Educational Requirements
The governing body of accountancy licensure in Louisiana is the state’s Board of Certified Public Accountants. Educational requirements for obtaining licensure through qualifying for the Uniform CPA Exam include 150 semester credit hours, and a bachelor’s degree (at minimum) conferred from a recognized university or college. For undergraduate work, at least 24 hours must be accepted business courses, and business law courses may only account for three of these 24 hours. The Louisiana Board of Certified Public Accountants will have the most accurate, current, and specific requirements. Click here to access their current policies.
Salary
Similar to most states, Louisiana’s CPAs should enjoy a salary competitive with the national average and current market valuations. The average annual salary for a CPA in Louisiana in 2011 was $60,730, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. CPAs in earning in the lowest 10% in the state can expect salaries of approximately $36,880. The average annual salary of the top 10% of accountancy professionals in Louisiana was $90,710. Location in the state will influence compensation; for example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that CPAs in New Orleans enjoyed an average salary of over $65,000. Those in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area earned an average of just over $60,000, while more rural regions of Louisiana found average annual salaries somewhat lower.
CPA Licensing in Louisiana
To become a CPA in Louisiana, applicants for licensure must have the “Three E’s:” Education, Examination, and Experience. As with many other states, Louisiana uses qualification requirements in these three areas to determine eligibility and fitness for applicants to become certified public accountants. Specifically, the requirements for CPA licensure in Louisiana are as follows:
- At minimum, completion of bachelor’s degree involving at least 150 semester hours of coursework.
- While experience is not necessary to sit for the CPA exam in Louisiana, in order to obtain licensure, all applicants must complete at least one year of verified, qualifying experience. Louisiana’s State Board of Certified Public Accountants has more information here.
- Provide all transcripts for review at time of examination.
- Pass the four-part Uniform CPA Exam.
- Be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character, as defined by the State Board.
- While reciprocal licensure may be possible, Louisiana does have a 120 days of continuous residency requirement for certified public accountants in the state.
- Submit an application and pay a $100 application fee.
- Upon granting your licensure, all Louisiana CPAs must take an oath as prescribed by the Board.
Continuing Education Requirements
Every three years, CPAs in Louisiana must renew their licensure. During these three-year periods, accountants must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education. A Board-approved ethics course must be part of these credit hours, and 20% of the continuing professional education requirements must be fulfilled with accounting and auditing courses specifically. Specific, codified rules can be found here, while the Board of Certified Public Accountants of Louisiana provides digestible guidelines with relevant links in its web resources.
Accounting Jobs in Louisiana
Accountancy jobs are in constant demand, and national employment is expected to continue growth at an average occupational rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Financial and governmental centers of Louisiana will have the most opportunities for employment, although accounting professionals are employed all over the state. Tourism, hospitality, and casinos are Louisiana industries that employ many accountants, as well as financial services firms and governmental entities. One great resource for industry information within the state is the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants.