Best Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree Programs In California 2025

Why Get an Online Accounting Degree in California?

California’s demand for skilled accountants is rising faster than the national average, with specialized opportunities emerging in tech, entertainment, and renewable energy sectors that rely on financial expertise. While national accounting job growth is projected at 6% through 2033, California’s expanding industries—from Silicon Valley startups to Los Angeles media conglomerates—are creating roles that require familiarity with venture capital financing, international tax strategies, and ESG (environmental, social, governance) reporting. Online accounting programs in the state often partner with local employers to design courses addressing these trends, ensuring you gain skills directly applicable to high-growth niches like blockchain auditing or clean energy financing.

The state’s diverse economy means you can pivot across industries without relocating. For example, programs emphasize adaptability, preparing graduates to work in corporate finance, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. This flexibility is critical as sectors like biotech and agribusiness—key drivers of California’s GDP—increasingly seek accountants who understand sector-specific regulations and funding models. Remote internships with Sacramento-based government offices or San Diego’s life sciences firms further let you build experience in your target field while completing your degree.

California also offers unique advantages for career changers or mid-career professionals. A Reddit discussion on mid-career accounting shifts reveals many professionals transition into accounting for its stability and clear advancement paths—benefits amplified in California’s robust job market. State and local government roles, which account for nearly 15% of accounting positions here, often provide pension plans and hybrid work options rarely found in private sector roles. Online programs cater to these learners with accelerated courses and credit for prior work experience, helping you enter the field faster.

With major employers increasingly offering remote accounting positions, you can leverage a California-based education to access roles nationwide while benefiting from the state’s higher salary standards. As industries evolve, your ability to interpret real-time data analytics or advise on cross-border mergers will keep you competitive. Start building expertise now through an online program that connects you to California’s innovation hubs while fitting around your current responsibilities.

Where Can You Work After Graduating?

After graduating with an online accounting degree in California, you’ll find opportunities across established firms, tech-driven companies, and growing startups. Intuit, recognized in Glassdoor’s list of top California employers for accountants, hires for roles like tax specialists and financial analysts. With over 10,000 employees, the company supports hybrid work models and emphasizes innovation through tools like QuickBooks. Entry-level positions often include structured training programs, making it accessible for recent graduates. Another standout is indinero, featured in Clutch.co’s ranking of California accounting firms, which specializes in outsourced accounting services for startups and small businesses. Their teams handle everything from bookkeeping to CFO advisory roles, offering exposure to fast-paced environments in tech hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

For traditional CPA pathways, firms like Pfahnl & Hunt and Allen & Cook, Inc. CPA—both highlighted by Clutch.co—provide opportunities in audit, tax preparation, and consulting. These mid-sized firms often prioritize mentorship and client-facing projects, ideal if you prefer hands-on experience. Larger firms such as those in INSIDE Public Accounting’s Top 500—including Big 4 branches in San Jose or San Diego—recruit for roles in international tax compliance and forensic accounting. These employers typically offer competitive salaries, global mobility programs, and resources for CPA exam preparation.

California’s tech industry also fuels demand for accountants in companies like MindSpace Outsourcing Services, which serves Silicon Valley startups. Roles here might involve managing cross-border financial operations or supporting venture-backed firms. To break into these sectors, build connections through platforms like LinkedIn or local chapters of the California Society of CPAs. Attend virtual career fairs hosted by regional business associations, and consider targeting firms aligned with industries you’re passionate about, whether clean energy, entertainment, or biotech. Many employers value certifications like QuickBooks ProAdvisor or familiarity with cloud-based accounting tools, so highlight these skills during your job search.

How Much Can You Earn as an Accountant in California?

If you're considering a career in accounting through online programs or remote work, California offers strong earning potential. Recent data shows accountants in the state earn between $67,431 and $107,704 annually depending on credentials and experience. Indeed's 2025 survey reports a baseline average of $76,121 for general accountants, with entry-level roles often starting near $58,000. Professionals with 3-7 years of experience typically reach the mid-career range of $70,000-$85,000, while senior accountants in leadership roles can surpass $95,000. ZipRecruiter's March 2025 data aligns closely, showing an hourly rate of $32.42 ($67,431 annually), with top earners in high-demand regions like Silicon Valley or Los Angeles reaching $89,000+.

Earning a CPA license significantly boosts income. Indeed's certified public accountant survey reveals CPAs in California average $107,704 annually—41% higher than non-certified counterparts. Entry-level CPAs start around $82,000, with senior roles in corporate finance or forensic accounting exceeding $135,000. Specializations matter too: industries like tech, entertainment, and biotech often pay 10-15% above statewide averages for accountants with sector-specific expertise.

Location plays a key role—urban centers like San Francisco and San Jose offer salaries 18-22% higher than rural areas. Remote work opportunities through online accounting roles may adjust these figures slightly, but California’s cost of living typically keeps wages above national levels. The field shows steady growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 6% national accounting job growth through 2032, amplified in California by its expanding tech sector and startup ecosystem. Staying current with cloud-based accounting software and data analytics skills could further increase your marketability and salary trajectory.

What Licensing Steps Do You Need to Work in California?

To work as a licensed accounting professional in California, follow these steps to meet the California Board of Accountancy’s (CBA) requirements:

Step 1: Complete Your Education
You need a bachelor’s degree or higher (in any subject) with 150 semester units of coursework. At least 24 semester units must cover accounting subjects like auditing, financial reporting, or taxation, plus 24 units in business-related courses such as finance or business law. The CBA requires 3 semester units specifically in ethics education, which must include coverage of California-specific rules. Verify your degree and coursework meet these standards using the CBA’s educational guidelines.

Step 2: Pass Required Exams
Complete the Uniform CPA Exam ($1,000 total fee for all four sections) and the California Professional Ethics for CPAs (PETH) exam ($180). The CPA Exam includes Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. You must pass all four CPA sections within an 18-month window. The PETH exam requires a score of 90% or higher.

Step 3: Gain Work Experience
Accumulate 12 months of full-time accounting experience (or equivalent part-time hours) under a licensed CPA. At least 500 hours must involve auditing, tax, or financial advisory services. Your supervisor will need to verify this experience using the CBA’s official form.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Apply through the CBA’s online portal with a $250 initial application fee. Include official transcripts sent directly from your school, exam scores, and proof of experience. You’ll also need to complete live-scan fingerprinting ($49) for a background check. Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks.

Step 5: Maintain Active Licensure
Renew your CPA license every two years ($120 renewal fee) by completing 80 hours of continuing education. At least 20 hours must be earned yearly, with 12 hours in technical subjects like accounting or auditing. Every renewal cycle requires 4 hours of ethics education focused on California regulations.

California offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other states, but you’ll need to verify your existing license meets CBA standards. If you’ve practiced for less than four years, you may need to retake the ethics exam or complete additional coursework.

For application forms or detailed requirements, visit the CBA’s licensing portal or contact their office for status updates.