How to Become an Accountant in Ohio: Complete 2025 Guide

Reviewed by Tyler Denton

Ohio’s diverse economy, home to 20 Fortune 500 companies and countless growing businesses, creates strong demand for skilled accounting professionals. Whether you’re considering a career change or just starting your educational journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an accountant in the Buckeye State.

From education requirements and salary expectations to CPA licensing and career specializations, we’ll cover the essential steps to launch your accounting career in Ohio’s thriving business environment.


Quick Facts: Accounting Careers in Ohio

Before diving into the details, here are key facts about accounting careers in Ohio:

Category
Details
Average Salary
$71890 (May 2024 BLS data)
Entry-Level Salary
$47340
Experienced (90th percentile)
$115240
Job Growth Projection
6% (2022-2032)
Education Required
Bachelors degree minimum
Time to Career
4-5 years
CPA Requirements
150 credit hours + exam + experience

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Accountant in Ohio

Becoming an accountant in Ohio requires careful planning and dedication. Here’s your roadmap to success:

Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

The foundation of any accounting career is a bachelor’s degree. Ohio offers numerous accredited programs at both public and private institutions. Most bachelor’s degree programs in accounting require 120 credit hours and take four years to complete.

Key coursework includes:

  • Financial Accounting
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Cost Accounting
  • Taxation
  • Auditing
  • Business Law
  • Information Systems
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Step 2: Choose Your Specialization

Accounting offers diverse career paths. Consider specializing in areas that align with Ohio’s major industries:

  • Public Accounting: Work with firms like Deloitte (Cincinnati, Cleveland offices) or regional firms
  • Corporate Accounting: Join Fortune 500 companies like Nationwide (Columbus) or Progressive (Mayfield)
  • Government Accounting: Work for state agencies or municipalities
  • Forensic Accounting: Investigate financial crimes and fraud
  • Tax Accounting: Specialize in tax planning and compliance

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

Ohio employers value hands-on experience. Consider these opportunities:

  • Internships: Many Ohio firms offer summer and semester-long programs
  • Part-time positions: Work as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk while studying
  • Volunteer work: Help nonprofits with their accounting needs
  • Campus organizations: Join accounting clubs and Beta Alpha Psi chapters

Step 4: Consider Professional Certifications

While not required for all accounting positions, certifications significantly boost earning potential:

  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant): The gold standard requiring 150 credit hours
  • CMA (Certified Management Accountant): For management accounting roles
  • CIA (Certified Internal Auditor): For internal audit positions
  • EA (Enrolled Agent): For tax specialists

Step 5: Network and Join Professional Organizations

Building connections is crucial for career advancement:

  • Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA)
  • Local chapter meetings of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
  • American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) events
  • LinkedIn networking with Ohio accounting professionals

Ohio CPA Requirements: Path to Certification

The Accountancy Board of Ohio oversees CPA licensing in the state. Here are the key requirements:

Education Requirements

  • 150 semester hours of college credit
  • Bachelor’s degree at a minimum
  • Specific accounting and business coursework
  • Ohio Board-approved ethics course

Pro Tip: Since a bachelor’s degree typically provides 120 credit hours, many candidates pursue a master’s degree in accounting to meet the 150-hour requirement.

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

  • One year of supervised experience in public or private accounting
  • Experience must be verified by a licensed CPA
  • Must include various accounting services

Accountant Salaries in Ohio: 2025 Data

According to the May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Ohio offers competitive salaries for accounting professionals. Here’s what you can expect across major metropolitan areas:

Statewide Salary Overview

Percentile
Annual Salary
10th Percentile
$47340
25th Percentile
$56920
Median (50th)
$71890
75th Percentile
$91690
90th Percentile
$115240

Salaries by Major Ohio Cities

Metropolitan Area
Entry Level
Experienced
Cincinnati OH-KY-IN
$49200
$116890
Cleveland-Elyria
$48630
$115970
Columbus
$50140
$118320
Dayton-Kettering
$46900
$109250
Akron
$47890
$112340
Toledo
$46320
$107650

