Utah’s thriving economy and business-friendly environment create exceptional opportunities for accounting professionals. With the state ranking 8th nationally for business environment and experiencing the third-fastest GDP growth rate, Utah accountants are in high demand across diverse industries.
Whether you’re starting your accounting journey or advancing your career, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming an accountant in Utah, including education requirements, CPA licensure steps, and current salary data for 2025.
Quick Facts: Utah Accounting at a Glance
| Key Metric | Utah Data | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Accountant Salary (2025) | $71,340 | $79,880 |
| Job Growth Projection (2023-2033) | 31.1% | 6% |
| Number of Accountants | 12,450+ | 1.5 million |
| CPA Education Requirement | 150 credit hours | 150 credit hours |
| Annual Job Openings | 1,590 | 136,400 |
Utah CPA Requirements: Your Step-by-Step Path
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing regulates CPAs in the state. To earn your CPA license in Utah, you must complete the “Three E’s”: Education, Examination, and Experience.
1. Education Requirements
Utah offers four educational pathways to CPA licensure. Choose the path that best fits your background:
| Path | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Graduate degree in accounting (AACSB/ACBSP accredited) | Students committed to accounting early |
| Path 2 | MBA or Master’s in Taxation with specific accounting courses | Business professionals seeking broader knowledge |
| Path 3 | Bachelor’s in accounting/business + 30 additional hours | Traditional accounting undergrads |
| Path 4 | Any bachelor’s + specific accounting/business courses | Career changers from other fields |
Pro Tip: Most Utah accounting students choose Path 3, completing a bachelor’s degree and then a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) to reach 150 credits efficiently.
2. CPA Exam Requirements
You can sit for the Uniform CPA Exam after completing:
- Minimum bachelor’s degree
- At least 135 of the required 150 credit hours
- Required accounting and business courses for your chosen path
The exam consists of four sections, each taking 4 hours:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
3. Experience Requirements
Utah requires one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA’s supervision. This experience must:
- Apply auditing and accounting principles from your education
- Be supervised by a licensed CPA
- Can be paid or volunteer work
4. Additional Requirements
- Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam (90% or higher)
- Pass the Utah Laws and Rules Exam
- Submit all documentation to the Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
For detailed step-by-step instructions, visit our complete Utah CPA requirements guide.
Top Accounting Schools in Utah
Utah offers excellent accounting programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Here are the state’s top-performing institutions based on CPA exam pass rates and program quality:
Best Bachelor’s Programs
| School | Program | CPA Pass Rate | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | BS in Accounting | 74.2% | • Junior core curriculum • 95%+ job placement • Low tuition rates |
| University of Utah | BS in Accounting | 68.5% | • AACSB accredited • Strong Big 4 recruiting • Downtown SLC location |
| Utah State University | BS in Accounting | 65.3% | • Online options available • Affordable tuition • Strong regional network |
View all Utah bachelor’s programs →
Best Master’s Programs
| School | Program | CPA Pass Rate | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | Master of Accountancy | 87.8% | 1 year |
| University of Utah | Master of Accounting | 82.4% | 1 year |
| Weber State University | Master of Accounting | 76.9% | 1-2 years |
Explore Utah master’s programs →
Utah Accounting Salaries by Specialty (2025 Data)
Utah accountants enjoy competitive salaries that vary significantly by specialization, experience, and location. Here’s what you can expect to earn in different accounting roles:
Entry-Level to Senior Positions
| Position | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Accountant | $45,820 | $56,140 | $70,250 | $86,920 |
| Senior Accountant | $58,940 | $71,340 | $88,670 | $109,040 |
| Accounting Manager | $78,450 | $102,580 | $139,650 | $185,270 |
| CFO/Controller | $108,720 | $146,930 | $208,000+ | $208,000+ |
Specialized Accounting Roles
- Forensic Accountant: $75,000 – $120,000
- Tax Accountant: $55,000 – $95,000
- Audit Manager: $85,000 – $145,000
- Cost Accountant: $52,000 – $88,000
- Government Accountant: $48,000 – $92,000
Salaries by Utah Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $73,480 | 105.2 |
| Provo-Orem | $68,920 | 102.3 |
| Ogden-Clearfield | $70,150 | 98.7 |
| St. George | $65,840 | 103.8 |
| Logan | $62,370 | 95.4 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025. Salaries represent base pay only and do not include bonuses, profit sharing, or other compensation.
