Accounting is all about understanding how money flows through a business and using financial information to make smart decisions. If you’re interested in business, finance, investing, or entrepreneurship, accounting is one of the most important subjects you can study. It provides the framework that organizations use to track financial performance, manage resources, and make informed decisions about the future.
One of the best ways to explore these interests and build your skills is through accounting competitions. These competitive events focus on accounting, finance, and business topics, and are offered by professional associations, educational organizations, and academic institutions. Opportunities are available at various levels, from local and state events to national programs that bring together talented students from across the country.
What Do Accounting Competitions for High School Students Include?
Accounting competitions involve working with real-world financial information and applying accounting concepts to a variety of business scenarios. These competitions challenge you to think like an accountant, analyze balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements to assess a company’s financial position. Some competitions focus on bookkeeping, financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and managerial accounting through exams or problem-solving challenges. Others use case studies that expect you to evaluate business situations and support your conclusions using financial data. Team-based events may include presentations, business simulations, or collaborative challenges that combine accounting with broader business concepts. Through these activities, you will gain exposure to a wide range of accounting and finance concepts, including budgeting, cost accounting, ratio analysis, financial forecasting, and spreadsheet-based calculations. These experiences can help you develop analytical, problem solving and team work skills, while giving you a deeper understanding of how businesses operate.
Here is a list of 15 accounting competitions for high school students to help you get started.
Key Takeaways
- 15 accounting competitions range from individual exam based events like the ISU High School Accounting Challenge and FBLA Accounting I, to team based case competitions like the IMA Student Case Competition and the Robert J. Martin High School Forensic Accounting Competition.
- Cash prizes and scholarships are common across this list. The ISU High School Accounting Challenge offers scholarships up to $3,000 to Illinois State University’s accounting program, and both the Kent State and Robert J. Martin competitions offer a total of $3,000 in cash prizes alongside a $500 Accounting Excellence Award.
- Several competitions focus specifically on personal finance rather than corporate accounting. The National Personal Finance Challenge and the ACEE Personal Finance Case Study both have teams evaluate a fictional family or client’s financial situation and present recommendations to judges.
- Self-paced and flexible formats make some competitions accessible outside a fixed event date. Deloitte’s High School Accounting Challenge is open year round and fully virtual, and the Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge lets participants work through activities at their own pace during the competition window.
- Emerging technology is starting to show up in accounting competitions. The Future Accountants AI Challenge specifically asks students to analyze how artificial intelligence can support accounting decision-making, reflecting how the profession itself is evolving.
- Several competitions are run through national business organizations with multi-level advancement structures. DECA’s Accounting Applications Series and FBLA’s Accounting I both let students advance through regional, state, and national or international levels based on performance.
- Accounting competitions are a strong way to build analytical and financial reasoning skills, but they are not the only path for a student interested in independent research. Those who want to pursue a research project in a different field might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a mentored virtual research program with 600+ specializations across subjects like data science, political theory, and machine learning.
1. ISU High School Accounting Challenge
Location: Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 scholarship to Illinois State University Accounting Program for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: April 4
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Illinois State University High School Accounting Challenge gives high school students the opportunity to test their knowledge of accounting concepts through a competitive examination developed by the accounting faculty of Illinois State University. During the event, you will complete an individual exam covering introductory accounting topics such as the accounting cycle, journal entries, depreciation, inventory, receivables, and key accounting terminology. You can also participate in a team competition that combines individual exam scores with a collaborative team-building challenge. To ensure fair competition, schools are grouped by enrollment size, allowing you to compete against peers from similarly sized schools. Top-performing individuals can earn scholarships to Illinois State University’s accounting program, while winning teams receive trophies.
