Tax Accounting Programs in Wisconsin

Educational Information:

In Wisconsin, students can find over 57 accredited schools that offer accounting programs. Students can also find accounting programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor or master level. Accounting programs focus on a combination of theoretical accounting courses and technical accounting courses. Course examples include auditing, legal aspects if accounting, accounting processes for non-government organizations and businesses, financial reporting, financial analysis of statements and tax planning.

Licensing Information:

Those who wish to serve the public as accountants must obtain a CPA license in Wisconsin. Students who wish to take the CPA exam will need to have at least 150 credit hours from an accounting program. There is no requirement that students have residency in Wisconsin or the United States in order to obtain a license. The minimum age for students who are applying for a CPA license is 18. There is a one-year work experience requirement that students must also meet, and they may complete the requirement by working in public accounting or non-public accounting. At least 24 hours of a bachelor degree program must focus on accounting coursework for individuals to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam.

Employment Information:

With an accounting degree, students can work for the State of Wisconsin, local government organizations, private companies, financial institutions, educational institutions or other entities. Students may also choose to pursue careers as tax planning specialists, accountants, real estate brokers, real estate appraisers, financial managers, auditors, teachers, insurance agent underwriters and other careers.

As of May 2020, accounting professionals earned an average salary of $74,480 in Wisconsin, while tax preparers here earned an average salary of $52,690. Between 2018 and 2028, the number of accountant and auditor jobs in the state is projected to increase by 5.8%, and the number of tax preparer jobs is projected to increase by 2%.

About 2,600 annual job openings for accountants and 100 annual job openings for tax preparers are expected during this ten-year period leading to 2028 due to a combination of new job growth, retirements, and natural job turnover.

May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market trends for accountants and auditors and tax preparers. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2021.

Job growth projections for accountants and auditors and tax preparers sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored O*Net database and based on state-specific information (2018-2028)