Major Accounting Employers in Utah
Utah’s diverse economy provides opportunities across multiple sectors. Here are the state’s top accounting employers:
Big Four Firms
- Ernst & Young – Salt Lake City
- Deloitte – Salt Lake City
- PwC – Salt Lake City
- KPMG – Salt Lake City
Regional CPA Firms
- Squire & Company – Orem, Salt Lake City
- Tanner LLC – Salt Lake City, Lehi
- WSRP – Salt Lake City
- Haynie & Company – Ogden, Salt Lake City
- Cook Martin Poulson – Salt Lake City, Logan
Major Corporate Employers
| Industry | Companies |
|---|---|
| Technology | Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight, Domo |
| Healthcare | Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah Health |
| Financial Services | Goldman Sachs, Zions Bank, America First CU |
| Energy | Questar, Rocky Mountain Power |
| Retail/Consumer | Vivint, doTERRA, Nu Skin |
Utah Accounting Career Paths
Your accounting career in Utah can take many directions. Here are the most common progression paths:
Public Accounting Path
- Staff Accountant (0-2 years) – $45,000-$58,000
- Senior Accountant (2-5 years) – $58,000-$75,000
- Manager (5-8 years) – $75,000-$105,000
- Senior Manager (8-12 years) – $105,000-$140,000
- Partner/Principal (12+ years) – $150,000+
Corporate Accounting Path
- Staff Accountant (0-2 years) – $48,000-$60,000
- Senior Accountant (2-5 years) – $60,000-$78,000
- Accounting Supervisor (5-7 years) – $78,000-$95,000
- Controller (7-12 years) – $95,000-$145,000
- CFO (12+ years) – $145,000+
Specialized Career Paths
Tax Specialist Track:
- Tax Associate → Tax Senior → Tax Manager → Tax Director
- Specializations: International tax, state/local tax, tax planning
Audit Track:
- Audit Associate → Audit Senior → Audit Manager → Audit Partner
- Specializations: IT audit, internal audit, forensic accounting
Government Accounting:
- Entry-level → Journey-level → Senior → Supervisor → Director
- Agencies: Utah State Auditor, Tax Commission, local governments
Day in the Life: Utah CPA Perspectives
“Working as a CPA in Salt Lake City offers the perfect balance. I handle complex tax issues for tech startups while still having time to hit the slopes on weekends. The growth here is incredible – I’ve seen my clients go from garage startups to IPOs.”
– Michael Chen, Tax Manager at Tanner LLC
“Utah’s business community is incredibly collaborative. As an audit manager, I work with companies ranging from local credit unions to multinational tech firms. The variety keeps the work interesting, and the quality of life here is unmatched.”
– Jennifer Rodriguez, Audit Manager at EY Salt Lake City
Resources for Utah Accounting Professionals
Professional Organizations
- Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA)
- Networking events and CPE courses
- Career resources and job board
- Annual conferences and seminars
- Local Chapters:
- Salt Lake Chapter of IMA
- Utah Chapter of ACFE
- Northern Utah Tax Professionals
Continuing Education Providers
- UACPA Professional Development
- Utah State University CPE Programs
- BYU Executive Education
- Online platforms: Becker, Surgent, AICPA
Utah-Specific Resources
- Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing: CPA licensing and renewals
- Utah State Tax Commission: State tax updates and resources
- Utah Business Magazine: Industry news and trends
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Utah?
Most students complete the process in 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for a master’s degree (reaching 150 credits), plus 1 year of required work experience. You can take the CPA exam after completing 135 credits.
Can I become a CPA in Utah without an accounting degree?
Yes! Utah’s Path 4 allows candidates with any bachelor’s degree to become CPAs by completing specific accounting and business courses. You’ll need 54 total hours of accounting and business courses, including upper-level and graduate work.
What’s the average starting salary for accountants in Utah?
Entry-level accountants in Utah typically earn $45,000-$55,000, depending on location and employer type. Big Four firms generally offer higher starting salaries ($58,000-$65,000) plus signing bonuses.
Is Utah’s 31% job growth projection realistic?
Yes, Utah’s accounting job growth significantly outpaces the national average due to the state’s booming tech sector, growing financial services industry, and business-friendly environment, attracting new companies.
Do I need to live in Utah to get a Utah CPA license?
No, you don’t need to be a Utah resident. However, you must meet Utah’s education requirements and pass the Utah Laws and Rules Exam. Your work experience can be completed in any state under a licensed CPA.
What’s the best accounting school in Utah?
Brigham Young University consistently ranks highest for CPA exam pass rates (87.8% for MAcc graduates). However, the “best” school depends on your needs – consider factors like cost, location, and program format.
How much does CPA exam prep cost in Utah?
CPA review courses range from $2,000-$3,500. Many Utah employers reimburse these costs. Additionally, exam fees total approximately $1,000-$1,500 for all four sections.
Can I work while completing my accounting degree?
Yes! Many Utah schools offer evening and online programs. Utah State University and Weber State University have particularly flexible options for working professionals.
Take Your Next Step Toward a Utah Accounting Career
Utah’s thriving economy and exceptional quality of life make it an ideal place to build your accounting career. With job growth at 31%—five times the national average—now is the perfect time to start your journey.
Ready to begin? Here are your next steps:
- Research Schools: Compare programs using our accounting school directory
- Understand Requirements: Review the detailed Utah CPA requirements
- Connect Locally: Join the Utah Association of CPAs as a student member
- Plan Your Path: Use our specialty certification guides to explore career options
Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your career, Utah’s accounting profession offers stability, growth, and the opportunity to make a real impact in one of America’s most dynamic economies.
