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Online Accounting Certificate

Online Certificate of Accounting allows you to complete a series of courses that teach you the basics of financial accounting. A Certificate of Accounting can be a great choice for those who are looking to improve their academic and professional options.





Why pursue an accounting certificate online?

Due to the convenience of distance learning programs, more and more people are turning to online education. There are many benefits that distance learning courses offer compared to their traditional counterparts. Online education is relatively more cost effective as you won’t need to travel to the university. You can study from any location at your own pace. This means you may be able to complete your certificate in your own time. This’ll benefit you if you are employed and wish to hold on to your job while you pursue a certificate in accounting. However you should make sure that the online school and program you enroll in is an accredited institute.

What are the program objectives?

Most of the certificate programs offer training in many different areas such as cost accounting, corporate accounting, financial planning, and auditing.
Most of the programs are structured so that the following objectives can be achieved:

Students will learn about:

  • The application of fundamental accounting theories and concepts involving real-life business situations
  • The techniques and practices of accounting and financial reporting and auditing procedures.
  • Analyzing and evaluating accounting data
  • Ensuring the accuracy of accounting data and checking if it complies with the standards
  • Risk management concerns and legal regulations

Highlights of the coursework

The coursework in the Certificate of Accounting includes financial accounting, managerial accounting and control systems. These courses expose you to generally accepted accounting practices. At the same time, you are exposed to some of the discrepancies in accounting practices around the world.

Accounting courses may differ with different universities. However you may come across courses such as:

  • Intermediate Accounting
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Taxation and Managerial Decision Making
  • Accounting Ethics
  • Auditing and Attestation
  • Advanced Federal Taxation
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Cost Accounting
  • Business Analysis and Valuation

In order to fulfill the credit hour requirement, you’ll typically be required to take up a combination of required as well as elective modules. This will also allow you to specifically focus on your areas of interest.

Admission criteria and graduation requirements

The certificate of accounting does not require specific preparation. Some relevant work experience may help students in the Certificate of Accounting program though. The requirements will depend on the prospective university as well as the level you enroll in. Accounting certificates may be offered at undergraduate as well as graduate level. Before you choose which one to enroll in, you should take into account your prior education and relevant experience.

The common requirements are:

  • Degree from an accredited institute
  • A minimum level of GPA
  • Letters of Recommendations
  • Personal Statement
  • Official Transcripts

How is the employment outlook?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Accountants and Auditors made a median annual wage of $63,550 in 2012. The employment outlook appears quite favorable with a growth rate of 13% from 2012 to 2022.

The top industries that employ most of the accounting graduates include the following:

  • Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services
  • Government
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Management of companies and enterprises
  • Manufacturing

 

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:What are the contents of the course on Introduction to Accounting in the Accounting Essentials Certificate program?

A:The Accounting Essentials Certificate programs have dedicated course on Introduction to Accounting. This course is worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the concepts of the double entry level bookkeeping. Students are provided understanding of the preparation concepts of financial transactions. Hands on experience is also provided.

Q:Why should I enroll in a Certificate In Accounting program?

A:A certificate in accounting can be a useful way to boost your accounting career. The business industry and professionals prefer hiring individuals who have earned certificates and extra credentials in their specialization area. A certificate will enable you to boost your career and find better job opportunities. With a certificate you are also eligible to take the CPA certified professional accountant's examination.

Q:What are some of the things that I will learn through an accounting diploma?

A:An accounting diploma is a good choice for people who want a professional certification in a field with exciting career opportunities. Although different schools have their own curriculums but generally speaking you will learn how to: manage budgets and forecasts, develop and use complex spreadsheets, interpret financial statistics and tools, prepare financial reports for corporate entities, apply internal control mechanisms and maintain accounting information systems.

Q:Who should go for an advanced accounting diploma online?

A:An advanced accounting diploma can be an ideal option for people who are working in the field if accounting and want to build up on their skills and knowledge. The course will provide instruction in how to prepare operational budgets, financial reports and income tax returns. People working in areas such as financial accounting, management accounting internal control, company accounting, taxation law and computer accounting should really consider this as a stepping stone in their professional careers.

