Best Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree Programs In Utah 2025

Why Utah is Smart for Online Accounting Studies

Utah’s explosive accounting job growth creates a strategic advantage for online students positioning themselves for long-term career success. The state’s accounting industry is projected to grow 33% before 2032 according to Forbes data analyzed by the Sandy Journal, dwarfing the 4% national average growth rate for other states. This surge stems from Utah’s tech sector expansion, renewable energy projects, and fintech innovation—industries requiring accountants who understand regulatory frameworks for emerging markets like blockchain transactions and sustainability reporting. With Utah’s Economic Data Viewer projecting “faster than average employment growth” through 2030, online programs let you align coursework with these trends while maintaining professional or personal commitments.

You’ll engage directly with employers driving this demand through virtual internships at Salt Lake City’s corporate hubs or collaborative projects analyzing real-world financial data from Utah-based startups. While traditional on-campus programs offer structured networking events, online degrees compensate through partnerships with organizations like the Utah Association of CPAs, which hosts virtual career fairs connecting students with regional firms. Remote learning also positions you to capitalize on replacement needs—over half of Utah’s projected accounting job openings through 2030 will stem from retirements and role shifts, according to state labor analysts.

Specialized online curricula address gaps in high-growth areas like forensic accounting for Utah’s cybersecurity firms or cost management for manufacturing plants along the I-15 corridor. This localized focus, combined with the flexibility to immediately apply skills in your current workplace, accelerates promotions—particularly as employers increasingly value hybrid work capabilities.

With Utah adding thousands of accounting roles annually, online education removes geographical barriers to entering this market. Start building expertise in software platforms favored by Salt Lake City’s Fortune 500 companies or tax strategies critical to St. George’s tourism businesses—all while maintaining your existing responsibilities. As industries reinvent financial practices to meet Utah’s rapid economic evolution, your ability to adapt through accessible, targeted learning becomes your career catalyst. Now is the time to align your skills with a state where accounting isn’t just growing—it’s leading national trends.

Where Utah Accounting Graduates Find Jobs

Utah’s accounting graduates find opportunities across a mix of established firms, corporate finance departments, and growing tech-driven organizations. Eide Bailly, recognized as one of the nation’s top 25 CPA firms through Glassdoor’s top finance employers list, offers roles in tax preparation, audit services, and business advisory. With over 40 offices nationwide, their Utah branches provide structured mentorship programs and hybrid work arrangements, making them a strong option for those seeking career growth in public accounting. Regional firms like Haynie & Company, highlighted in Salt Lake City’s top accountant employers, specialize in serving mid-sized businesses and nonprofits. Their collaborative culture emphasizes hands-on client work and professional development through regular training sessions.

Major organizations such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the University of Utah frequently hire accountants for financial management and operational roles. The Church’s global operations require professionals skilled in budgeting and compliance, offering stable positions with emphasis on ethical financial practices. At the University of Utah, in-house accounting roles come with benefits like tuition waivers and flexible schedules suited for those valuing academic environments. Corporate opportunities exist at companies like American Express, which maintains finance hubs in Utah focused on corporate accounting and financial analysis. Their positions often include perks like travel rewards and tuition reimbursement, appealing to graduates interested in large-scale financial systems.

Salt Lake City’s growing tech sector and Provo’s startup scene create demand for accountants familiar with SaaS business models and venture capital funding cycles. Firms listed in DesignRush’s 2025 Utah accounting rankings range from local practices to national names, providing diverse entry points across tax, audit, and advisory services. To maximize job prospects, attend networking events hosted by the Utah Association of CPAs and engage with alumni through university career portals. Many firms prioritize referrals, so connecting directly with employees on LinkedIn can give you an edge during application processes.

What Can You Earn as an Accountant in Utah?

If you’re considering a career in accounting in Utah, you’ll find salaries vary based on experience and qualifications. Entry-level roles like Accountant I positions typically start around $55,598, according to Salary.com’s 2025 data, with average pay reaching $60,928 annually. These figures apply to professionals with 0-2 years of experience, though roles in high-demand industries like tech or finance might offer starting salaries closer to the upper end of the $55,598–$66,818 range. Mid-career accountants with 3-7 years of experience earn closer to the statewide average of $64,569 reported by Indeed, though specialized skills like tax preparation or auditing can push earnings 10-15% higher. Senior accountants with 8+ years often exceed these averages, particularly in leadership roles or industries like manufacturing, where salaries can reach $75,000–$85,000 depending on company size.

Utah’s accountant salaries generally run slightly below the national median, but lower living costs help balance this gap. For example, ZipRecruiter’s 2025 data shows an average hourly rate of $29.90 (equivalent to $62,202 annually), which aligns with the state’s mid-tier earning potential. Your exact pay could shift based on certifications like a CPA license—often adding $5,000–$10,000 to base salaries—or specialization in high-growth areas like forensic accounting or financial analytics. Urban hubs like Salt Lake City tend to offer higher wages due to demand from corporate headquarters and tech firms, while rural areas may lean toward the lower end of reported ranges.

Future salary growth looks steady, with Utah’s expanding tech sector and remote work opportunities in online accounting roles driving demand. Industries like healthcare and renewable energy are also creating niches for accountants with sector-specific expertise. Staying updated on software like QuickBooks Online or pursuing certifications in data analytics can further boost your earning trajectory, especially as hybrid work models increase opportunities for Utah-based professionals to serve clients nationwide.

Getting Licensed: Utah’s CPA Requirements

To become a licensed CPA in Utah through online accounting education, follow these state-specific requirements:

Step 1: Complete 150 Semester Hours of Education
You need a bachelor’s degree or higher with at least 150 semester hours, including 42 credits in accounting courses (auditing, taxation, financial reporting) and 30 credits in business-related subjects (finance, business law). Utah’s Master of Accounting program at the Eccles School meets these standards, allowing graduates to immediately qualify for licensure.

Step 2: Pass All Required CPA Exams
Utah mandates passing three exams: the Uniform CPA Exam’s four sections (Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation) plus the AICPA Ethics Exam. You must complete all sections within 18 months, scoring at least 75 on each. Schedule exams through Utah’s Accountancy Exam portal, which provides testing center details and score release timelines.

Step 3: Gain 1 Year of Qualifying Work Experience
Accumulate 12 months of full-time accounting work under a licensed CPA. Experience must include skills in auditing, tax preparation, financial advisory, or management accounting. Part-time roles count if they total 2,000 hours.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application to DOPL
Apply through Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Submit official transcripts, exam scores, verification of work experience, and a $145 application fee. You’ll also need to complete a criminal background check ($37.25) and fingerprinting. DOPL typically processes applications in 4–6 weeks.

Step 5: Maintain Active Licensure
Renew your license every two years by completing 80 hours of continuing education, including 4 ethics credits. Courses must align with Utah’s NASBA-approved CPE standards. Renewal fees cost $82.

Reciprocity Note
Utah accepts CPA licenses from states with equivalent requirements through the NASBA Mobility Program. If you’re licensed elsewhere, submit proof of education, exam scores, and experience via DOPL’s reciprocity application.

For updates or assistance, contact DOPL directly or consult the Utah Association of CPAs for mentorship programs and licensing workshops.