missouri?
CPAs in Missouri typically earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, with senior CPAs and those in management positions earning $130,000 or more. Salaries are highest in Kansas City and St. Louis.
Can I sit for the CPA exam with just a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, Missouri allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 credit hours (bachelor’s degree), but you’ll need 150 hours to receive your CPA license. Many candidates complete the additional 30 hours while gaining work experience.
What accounting schools in Missouri have the best CPA pass rates?
The University of Missouri-Columbia, Washington University in St. Louis, and Missouri State University consistently report CPA exam pass rates above the national average, particularly for first-time candidates.
Is Missouri CPA reciprocity available with other states?
Yes, Missouri has CPA reciprocity agreements with most states. CPAs from other states can obtain a Missouri license if they meet Missouri’s education requirements and have passed the Uniform CPA Exam.