Q:Should I enroll in an accounting certificate or masters of accounting?

A:The certificate program and the master's degree have quite different curriculums. The certification program generally consists of courses that you will study at the undergraduate level. The master's program is designed for students who already have an undergraduate degree. So, if you do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting you can enroll in a certificate program and then go for a master in accounting.

Q:Although I have earned a degree in accounting, will accounting certificate programs help me boost my career further?

A:A degree program in accounting will help you pursue high paying careers in this field. But you can further increase your job opportunities and income level by earning extra credentials such as certificate programs. These programs certify a person in a certain filed or job, enhancing their knowledge as well as their skill set. With a certificate program, you can apply for better job positions.

Q:While searching for certificate in accounting online, I came across the course of financial auditing. Can you explain what is taught in that course?

A:You will be studying auditing practices along with the theory and principles of financial accounting. The course basically deals with the requirements, documentation and preparation of audits. In this regard you will be taught about statistical methods used in audits, the various audit criteria, and ways to secure and store data.

Q:What subjects will I learn in a certificate program in accounting?

A:A certificate program in accounting will comprise of a number of accounting related subjects. Managerial accounting, business law, cost accounting, advanced accounting, financial accounting, taxation, basic corporate finance, and financial statement analysis are among the major subjects one will find in this program. This program can help an individual increase its job opportunities.

Q:How long can accounting certifications take?

A:Accounting certifications can be completed in a shorter duration of time as compared to degree programs and that is the reason why they are popularly pursued. The duration may vary for different certification programs but typically they can be completed approximately in one year time. With them you can enter the practical field sooner.

Q:What types of accounting certificates are offered by academic institutes and which areas do they usually cover?

A:The usual specialization areas that most accounting certificates are based on include, but are not limited to, professional accounting, taxation accounting, controllership accounting, accounting information systems, introductory accounting and advanced accounting. These typically require around 45 semester hours to be completed and entail courses such as budget analysis, financial assessment and credit analysis to name a few.

Q:Are accounting certificates online the same as accounting degrees online?

A:No, certificate programs are short courses that do not fall in the category of degrees. A certificate program will certify an individual in a certain field or job. These certifications are career oriented and help students acquire skills. According to research, accounting certificates can help boost a career and improve job opportunities for individuals already working in the finance sector.

Q:How are online accounting certificates good for your career?

A:Certifications are a great way to boost your career in the finance sector. You will be able to update your skills, acquire knowledge of current trends, and enhance your knowledge base in accounting. Employers nowadays look for individuals who have acquired extra credentials such as certifications. You can improve your income potential and apply for better jobs with certifications.

Q:I am not sure if an online accounting certification is right for me or not. Can you help me?

A:Accounting certifications are great for those who have interest in accountancy and finance. If you are good with numbers or simply want to pursue a career in the finance sector, a certificate program will help you prepare for this. The program will cover a number of topics that are career oriented, and will also help you acquire skills needed fir this field.

Q:Is it necessary to buy books if I want to enroll in an online certificate in accounting?

A:One of the greatest features of online certificate programs is that you can stop worrying about the high textbook costs. All you need is a laptop or a computer, and a good internet connection. You can greatly reduce your costs and study online via presentations, online conferencing, and online lectures.

Q:Accounting certifications online are offered by which institutes?

A:There are many institutes in every state that are offering online accounting certificate programs. You will have to conduct a search to find out exactly what are the program offerings of accounting schools. You can also take a look at our page to find out what schools are currently offering certificate programs.

Q:With an accounting certificate online, can I join the banking sector or get a job as an accountant?

A:Yes, you can prepare for a career in the banking sector by acquiring a certification in this field. The program will focus on career oriented topics and will help you acquire a sound skill set needed for a finance career. There are many accounting certifications available. You can choose a specialization area according to your career goal and interest.

Q:Can you tell me the benefits of going for an online accounting certificate?

A:If you go for an online accounting certificate, you can avail several benefits that are not a part of an on campus program. Online programs are a lot more flexible and use some latest learning resources to enhance the understanding and retention of coursework. Besides, online programs are cost effective as you do not incur additional costs such as travelling or hostel accommodation.

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