2. Southern Illinois University Accounting Challenge
Location: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; scholarships and other prizes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: February 5
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Open to high school and community college students
The SIU Accounting Challenge combines an accounting examination with collaborative activities designed for students at different levels of accounting study. You’ll compete in a division that aligns with your accounting background, whether you are taking introductory coursework or have more advanced experience. The exam covers topics such as journal entries, depreciation, inventory valuation, receivables, and accounting terminology. The assessment also includes problems that require applying accounting concepts to a variety of situations and business contexts. A separate team-building challenge adds a collaborative component to the event and gives you an opportunity to work with peers on a shared task.
3. DECA Accounting Applications Series
Location: Organized at multiple locations in all 50 states; DECA International Career Development Conference held at Atlanta; GA
Cost/Stipend: Entry fee may vary based on competition and location; scholarships may vary based on competition and location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on competition and location; DECA International Career Development Conference on April 25
Application Deadline: Varies based on competition and location
Eligibility: High school students who are members of a DECA chapter; open to U.S and international students
The DECA Accounting Applications Series (ACT) is an individual competitive event that challenges you to apply accounting and financial knowledge to real-world business scenarios. The event covers topics such as financial statements, accounting procedures, budgeting, financial analysis, and the use of accounting data in business planning and decision-making. As a participant, you’ll complete a finance-related exam and take part in two role-play case studies in which you analyze financial information and respond to accounting challenges presented by a judge. You will be evaluated on your ability to interpret information, solve problems, and communicate your recommendations in a professional setting. You can advance through regional, state, and international levels of the competition based on your performance, making this an opportunity to showcase your accounting and business skills.
4. FBLA Accounting I
Location: Multiple location across the US, National Leadership Conference to be held at San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on state and region
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific competition, state and region, National Leadership Conference: June 29-July 2
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific competition, state and region
Eligibility: Open to high school students
FBLA Accounting is an individual competitive event offered by the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) that focuses on building a strong foundation in accounting principles. In this event, you’ll work on an objective test covering topics such as financial statements, journal entries, account classification, payroll, bank reconciliation, depreciation, ethics, and the accounting cycle. The event consists of a 50-minute multiple-choice exam that evaluates your understanding of key accounting principles and practices, making it a great way to explore potential careers in business and finance, while sharpening your analytical skills.
5. Deloitte’s High School Accounting Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Flexible, self-paced
Application Deadline: Open year round
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Deloitte High School Accounting Challenge is a series of accounting case challenges designed to introduce high school students to accounting through realistic business scenarios. In these challenges, you’ll work with fictional entrepreneurs and businesses, organizing financial records, preparing accounting documents, identifying errors, and evaluating business performance. Each challenge includes instructional videos, teacher guides, and student resources to help you work through the exercises. As you progress through the challenges, you’ll explore topics such as bookkeeping, financial reporting, profit analysis, and consulting recommendations for business owners. You will take on the role of an accounting intern and work through activities involving transactions, journal entries, ledgers, trial balances, financial statements, and financial analysis.
6. IMA Student Case Competition
Location: Held at regional, national and international levels
Cost/Stipend: Free; cash rewards, certificates and other prizes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The IMA Student Case Competition gives you the opportunity to tackle a real-world problem and develop recommendations supported by accounting and financial data. You’ll work with a team of three to five students to analyze a business case and apply concepts from accounting, finance, strategy, and data analysis to address the challenges faced by a company. Each year, the participants receive a new case study that requires evaluating a company’s business challenges, interpreting financial and operational information, and proposing solutions supported by evidence. You will be required to prepare a strategic analysis and submit your findings for review by accounting and business professionals. Top teams advance to regional or country finals, where they present their recommendations and respond to questions from judges.
