Top Accounting Degree Programs In South Dakota
Advancing your career in accounting no longer requires relocating or sacrificing your current job. South Dakota’s growing economy creates steady demand for skilled professionals who can manage finances for industries like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. With an online accounting degree, you gain the credentials to qualify for roles such as auditor, tax specialist, or financial analyst while maintaining your existing commitments. The state’s median annual wage for accountants exceeds $68,000, with experienced professionals often earning over $85,000, and opportunities are projected to grow as businesses expand and compliance needs evolve.
Major employers like Sanford Health, Citibank, and the South Dakota Department of Revenue consistently seek accounting expertise, offering stability in both urban and rural communities. Online programs provide the same rigorous coursework as traditional degrees, allowing you to build skills in areas like forensic accounting or corporate finance at your own pace.
Whether you’re aiming to transition into accounting from another field or move into leadership roles like controller or CFO, remote learning removes geographic barriers while connecting you to local networks. You’ll gain access to internships, virtual career fairs, and alumni connections specific to the region’s job market. The flexibility to study evenings or weekends means you can immediately apply new knowledge to your current job, making every course a step toward higher earning potential and greater professional influence.
Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in South Dakota
Below are the top-ranked Online Accounting programs in South Dakota, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Northern State University
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Key Highlights
- The program covers key areas including financial management, auditing, taxation, and data analysis.
- Graduates will be prepared for roles in corporate finance, government, or nonprofits.
- Skills gained include financial reporting, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
- The curriculum integrates technology and emphasizes ethics.
- An accelerated option leading to a Master's in Accounting Analytics is available.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Northern State University offers a comprehensive curriculum blending academic principles with real-world application. Students explore financial management, auditing, taxation, and data analysis. The program emphasizes ethics and integrates technology, preparing graduates for roles in corporate finance, government, or nonprofits. An accelerated option leading to a Master's in Accounting Analytics is also available, with both programs offered online and on-campus.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Financial Management, Auditing, Taxation, Data Analysis, Critical Thinking, Analytical Skills, Financial Reporting
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $7,616/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,718/year
Sample Courses
Intermediate Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing, Advanced Income Tax Accounting, Accounting Theory...
Why Get Your Accounting Degree Online in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s growing industries and evolving financial regulations create a strategic advantage for earning your accounting degree online here. While national accounting job growth is projected at 4% through 2032, the state’s healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors are driving localized demand for professionals who can manage complex compliance needs and financial systems. Online programs align with these opportunities by offering courses in data analytics, cloud-based accounting platforms, and tax law—skills directly applicable to South Dakota’s key employers.
Industry hubs like Sioux Falls and Rapid City are seeing increased demand for accountants as regional hospitals, agricultural cooperatives, and tech-driven manufacturing firms expand. These sectors often prioritize candidates with knowledge of state-specific tax incentives or federal grant management for rural development projects—topics frequently covered in South Dakota’s online curricula. While the state’s overall accounting job growth may appear modest compared to coastal markets, its lower cost of living amplifies the value of salaries. For instance, a $68,000 annual salary in Sioux Falls offers greater purchasing power than similar earnings in cities like Denver or Minneapolis.
State-specific resources further enhance your career trajectory. Local chapters of the South Dakota CPA Society host virtual networking events and continuing education workshops, connecting online students with professionals at firms like Eide Bailly or Casey Peterson, Ltd. Many online programs also partner with regional employers to offer internships or project-based learning opportunities, giving you hands-on experience before graduation. With remote work expanding access to roles beyond traditional office settings, you can serve clients statewide while living in affordable rural communities.
By choosing an online accounting program rooted in South Dakota’s economic priorities, you position yourself to fill emerging roles in auditing, financial consulting, or regulatory analysis as industries modernize. Explore flexible degree options that let you balance education with current responsibilities while building expertise aligned with the state’s growth areas—your next career move could anchor you in a market where skilled accountants are increasingly essential.
Where Can You Work with an Accounting Degree in South Dakota?
With an accounting degree in South Dakota, you’ll find opportunities across established firms, regional companies, and tech-driven startups. Several employers stand out for their roles in tax, audit, and advisory services. Eide Bailly, highlighted in Indeed’s list of top accounting companies, offers roles in tax preparation, audit services, and financial consulting. Known for its collaborative culture, the firm emphasizes professional development through mentorship programs and supports hybrid work models, making it a strong option if you value growth and flexibility. Casey Peterson, Ltd., ranked among Clutch’s top South Dakota accounting firms, specializes in nonprofit and government accounting. Their teams often handle compliance audits and grant management, ideal if you’re interested in public sector work or community-focused projects.
For local firms with personalized environments, Nelson & Nelson, CPA's LLP, also featured by Clutch, provides tax planning and small business accounting services. Their smaller team structure allows direct client interaction, giving you hands-on experience early in your career. If you prefer corporate settings, TEKsystems, listed on ZipRecruiter’s top accounting jobs, connects professionals with financial analyst and accounts payable roles at major employers like Amazon or Target. These positions often involve supporting retail or tech operations, blending accounting skills with industry-specific knowledge.
Regional hubs like Sioux Falls and Rapid City host growing demand for accountants in healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. Liberty Tax Service, noted by Indeed, offers seasonal tax preparation roles with flexible hours—a practical entry point if you’re new to the field. Startups like indinero, appearing in Clutch’s rankings, cater to tech-savvy clients, focusing on cloud-based accounting solutions. These roles might involve managing digital ledgers or advising startups on financial systems, appealing if you want exposure to innovation.
To maximize opportunities, join local chapters of the South Dakota CPA Society or attend networking events in Sioux Falls. Many firms post openings on their websites before advertising broadly, so check career pages regularly. Building relationships with professionals at regional conferences or through LinkedIn can also open doors, especially in smaller markets where personal connections matter.
How Much Can You Earn as an Accountant in South Dakota?
When considering accountant salaries in South Dakota, your earning potential depends heavily on experience. Entry-level positions (0-2 years) typically start at $52,558 annually, with Accountant I roles averaging $57,597 according to Salary.com’s March 2025 data. This range reflects base pay for foundational roles in corporate or public accounting. Mid-career professionals (3-7 years) earn closer to the statewide average of $52,915 reported by Indeed, though specialization in areas like tax preparation or forensic accounting can push salaries higher. Senior accountants (8+ years) command significantly more, with ZipRecruiter reporting an average annual salary of $68,326 ($32.85 hourly) as of March 2025—a figure that often includes leadership roles or niche expertise.
While these numbers sit below the national accountant average of approximately $76,000, South Dakota’s lower cost of living balances the scale for many professionals. Certifications like the CPA license or mastery of cloud-based accounting software can boost your earnings by 10-20%, especially in industries like healthcare or manufacturing. The shift toward remote work in online accounting also creates opportunities to earn competitive rates while living in South Dakota. Job growth for accountants nationwide is projected at 4% through 2032, suggesting stable demand—particularly for those with expertise in regulatory compliance or data analytics.
Licensing Information For Online Accounting in South Dakota
How to Become a Licensed Accountant in South Dakota
To become a licensed accountant in South Dakota, follow these steps based on regulations from the South Dakota Board of Accountancy:
Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
You must complete at least 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree or higher. At least 24 semester hours must cover accounting subjects like auditing, taxation, or financial reporting, and 24 additional hours should focus on business-related courses. The SD Board of Accountancy - CPA Exam requires transcripts directly from your school to verify eligibility for the CPA exam.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Submit an exam application through the SD Board of Accountancy - CPA Exam portal, paying a $200 application fee plus separate fees for each exam section. After approval, schedule your exam through NASBA’s CPA Central system. You must pass all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) within an 18-month window.
Step 3: Acquire Work Experience
Complete one year (1,800 hours) of supervised accounting work under a licensed CPA. Experience must include tasks like auditing, tax preparation, or financial analysis. Your supervisor will need to verify this experience in writing when you apply for licensure.
Step 4: Apply for Your CPA License
Within three years of passing your final CPA exam section, submit a license application to the South Dakota Board of Accountancy. As noted in the SD Board of Accountancy - FAQs, missing this deadline requires retaking the exam. Include a $150 application fee, official transcripts, experience verification, and fingerprints for a background check. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Step 5: Fulfill Ethics Requirements
After licensure, complete a state-specific ethics exam administered by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). This open-book test ensures familiarity with South Dakota’s accounting laws and professional conduct standards.
Step 6: Maintain Active Licensure
Renew your license every three years by completing 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), including 4 hours in ethics. At least 20 CPE hours must be earned annually. The board audits 20-25% of renewals yearly, so retain documentation for five years.
South Dakota offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other states if their education and experience meet or exceed South Dakota’s standards. Contact the South Dakota Board of Accountancy for specific reciprocity forms and fees.
For updates on licensing rules or to download application materials, visit the board’s official website. Firms hiring licensed CPAs must also comply with revised partnership requirements outlined in Certified Public Accountant Firm Licensing Revised, including proper registration of firm owners.
FAQs About Online Accounting Degree Programs in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are South Dakota online accounting programs accredited? A: Yes, regionally accredited South Dakota schools like Northern State University meet strict academic standards. Accreditation ensures your degree qualifies for CPA licensure and is recognized by employers. Always verify program-specific accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission or school websites.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online accounting degree? A: Full-time students typically finish in four years. Accelerated tracks may reduce this to 3 years, while part-time enrollment could extend to 5-6 years. Northern State University’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting follows standard semester schedules with flexible pacing.
Q: What job opportunities exist for accounting graduates in South Dakota? A: You’ll find roles as staff accountants, auditors, or tax preparers in industries like healthcare, agriculture, and banking. Regional employers like Citibank and state agencies regularly hire for financial analysis and compliance positions.
Q: Can you become a CPA with an online accounting degree? A: Yes, if your program is accredited and meets the South Dakota Board of Accountancy’s 150-credit requirement. Pass the CPA exam and submit licensure applications within three years of passing, per SD Board rules.
Q: Do South Dakota employers accept online degrees? A: Employers widely accept online degrees from accredited institutions. Programs like Northern State University’s blend identical coursework to in-person degrees, ensuring equal recognition for job applications and promotions.
Q: What courses are included in typical accounting programs? A: Expect core courses in financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law. Many programs include data analytics or ethics training to align with CPA exam requirements and modern industry tools.
Q: Are scholarships available for online accounting students? A: Yes—check university financial aid pages for accounting-specific scholarships. South Dakota residents may qualify for state grants or workforce development programs targeting high-demand fields like finance.
Q: How does licensure work for out-of-state graduates? A: South Dakota offers reciprocity if your education meets state standards. Submit transcripts and exam scores, and apply for licensure within three years of passing the CPA exam, as noted in Board guidelines.