Accounting Schools in Montana

Montana Accounting Schools

Montana Board of Public Accountants301 S Park
Helena, MT 59620-0513
Phone: 406-841-2383
Fax: 406-841-2309
Email: dlibsdpac@mt.gov

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of States Boards of Accountancy and other professional groups determine the accepted procedures for recording, analyzing and auditing the records. The accounting curriculum incorporates these procedures so that those who are training for the accounting profession will meet the same general requirements. An accounting curriculum is designed by the state, accrediting associations and professional organizations, all accredited institutions offer courses that are very similar.

As with all professions, practitioners must pass an examination to be certified. Accountants must pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination published by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Although the examination is uniform throughout the United States, various states have other requirements that candidates must meet. The requirements for becoming a CPA in Montana may be found here. Certified Public Accountants may also represent clients before the IRS. Additional certifications for accountants are Certified Financial Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.

Accountants may specialize in auditing, governmental accounting, cost accounting, tax accounting and other specialized types of accounting. Learn more about each career path and descriptions of accounting specializations.

Total Accounting Schools: 13
Total Accounting Students: 5,532
Average Tuition: $8,615
Average Scholarship Package: $4,440
Average Grant Amount: $6,711
Average Classroom Size: 14 Students
Online Accounting Programs: 9
Average Online Tuition: $6,422
Online Undergraduate Programs: 9
Online Graduate Programs: 4
Top Accounting Schools:Montana State University
Carroll College
The University of Montana
Largest Accounting School:Montana State University
• 2,705 Students Currently Attending
Cheapest Accounting School:Fort Peck Community College
• $2,250 Annual Tuition Charges
School With Largest Financial Aid Packages:Carroll College
• $12,593 Average Financial Aid Award

Salary and Job Outlook for Accountants in Montana

The job outlook for Montana’s accountants is promising in the coming years. Between 2018 and 2028, the number of accounting jobs in Montana is projected to increase by a whopping 12% – that’s three times the national projected growth rate in this profession during this time. The state expects to see about 380 annual job openings in the accounting profession during this ten-year period leading to 2028 due to a combination of new job growth, retirements, and natural job turnover.

As of May 2020, Montana’s accountants earned an average salary of $63,240, while those at the top of the pay scale (90th percentile), which largely represent those with advanced degrees, extensive experience and, more often than not, the CPA designation, earned about $106,830 during this time.

Both the Missoula and Billings metro areas reported strong average salaries for accountants as of May 2020, at $66,720 and $66,290, respectively. At the top of the pay scale (90th percentile), both Missoula and Billings came out on top once again, at $113,620 and $113,070, respectively. Note that these salaries feature base salaries only and do not reflect total compensation packages that usually include salary incentives like bonuses and stock options – both of which can significantly increase accountant salaries.

Business and government accountants record, analyze, and audit the transactions of the business or government entity. The curriculum for accountants is established by accrediting associations and professional organizations. Any accredited school in Montana prepares students for accounting careers.

May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market data for accountants and auditors represents state data, not school-specific information.

Job growth projections for 2018-2028 sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored O*Net database represents state data, not school-specific information.

Conditions in your area may vary. Data Accessed May 2021.