7. The National Personal Finance Challenge (NPFC)
Location: Online qualifying and state rounds; National Finals will be held in Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free; cash prizes awarded to winners, all expenses for finals including food, hotel, and events (transportation to/from state of origin excluded) covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Dates for state events vary; nationals to be held on June 1
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled in a high school or home-based school or educational institution from the state they are representing; teams must have a coach who is an associate of the team’s school, school district, organization, or program
The National Personal Finance Challenge (NPFC) is a team-based financial analysis competition that requires you to interpret financial information and develop recommendations based on realistic scenarios. The competition focuses on personal finance topics such as budgeting, credit management, investing, insurance, and risk assessment, helping you build skills that are useful both in business and everyday life. The opening rounds test your understanding of these finance concepts through a team-based challenge, while later stages introduce more complex decision-making tasks. At the national finals, you’ll evaluate the financial situation of a fictional family and develop a plan that addresses its goals, obligations, and available resources. You’ll then present your recommendations to judges and explain how the evidence from the case supports your conclusions.
8. Kent State High School Accounting Competition
Location: Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
Cost/Stipend: Free; total of $3,000 in cash prizes, $500 Accounting Excellence Award for all participating schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: November 7
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Kent State High School Accounting Case Competition is a research-based accounting event built around important issues and developments shaping the accounting profession. Working as part of a team, you’ll investigate a designated topic, which may relate to technology, workforce trends, regulation, ethics, or other developments affecting the field of accounting. You’ll organize your findings into a presentation that explains the significance of the issue and its broader implications for accounting professionals and organizations. The event brings together students, accounting faculty, and industry representatives, creating an opportunity to engage with current topics and gain insights into the evolving world of accounting.
9. Robert J. Martin High School Forensic Accounting Competition
Location: Lakeland University, Plymouth, WI
Cost/Stipend: Fee: $90/team, $25/individual students; total of $3,000 in cash prizes, $500 Accounting Excellence Award for all participating schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum of 40 teams; approximately 250 students
Dates: March 14
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to Wisconsin high school students
Lakeland University’s Forensic Accounting Competition is a team-based case competition that introduces you to the world of forensic accounting, fraud detection, and financial investigation. Your task is to analyze a simulated fraud case and determine how the misconduct occurred. Before the event, your team receives a case study containing financial information and supporting materials that serve as the basis for your investigation. As you review the evidence, you’ll identify irregularities, evaluate potential explanations, and develop conclusions supported by your analysis. On competition day, you will present your findings to a panel of accounting professionals and respond to questions about your recommendations. Teams compete in preliminary rounds, with top-performing groups advancing to a final presentation round.
10. Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; badges and awards to schools and educators
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: February 23 – 15
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to U.S middle school and high school students
The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge is an online financial literacy competition that helps you build finance literacy skills through everyday money-management scenarios. Topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, investing, taxes, and financial planning and accounting are woven into a series of interactive activities designed to stimulate everyday financial decision-making. As you work through the challenge, you’ll evaluate different options and consider the financial consequences of your choices. The online format allows you to move through the challenge during the designated competition period at your own pace while engaging with realistic financial situations. Performance is measured through a points-based system, and results are displayed on a leaderboard that recognizes top participants.
11. USI High School Business Day
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; Case competition: $750 cash for top team and $250 cash for the school; Scholarship Challenge: $1,000, $500 and $250 scholarship to Romain College of Business for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: November 12
Application Deadline: November 4
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
USI High School Business Day is a business-focused academic event that brings together high school students for a variety of competitive and educational activities. As a participant, you can explore areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, and business communication through a variety of individual and team-based events. Depending on the competition category, you might complete objective tests, analyze business scenarios, or demonstrate your knowledge through collaborative challenges. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to interact with university faculty, business professionals, and fellow students while exploring different areas of business study. The event also provides opportunities to learn about business-related academic programs, careers and life at the university level.
12. BPA Virtual Business Challenge: Accounting
Location: Held at regional, state and national levels; also holds virtual events
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on specific competition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific competition
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to high school students
BPA Industry Challenges are project-based business competitions that give you the opportunity to apply accounting, finance, and financial analysis to real-world scenarios developed in collaboration with industry partners. Depending on the challenge, you might interpret financial information, evaluate business performance, develop recommendations, and address a workplace problem using accounting and business concepts. You will work on a practical scenario and create a professional submission that responds to the organization’s objectives and goals. Along the way, you may need to research business issues, analyze data, and present your findings in a professional format. Entries are evaluated by industry professionals, who assess how effectively participants apply their knowledge to realistic business situations.