Factors Affecting Salary

  • Education Level: Master’s degree holders earn 10-15% more on average
  • Certifications: CPAs typically earn 15-20% more than non-certified accountants
  • Experience: Each year of experience can add 3-5% to base salary
  • Industry: Financial services and manufacturing often pay premium rates
  • Company Size: Fortune 500 companies generally offer higher salaries

Top Accounting Employers in Ohio

Ohio’s diverse economy provides opportunities across various sectors:

Fortune 500 Companies Headquartered in Ohio

  • Nationwide (Columbus) – Insurance and financial services
  • Progressive (Mayfield) – Insurance
  • Cardinal Health (Dublin) – Healthcare distribution
  • Kroger (Cincinnati) – Retail
  • Procter & Gamble (Cincinnati) – Consumer goods

Major Accounting Firms with Ohio Offices

  • Big Four Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG
  • Regional Firms: Plante Moran, BDO, Grant Thornton
  • Local Firms: Clark Schaefer Hackett, Barnes Dennig, Rea & Associates

Educational Pathways: Ohio Accounting Programs

Ohio offers excellent accounting programs at various levels:

Top-Rated Accounting Schools in Ohio

  • The Ohio State University (Columbus) – Fisher College of Business
  • Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland) – Weatherhead School
  • University of Cincinnati – Lindner College of Business
  • Miami University (Oxford) – Farmer School of Business
  • Xavier University (Cincinnati) – Williams College of Business

Online vs. Traditional Programs

Ohio schools offer both traditional and online accounting degree options:

Program Type
Pros
Traditional On-Campus
Direct networking; Face-to-face instruction; Campus resources
Online Programs
Flexibility; Work while studying; Lower costs
Hybrid Programs
Best of both worlds; Some flexibility; Campus access

Career Advancement and Continuing Education

Ohio accountants must stay current with changing regulations and industry trends:

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

  • Ohio CPAs must complete 120 hours of CPE every three years
  • At least 24 hours must be completed annually
  • Ethics requirements must be met

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  • Enrolled Agent (EA)

Ohio Accounting Resources and Support

Take advantage of these Ohio-specific resources:

Professional Organizations

  • Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA): Professional development, networking, advocacy
  • Accountancy Board of Ohio: Licensing, regulations, compliance
  • Local IMA Chapters: Management accounting focus

Career Services and Job Boards

  • OhioMeansJobs.com – State job portal
  • OSCPA Career Center
  • University career services offices
  • LinkedIn Ohio accounting groups

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an accountant in Ohio?

It typically takes 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting, which is the minimum requirement to become an accountant in Ohio. For CPA certification, you’ll need 150 credit hours (about 5 years of education) plus one year of supervised experience.

What is the average starting salary for accountants in Ohio?

According to May 2024 BLS data, entry-level accountants in Ohio earn approximately $47,340 annually, with higher starting salaries in major metropolitan areas like Columbus ($50,140) and Cincinnati ($49,200).

Do I need a CPA license to work as an accountant in Ohio?

No, you don’t need a CPA license for many accounting positions. However, CPA certification significantly enhances career opportunities and earning potential, with CPAs typically earning 15-20% more than non-certified accountants.

What are the best cities for accountants in Ohio?

Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland offer the most opportunities and highest salaries for accountants. Columbus leads with a median salary of $73,850, followed by Cincinnati at $72,980.

Can I become an accountant with an online degree?

Yes, many Ohio employers accept online accounting degrees from accredited institutions. Ensure your program is accredited by AACSB or ACBSP for the best career prospects.


Take the Next Step in Your Ohio Accounting Career

Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or looking to advance your accounting career, Ohio offers excellent opportunities for growth and success. The state’s diverse economy, from Fortune 500 corporations to thriving small businesses, ensures steady demand for skilled accounting professionals.

Ready to begin? Start by researching accredited accounting programs that align with your career goals and location preferences. Consider whether you want to pursue CPA certification early in your planning, as this will influence your educational path.

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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.

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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.