How to Become an Accountant or CPA in Alaska

CPA Exam Education Requirements in Alaska

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The largest part of your CPA preparation is your education. If you are serious about becoming an accountant, you will need an accounting degree from an online accounting program or traditional on-campus university. Most universities offer an accounting degree program and many now have online options for accounting students. You will want to have the strongest academic background you can possibly manage. Since Alaska has no residency requirements for its CPAs, you can freely pursue your accounting degree in another state or online. Alaska policy also allows aspiring CPAs to take their exam prior to completing an undergraduate degree in accounting, provided that you are only 18 semester or 27 quarter hours away from graduation and meet additional education requirements.

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Nonetheless, Alaska does require that your transcripts reflect a certain curriculum. Students will need to complete an undergraduate degree with a major concentration based in Accounting and 150 total undergraduate or graduate credit hours. If you choose to pursue your accounting degree and CPA licensure as a student in an MBA program, you will likewise need to reflect a thorough overview of accounting coursework on your transcripts. In particular, the state board of accountancy requires that your academic record be comprised of:

24 semester hours in accounting at or above the intermediate level. Courses include:

Since the CPA examination is one of the most difficult professional exams, you will likely want to take a CPA review courses or a preparation course which can cover general terms and total content or individual questions or sections of review. Alaska will acknowledge these courses and counts them towards your 150 semester hours. These courses must be taken for credit at an accredited institution. Commercial accounting courses might be helpful as reviews later on, but they cannot be taken to satisfy the Board's requirements to sit for the test.

Alaska acknowledges bachelor's degrees from out of state institutions, but the Board will want to see that your accounting degree comes from an accredited college or university.

Make sure that your accounting degree is certified by one of the following accreditation agencies:

Taking the CPA Exam in Alaska

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The exam CPA professionals take is provided by the AICPA, a national association that provides testing, education, and other resources to CPA candidates and practicing professionals. Your life as a CPA will likely include some interactions with this organization. Prior to taking the exam, the Alaska board asks that you satisfy the academic and other requirements to make sure you learn everything you need to earn a good score. As a baseline, the state does require that all CPAs be 19 years of age or older and of upstanding moral character.

To ensure the strongest possible application to the board, present them with a transcript that includes:

Another option allows you to take the CPA exam with a bachelor's degree in accounting and at least one year of supervised experience with a licensed CPA. You will need more experience if your bachelor's degree in accounting does not include the necessary courses.

Once you have completed your bachelor's degree and a major concentration in Accounting, you are ready to apply to the board. Note that your bachelor's may still be in progress, but you must be within 18 semester or 27 quarter hours of graduation. First, complete an application for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination that you can download from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website. If you find the provided information confusing, simply email the NASBA in order to clarify.

Along with a completed application, have your official transcripts sent from your educational institution to the Board. If you are relying on your supervised experience, provide the board with a signed, notarized letter that reflects:

Detailed information reflecting your specific experience in areas such as:

Continuing Professional Education Requirements

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In order to maintain your accounting license with the state of Alaska, you must continue to update your education with coursework and seminars. The state asks that you complete a minimum of 20 hours per year and a total of 80 hours every two years. At least four of the 80 continuing education hours must cover ethics and Alaska's statutes and regulations regarding accountancy.

There are many ways to achieve your CPE credits. You might enroll in for-credit classes from your local institution of higher education, including a community college. You could also take advantage of contemporary advances in education and take courses from colleges and universities online. In fact, you could take advantage of the CPE requirement and use that time to complete a master's degree in accounting or business. First make sure that the institution is fully accredited by a board-approved agency. In Alaska, one semester hour in a college course will count for 15 hours of CPE time.

You can also take courses through the AICPA, engage in an independent study course, publish books or articles, or teach a course yourself. Teaching or leading discussions can only count for a maximum of 30 CPE hours every two years.

Make sure that you fully account for your CPA time and energy by keeping complete records. If the course or lecture offers a CPE certificate, make sure you get that.

You will also need to take note of vital facts such as:

Note that you will need to renew your license every two years and your CPE hours must be a part of that biennial renewal process.

Become an Accountant in Alaska

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First and foremost, individuals considering an accounting career in Alaska should seriously consider their professional goals. Establishing attainable outcomes will help direct you to the best academic colleges capable of providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to succeed. Knowing your ultimate aspirations ensures you select the correct degree level and concentration.

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Once you have completed the necessary educational requirements, you have the option of pursuing certifications and/or licensure. Some popular options include:

The most frequently sought after license is Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Only accountants licensed as CPAs can file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a vital component of most mid-to-high-level positions in the field. This licensure demonstrates professional competence and instills client confidence.

CPA requirements vary slightly by state. In Alaska, first-time applicants must be of good moral characters, be at least 19 years old, and meet one of several academic achievements. All states require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but an additional 30 semester hours is also necessary. Additionally, CPAs must pass the national, four-part Uniform CPA Examination offered by the American Institute of the Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). All four sections must be completed within an 18 month period.

CPAs, as well as many other professionals with other accounting certifications, are also responsible for completing continuing education (CE) requirements. In order to maintain licensure, candidates must take additional courses on relevant accounting topics, including financial ethics. CE classes may be offered by state and national finance organizations and associations, as well as colleges and universities in Alaska.

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Top College Programs in Alaska for Accounting

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While Alaska has one of the smallest state populations in the country, there are still plenty of opportunities to pursue a degree in accounting.

Some of the most prominent options include: