The Big 4 Accounting Firms

Breaking down the biggest accounting and cpa firms

  • CPA Prep Courses
    • Becker CPA Review
    • Gleim CPA Review
    • Surgent CPA Review
  • Best Firms
    • The Top 10 Accounting Firms In The US: 2023
    • Top 20 Accounting Firms in The World
    • Best Accounting Firms to Work For
  • Best Schools
    • The 50 Best Accounting Schools in the USA
    • Best Forensic Accounting Programs
    • Top 20 Bachelors in Accounting Degree Schools Online
    • Best Online Accounting Degree Schools (Graduate & Undergrad)
    • Accounting Schools by State
    • Best College Admissions Consultants
  • Blog
    • Best Accounting Certifications
    • How to Become An Accountant
    • Accounting Internships
  • Discounts
    • Becker Promo Codes
  • Generic selectors
    Exact matches only
    Search in title
    Search in content
    Post Type Selectors
Updated:May. 29, 2025
By Big 4 Accounting Firms
You’re our #1 priority.
100% of the time.

We believe everybody should be able to make online purchases with confidence. And while our website doesn’t feature every test prep company or review course in the universe, we’re proud that the advice we offer and the information we provide is accurate, truthful, objective - and entirely free.

So how do we actually make money? It’s simple, our partners compensate us. While this may influence which products we review and write about, and where they show up on the site, it absolutely does not influence our recommendations or guidance, which are formed by hundreds of hours of research and analysis. Check out our partners here.

What’s the bottom line? We’re on your team and are passionate about helping you achieve your career goals, even if it means we don’t make a dime.

Accounting Schools in Idaho

idaho

Prospective accounting students in Idaho face a modest range of choices, with just over 15 colleges and universities offering accounting programs ranging from certificates to Master’s degrees. Idaho accounting schools do not shine out in national rankings; however, the University of Idaho stands out from the rest, having been ranked 161st nationwide by U.S. News. Moreover, the Brigham Young University – Idaho secured the 12th place in Businessweek’s ranking of business undergraduate programs in 2013. Both universities also made the Forbes Top 500 Colleges List, together with the College of Idaho. While only two institutions in the state offer advanced degrees in accounting, Idaho offers some quality schools with varying tuition fees, degree programs and flexibility.

Tips for Choosing the Right Accounting Program

At the start of an accounting career, it is your university degree that recommends you to potential employers. You will enter the job market with skills and experience gained during your studies, while your ability to face challenges such as the CPA exam may also depend on the quality of your education.

This is why you should inform yourself thoroughly before enrolling in any program to make sure that you are making the best choice. The ideal accounting program should be AACBS-accredited, ranked highly among national universities and should offer a rigorous curriculum taught by excellent instructors. Ask to see previous students’ evaluations, as well as CPA exam pass rates in order to gauge the effectiveness of the program.

You should also make sure that your career will start before you leave university. Through internships, field trips, volunteering programs and active student organizations, your school should connect you to your local business community from day one. Try to find out which employers target graduates of the program you are considering and take a look at recent graduate placement rates: your accounting degree should be the key to a successful career.

How to Become an Accountant or CPA

If you have an analytical mind and a passion for business, you might find a career in accounting exciting and rewarding. Given the complexity of today’s business environments, the need for qualified accountants to navigate financial statements and regulations is at its peak.

To access entry-level accounting positions, you need a four-year degree with an accounting concentration. However, if your ambitions are higher and you wish to obtain a certification such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, you will need to complete 150 semester hours, usually taken over five years. You will also have to pass all four sections of the notoriously difficult CPA examination, as well as pass an ethics examination and acquire at least one year of accounting experience before you can work as a CPA.

While this may seem like a difficult career path, it is important to remember that as a CPA your opportunities for increased pay and advancement will broaden significantly. Becoming a CPA is a feat that not many accomplish – and this will put you in very good company if you succeed.

State CPA Requirements

Candidates with a baccalaureate degree or equivalent with a concentration in accounting may sit for the CPA exam in Idaho. However, in order to apply for a CPA license, you have to complete 150 semester hours of college education. This should include a degree in accounting from an accredited school or a degree in business with an additional 24 semester hours in undergraduate accounting or 15 hours in graduate accounting courses. Alternatively, candidates can qualify for licensure by completing a baccalaureate degree with an additional 24 semester hours in accounting courses and 24 hours in business courses.

Once you have met the educational requirement and have passed all four sections of the CPA exam, you will also have to pass the AICPA ethics examination and to complete one year of accounting experience before you can be granted a CPA license.

