Best Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree Programs In Tennessee 2025

Why Get Your Accounting Degree in Tennessee?

Earning your online accounting degree in Tennessee positions you at the center of a job market poised for steady expansion, with state-specific opportunities aligning closely with evolving industry needs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% national growth for accountants and auditors through 2033, but Tennessee’s localized demand trends tell an even more compelling story. According to O*NET data, the state expects a 6% increase in accounting and auditing roles between 2020 and 2030—translating to over 2,300 new positions—with Memphis and Nashville driving much of this growth due to expanding healthcare systems and corporate headquarters. While this mirrors national projections, Tennessee’s lower cost of living and industry-specific hubs give you a unique advantage in accessing high-demand roles without competing in oversaturated markets.

Online programs in the state directly connect you to emerging sectors like healthcare finance and logistics management, which dominate regional hiring. For example, Nashville’s concentration of healthcare companies—including 18 Fortune 500 firms—creates consistent demand for professionals skilled in revenue cycle management and compliance reporting. Similarly, Memphis’ status as a global logistics hub opens doors to supply chain accounting roles at major employers like FedEx and AutoZone. These industries prioritize candidates who can adapt to specialized software and regulatory frameworks, a focus area in Tennessee’s online accounting curricula through tools like QuickBooks Enterprise and SAP training.

Beyond technical preparation, Tennessee’s online programs emphasize local networking through partnerships with organizations like the Tennessee Society of CPAs, which hosts virtual career fairs and mentorship programs exclusive to state residents. This localized support helps you build relationships with regional firms and corporate employers early in your education, often leading to internships or project-based roles before graduation. Additionally, many programs offer accelerated pathways to CPA eligibility, critical in a state where certified professionals earn 10-15% more than non-licensed peers according to prior salary data.

With Tennessee’s job market for accountants projected to outpace many traditional industries through 2030, now is the time to leverage flexible online education tailored to the state’s economic landscape. Explore programs that integrate Tennessee-specific case studies and employer partnerships, ensuring your skills align with what local industries value most. Start building expertise in sectors where demand is rising fastest—healthcare, logistics, and corporate finance—and position yourself for roles that offer both stability and upward mobility in a thriving regional economy.

Where Can You Work After Graduating?

After completing your online accounting degree in Tennessee, you’ll find diverse opportunities across industries and employers statewide. Major healthcare, finance, and technology companies in Nashville actively recruit accounting professionals. HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, frequently hires for roles like financial analysts, auditors, and compliance specialists. Their corporate offices in Nashville offer exposure to complex healthcare finance systems and collaborative teams managing revenue cycles for hundreds of facilities as noted in Vintti’s Tennessee salary report. Deloitte and KPMG also maintain strong Nashville presences, providing audit, tax, and advisory services for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. These firms often recruit graduates for entry-level associate roles with structured training programs and pathways to certification support.

Regional firms like LBMC stand out for growth-focused opportunities. Recognized as a Top 5 Regional Accounting Firm by Accounting Today, LBMC serves mid-sized businesses and high-net-worth individuals across industries like healthcare, entertainment, and manufacturing. Their Nashville headquarters prioritizes mentorship programs and client-facing projects, making it a strong option for those seeking hands-on experience early in their careers according to Glassdoor’s top companies list.

For corporate accounting roles, Eventbrite’s Nashville operations center hires professionals to manage financial reporting for their live-event ticketing platform. Tech-savvy graduates can leverage skills in data analysis and SaaS revenue models here. Meanwhile, national firms like BDO and Crowe LLP have expanded their Tennessee offices, offering hybrid roles in forensic accounting, risk management, and international tax compliance. These employers often emphasize work-life balance initiatives, such as flexible scheduling and remote work options as highlighted by Indeed’s accounting company profiles.

Tennessee’s growing startup ecosystem creates demand for accountants in scaling ventures, particularly in Memphis’ logistics sector and Chattanooga’s manufacturing hubs. Build connections through local chapters of the Tennessee Society of CPAs or LinkedIn groups focused on Southeastern finance professionals. Many employers prioritize candidates with internships or volunteer experience in industry-specific accounting, so consider temporary roles or project work to demonstrate practical skills in healthcare finance, entertainment royalties, or supply chain cost analysis.

How Much Can You Earn as an Accountant in Tennessee?

If you're considering an accounting career in Tennessee, your earning potential varies significantly with experience and credentials. Entry-level roles like Accountant I positions reported by Salary.com start around $54,136 annually, with average pay reaching $59,326. These figures reflect foundational roles requiring minimal experience, often in basic bookkeeping or tax preparation. Moving into mid-career roles (3-7 years), salaries climb closer to statewide averages. Indeed reports an average of $62,604 annually for general accountants, while ZipRecruiter notes a comparable $62,014 per year ($29.81 hourly) as of 2025. These mid-tier salaries often apply to professionals handling more complex tasks like financial analysis or auditing without senior-level responsibilities.

Senior accountants (8+ years) in Tennessee typically outpace these averages, though specific figures aren’t detailed in the sources. However, certifications like the CPA license or specializations in high-demand areas such as forensic accounting or corporate finance can push earnings into the $70,000–$80,000 range. Industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and corporate finance often pay above average, particularly in cities like Nashville or Memphis where demand is higher.

Tennessee’s accountant salaries trend slightly below the national median ($77,250 as of 2023), but lower living costs can offset this gap. Certifications remain a key differentiator: CPAs in the state earn roughly 10–15% more than non-certified peers. Specializing in niches like tax strategy or compliance analytics also boosts income, as does transitioning into managerial roles. Remote work opportunities in online accounting could further increase earnings by allowing professionals to serve clients in higher-paying regions while residing in Tennessee.

Job growth for accountants in the state aligns with national trends, projected at 4–6% through 2032. Increased demand for financial transparency and digital accounting services suggests salaries may rise steadily, especially for those adept with cloud-based tools or AI-driven platforms. While entry-level pay starts modestly, strategic career moves can help you quickly close the gap with national averages.

How Do You Get Licensed in Tennessee?

To become a licensed accounting professional in Tennessee, follow these steps based on requirements from the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy:

Step 1: Complete Your Education
You must earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and complete 150 semester hours of education. At least 24 semester hours must focus on accounting subjects like auditing, taxation, or financial reporting, with an additional 24 hours in business-related courses. This 150-hour rule applies even if you earn your degree through an online program, provided the institution holds proper accreditation as outlined in Tennessee’s CPA license requirements.

Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination
Register with the Tennessee Board of Accountancy to take the Uniform CPA Exam, administered by NASBA. The exam covers four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. You must pass all sections with a minimum score of 75 within an 18-month window. Exam fees vary by section but typically total around $1,000 excluding study materials.

Step 3: Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam
After clearing the CPA Exam, you need to pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) ethics examination with a score of 90% or higher. This self-study course tests your understanding of professional conduct and regulatory standards. The exam fee is currently $245, and results remain valid for two years per Tennessee’s accountancy licensing guidelines.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Apply for your CPA license through the Tennessee Board of Accountancy’s online portal. Submit official transcripts verifying your education, CPA Exam scores, and ethics exam results. You’ll also need to complete a fingerprint-based background check through an approved vendor. Application fees total $170, and processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Step 5: Maintain Your License
Tennessee CPAs must renew their licenses every year by December 31. You’ll need to complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years, including at least 20 hours annually. At least 4 of those 80 hours must cover ethics. Keep records of CPE credits for five years in case of audits.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders
If you hold an active CPA license from another state, you may qualify for reciprocity. Tennessee requires proof of education, exam scores, and verification of good standing from your current licensing board. Additional ethics coursework or exams may apply depending on your original state’s requirements.

For detailed forms, fee schedules, or updates to licensing rules, visit the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy directly.