13. ACEE Personal Finance Case Study
Location: Mesa Community College, Red Mountain Campus, Mesa, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Free; high school 1st place: $500, middle school 1st place: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Qualifying round: March 26 & 27, state finals: April 17
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Open to high school and middle school students
The Arizona Personal Finance Case Study is a team-based planning competition that challenges you to analyze a realistic financial planning scenario and develop recommendations tailored to a client’s needs. You will receive information about an individual or family’s financial circumstances and use that information to create a plan that aligns with their goals and resources. The case may include details about income, spending patterns, savings, debt obligations, insurance needs, and long-term financial objectives. As you review the situation, you’ll identify key financial challenges and consider possible strategies for addressing them. Your team will then present its conclusions to a panel of judges, explaining the reasoning behind each recommendation.
14. Future Accountants AI Challenge
Location: Felician University, Bergen County, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; scholarships, cash prizes and other awards
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 8
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: High school students from participating high schools
The Future Accountants AI Challenge, hosted by Felician University, is an accounting-focused competition that explores how artificial intelligence can be used to support accounting and business decision-making. As a participant, you’ll investigate accounting-related problems and consider how emerging technologies can be used to address them. You will analyze a given case, develop a solution or recommendation, and explain the role that AI plays in your approach. Your entry will be evaluated on the quality of your analysis, the practicality of your proposed solution, and your understanding of both accounting and technology concepts.
15.Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Location: Virtual, Learning Day & Global Finale at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Student members from all 10 global finalist teams will have the course fee waived for Wharton’s online course, Understanding Your Money
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Different phases of the competition will happen from September 29 – April 25
Application Deadline: June 30 – September 12
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 through 12
Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is a team-based investment competition that gives you the opportunity to apply accounting, finance and investment concepts to real-world scenarios. Your team is assigned a client profile with specific financial goals, investment constraints, and risk preferences, and your task is to develop an investment strategy that aligns with those objectives. As you evaluate potential investments, you’ll work with company financial statements, earnings reports, industry trends, and market data to make informed decisions. Throughout the competition, you’ll manage a simulated portfolio while documenting the reasoning behind your choices in a written report.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that allows you to conduct advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these competitions are free to enter?
Most competitions on this list are free, including the ISU High School Accounting Challenge, the IMA Student Case Competition, the National Personal Finance Challenge, and the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition. The Robert J. Martin Forensic Accounting Competition is a notable exception, charging $90 per team or $25 per individual student.
Do I need a team to participate in these competitions?
It depends on the competition. The IMA Student Case Competition and Robert J. Martin Forensic Accounting Competition both require teams, typically of three to five students, while others like FBLA Accounting I and the ISU High School Accounting Challenge include an individual exam component alongside optional team activities.
Which competitions focus on personal finance rather than business accounting?
The National Personal Finance Challenge and the ACEE Personal Finance Case Study both center on personal finance topics like budgeting, credit management, and investing, having students develop recommendations for a fictional individual or family’s financial situation.
Are any of these competitions open to students outside a specific state or region?
Yes. Competitions like the IMA Student Case Competition, DECA’s Accounting Applications Series, and the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition are open nationally or internationally, while others, like the Robert J. Martin Forensic Accounting Competition, are limited to students from a specific state.
What if I am interested in research outside of accounting or finance?
These competitions are focused specifically on accounting, finance, and business analysis, but students looking for a research based credential in a different subject area might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a selective virtual research program that pairs students with a mentor to develop an original research paper across subjects like data science, political theory, and machine learning.
Image source: Illinois State University