Idaho Accounting Salary (avg)
National Accounting Salary (avg)
$38,000
$57,000

Accounting Salaries in Idaho

In 2013, Idaho reported a mean annual salary for accountants and auditors of $63,570, just below the national average for this profession. The state also falls below average in terms of accounting employment level and location quotient.

However, motivated accounting graduates can secure brighter futures by seizing the right opportunity, as pay can increase significantly with location and experience. For example, accountants in the Boise area earn $65,980 on average, higher than the national average. Moreover, the highest paid 10% of accountants in Idaho earn an average of $92,180. Such variations are typical of the accounting profession with its wide range of career paths and certifications.

Idaho Accounting Jobs
Average Salary
Big4 Accountant
$49,000
Senior Corporate Accountant
$45,000
Property Accountant
$33,000
Tax Accountant
$38,000
Bookkeeper
$25,000

Accounting Program Sneak Peek

Idaho accounting training

Ranked 65th among Regional Western Universities by U.S. News, Boise State University offers a comprehensive AACSB-accredited accounting program including a BBA in Accountancy and a Master of Science in Accountancy with the possibility of a specialization in Taxation. Rooted in the dynamic Boise business community, the university prides itself on internship opportunities and extra-curricular activities provided by organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi.

Students pursuing the Boise BBA degree will gain a broad foundation in business, accounting, finance and general education, with the option to sign up for the “Finish in Four” program to help them stay on track. Moreover, students wishing to become CPAs can enroll in the flexible MS in Accountancy program that covers financial reporting, tax law, information systems, auditing and accounting. First-rate teaching quality is ensured by instructors with accounting experience, while the hands-on learning programs put Boise students at an advantage in the job market.

Idaho Accounting SchoolsAddress
Boise State University1910 University Dr, Boise, ID 83725
Idaho State University921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201
University of Idaho709 S Deakin St, Moscow, ID 83844
Community CollegesAddress
College of Southern Idaho315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238
Eastern Idaho Technical College1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404-5788
Idaho State Univ College of Technology921 S. 8th Ave Stop 8380, Pocatello, ID 83201
North Idaho College1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Top Ranked Accounting Program in Idaho: University of Idaho

The AACSB-accredited University of Idaho offers a prestigious accounting program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for CPA certification and a successful accounting career. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting offers a thorough curriculum covering accounting, taxation, auditing, fraud examination, business law and communication, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning through different entrepreneurship, business and international programs. Students can also get involved in student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi and can undertake internships with major corporate firms.

Moreover, the Master of Accountancy at the University of Idaho allows students to prepare for the CPA examination while getting a head-start in their careers. The graduate program provides students with advanced knowledge in accounting, auditing, management, information systems and taxation and supplements classroom teaching with experiential learning. It is thus no surprise that the Master of Accountancy program boasts a graduate placement rate of 95%, with employers including the Big Four and other major companies.

References

https://www.accountingcoach.com/careers/colleges-universities-accounting-degrees
https://www.baruch.cuny.edu/news/documents/PARSurvey2013-BaruchRankings.pdf
https://www.accountingcoach.com/careers/cpa-requirements
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm
https://www.bls.gov/oes/2013/may/oes_id.htm
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Public_Accountant_(CPA)/Salary
https://www.mastersinaccounting.info/idaho/
https://www.accountingdegreetoday.com/schools/idaho/
https://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-idaho-1626
https://cobe.boisestate.edu/accountancy/
https://cobe.boisestate.edu/accountancy/degrees-courses/accountancy-degrees/
https://registrar.boisestate.edu/undergraduate/program-list/p-acct-bba/
https://graduatecollege.boisestate.edu/programs2/accountancy-taxation/

Table of Contents

  1. Tips for Choosing the Right Accounting Program
  2. How to Become an Accountant or CPA
  3. State CPA Requirements
  4. Accounting Salaries in Idaho
  5. Accounting Program Sneak Peek
  6. Top Ranked Accounting Program in Idaho: University of Idaho

Accountant Training

  • 50 Best Accounting Schools
  • Top 25 Accounting Certifications
  • Top 20 Firms in The World
  • Accounting Internships 101
  • Top 10 US Accounting Firms
  • How to Become an Accountant
  • Generic selectors
    Exact matches only
    Search in title
    Search in content
    Post Type Selectors
  • CPA Prep Courses
  • Best Firms
  • Best Schools
  • Blog
  • Discounts
  • Generic selectors
    Exact matches only
    Search in title
    Search in content
    Post Type Selectors

Part of the McClatchy Media Network
Copyright © 2025 · Careers · About Us · Policies and Disclosures · Terms of Service · Contact Us · Editorial Policy · Advertise With Us

CFA® Institute does not endorse, promote or warrant the accuracy or quality of big4accountingfirms.org. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA® Institute

➤