Definitive Guide to Online Accounting Courses

Online accounting courses come in a few main categories. There are degree programs, certificate courses, and self guided courses that boost specific skills. Programs are delivered digitally and can be taken at the pace of the student. Courses allow students to acquire skills that may not be available in their area of the county. Additionally, a student can take a program on nights and weekends that fits with their current job, allowing them to earn a degree or certificate while continuing to make an income.

Degree programs from accredited universities have a career track. A student that wants to be an accountant should apply to a school that offers an accounting degree. They can choose from an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s degree, and some schools offer doctorate programs. The associates degree is a two-year program. The bachelor’s degree takes four or five years. The master’s or graduate program add two years on top of a bachelor’s. The doctorate programs vary in length, but often span another few years beyond the master’s programs. Doctorate programs feature advanced theory and execution of high-level concepts.

Certificate programs verify that a person has mastered an area of accounting. Students study for an in-depth exam, with the hopes of earning a license or designation. For example, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.

Self Guided courses give you knowledge of a specific area of accounting. If you want to become an accountant, consider a course that provides an overview of the accounting profession. For example, “Accounting in 60 Minutes – A Brief Introduction.” People often use these courses to boost their skills to help them earn a degree or certificate. 

Recommended School: New York Institute of Career Development

The New York Institute of Career Development offers online certificate courses in both tax preparation and bookkeeping.

The online Tax Preparation Course will train students for a career as a certified tax professional. The course covers all the relevant laws and regulations related to taxation for both individuals and small businesses. At the end of the program, students will be able to take the Tax Certification Exam offered by the National Bookkeepers Association, a nationally-recognized organization that will ensure graduates success in the field.

The online Bookkeeping Course will help students prepare a professional bookkeeper. The course covers payroll transactions, cash and accrual accounting, financial and tax records, and more. At the end of the program, students will be able to take the Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Exam offered by the National Bookkeepers Association.

Both courses include hours of engaging video training featuring career tips from industry experts. And students will benefit from one-to-one mentorship from an experienced professional in the field.

Learn more at https://www.nyicd.edu

Online Accounting Degrees and Colleges

Accounting degrees come in three main types: associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree (also called a graduate degree). We will outline the different types of degrees for you below.

Online Associate’s Accounting Degree

Associate’s degree programs prepare students for the introductory levels of the accounting fields. Degree programs cover the basics of accounting ethics, statistics, and the principles of accounting. With most degrees lasting only a few years, this option is often appealing to students. With less time involved students can get their foot in the door with an accounting firm. Some companies pay employees to finish their degree tracks. Acquiring an associate’s degree and going to work for a firm is considered an excellent way to get the remaining education subsidized by a company. Employers pay for training to advance their staff and engender loyalty.

Most associate’s degrees, coursework includes some fundamentals. Programs will have different focuses, but most feature these type of courses: Basic Accounting, Principles of Financial Accounting, Micro and Macroeconomics, Intro to Business Ethics, Accounting Information Systems, Payroll Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, and Business Law.

Save time. Students are looking for a shorter time frame to begin work in their field. At two years, someone can gain the needed experience faster and work in a higher paying career with less effort. There is the added benefit of going to a school that might be less expensive than a four-year college. Instead of investing in four years of college, a student would be able to enroll in an associate program while still working a regular job, study on nights and weekends, and emerge with a new career. Employers pay for students to get a bachelor or master’s degree after they acquire an associate degree, making the prospect of a better job more accessible.

Flexible.  If the name of the game is flexibility, an Online Associate in Accounting is the way to go. It only takes two years to earn a degree, half the commitment of bachelor degree and a third of the time of a graduate degree. Classes are available during the day, evening and weekends to make earning a degree more achievable.

Great Jobs are Waiting. An Online Associate in Accounting can elevate your lifestyle. While most of the positions available are entry level, the possibility to advance into a job making over $100,000 is a possibility. Most graduates start out as an Accounting Assistant, processing payroll, entering or auditing bookkeeping transactions, or working in billing. These may not sound like glamorous roles, but the ability to advance, to have your employer pay for your bachelor degree, and to work in a recession-proof field, outways having to start at a lower rung in the company ladder.

Best Schools that offer an Online Associate in Accounting Degrees

Colorado Technical University Online Associate Accounting Degree

Colorado Technical University, founded in 1965, offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Students of the university can choose a wide range of study programs. The primary study programs are management, business, and technology. When the school was created in 1965, the main goal was to train military personnel. Thirty years later, the institution transformed into the university know as Colorado Technical University (CTU).

The university is a good place for students who want degrees in business management and accounting. Many students consider an associate’s degree in accounting a good start for a successful career. CTU’s Associate of Science degree in Accounting is an excellent option for most students, with a focus on fundamental principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics, business communication and psychology. The core courses are related to accounting, computerized accounting, and business law.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). All accounting courses meet educational standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The program is available for online students. The CTU’s mobile app platform allows students opportunity to make a class schedule according to your availability. The program is not specifically designed to prepare students for the CPA or CMA exams but covers the knowledge required for passing these two exams. Most CPA or CMA exams require more credit hours before taking the exam. CTU is a great program to prepare students for the workplace or to bachelor’s degree program in accounting.

Purdue University Global Online Associate Accounting Degree

Founded in 2018, Purdue University Global (PG), is part of Purdue University system. Purdue has transitioned from a university into a network of campuses which includes a research university in West Lafayette. PG offers certificates and degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. It is mainly an online university which serves about 30,000 students. The system is organized into seven schools. These include Business and IT, Law School, General Education, Health Sciences, Nursing, Open College and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Whether you want to prepare yourself for a leadership position or level up your career, the Associate’s Degree in Accounting may be a good choice for you. Earning the degree can provide opportunities for a successful career in accounting. The program is more than analyzing and interpreting numbers. Students can learn how to build and manage computerized accounting systems, prepare payrolls and tax documents. PG stresses learning to communicate with the key people in the accounting profession.

All the programs at the school are accredited by ACBSP. This accreditation covers all of Purdue Global’s online and campus-based business degree programs. Purdue University Global meets the standards. If you consider building a successful career in the sector of accounting, this accreditation can help you.

American InterContinental University Online Associate Accounting Degree

American InterContinental University (AIU), founded in 1970, is a for-profit university. It is owned by the Career Education Corporation (CECO). AIU offers associate, bachelor, master, doctoral degrees in the following fields: business, criminal justice, healthcare management, IT, education, and media production. The university has over 15,000 students, and more than 80% of them are online students. Students can earn any degree of the school through the AIU Online, which is an online internet campus. American InterContinental University has two physical campuses located in Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas. The school has 54 full-time teachers and 594 part-time instructors.

The Associate of Arts in Business Administration program covers a wide range of fields including accounting, finance, and business communication. By enrolling  in the program, students can prepare themselves for bachelor’s degree programs in accounting. The AIU’s Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration program puts the primary focus on critical thinking and communication skills. These skills are the most important for every business environment. Students will learn about banking, economic principles and financial markets. Next, they will develop an ability to use and improve business computer systems. By the end of the program, students will have enough knowledge which can be applied to any accounting situation.

All AIU’s programs, including the Associate of Arts in Business Administration program, are accredited by the ACBSP. The accreditation means that university meets rigorous standards of the accreditation association. Potential students can be sure that their degrees will be appreciated and recognized by the most popular companies on the job market.

CollegeAmerica Online Associate Accounting Degree

CollegeAmerica is a private, non-profit college located in the United States. In 1964, the college was founded in Arizona. It was known by the name Northern Arizona College of Health Careers. In 1993, the college purchased the Career Development Institute which was a huge step forward in the development of the college. The college was renamed to CollegeAmerica Denver and started to offer courses in accounting, business management, and computer technology. Today, CollegeAmerica is one of the most popular colleges because it provides high educational standards work busy working professionals. Potential students can choose between undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The CollegeAmerica’s Business Management & Accounting program is ideal for people who want to launch rewarding business careers! This Associate of Applied Science degree can help students in many fields. They can gain business management skills, learn about marketing and finance. The most important aspect of the program is learning about accounting principles. The degree gives students enough credibility to deal with the most common accounting issues. The Business Management and Accounting program teaches students the skills that every employer needs. These skills include business law, income tax, computerized accounting, and communication.

Since accreditation establishes trust in the relationship between a college and its students, CollegeAmerica has decided to meet all popular educational standards. Students who want to receive federal financial aid, pay attention to this matter. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

National Career College Online Associate Accounting Degree

National Career College (NCC) was founded in 2005. It was initially called the Dental Technology Institute of Southern California. The primary goal of the Institute was to train dental laboratory technicians. After three successful years of teaching people, in 2008 the college received the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. The name changed to National Career College. With the new name, the college expanded the programs and opportunities for its students. After 12 years of teaching the local community, the college opened an additional classroom in Panorama City. At NCC students can choose between a wide range of programs such as business management and accounting, medical office specialist, health care administration and medical assistant programs.

Having an associate of Applied Science degree related to accounting can open to students many career opportunities. This NCC’s program is designed to meet all requirements from the job market. Students will learn about tax preparations, cost accounting, database applications, business management, and marketing. Upon completion of the business management education, students will be able to handle most problems that occur in a business environment. Graduates of the NCC’s Business Management and Accounting program will be able to find a job in financial institutions, marketing firms, government or public agencies.

National Career College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). They are focused on providing high standards for students.

Online Accounting Bachelor Degree

The online accounting bachelor degree is where most accountants start their careers. The programs are designed to be completed in four years, give or take. Most of them can be completed while working a full-time job, at night and on the weekends. Most states require bachelor level course hours before a person can apply to take the CPA exam. The bachelor degree is considered more prestigious than the associate in accounting. The courses take a more extended amount of time and require more commitment, both financially and mentally.

How Many Years Does it Take to Earn an Online Accounting Bachelor Degree?

Most students can complete a program in four to five years. Four-year programs often involve one-hundred twenty to one-hundred eighty credit hours. Online courses can sometimes span into the six year realm, depending on a student’s work schedule.

How Much Does an Online Accounting Bachelor Degree Cost?

Courses range in cost from $325 per credit up to $500 per credit hour. Out of state students can sometimes pay more if their course is based in a different part of the country. If a student takes 120 credit hours it will take them about $39,000 at $325 per hour. If a student picks a school that cost $500 per credit hour, they can budget for about $60,000. Of course, there are always books and fees to consider, so make sure to investigate any other costs prior to entering a school.

Starting Salaries for Accounting Graduates

One of the beautiful things about getting an online accounting degree is the starting salary. While most college graduates can expect to earn in the mid $30,000 range (if they can find a job at all), those with an accounting degree can expect to make around $53,300. Of course, this is dependent on many factors, like location, grade point average, and experience.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree

Keiser University Bachelor’s in Accounting

You could start by comparing accounting degrees by accreditation, reviews, graduation rates. Then compare price and the reputation of the school. This process can take a lot of time and energy. We have saved you that time and produced the results with no work on your part. Check out our list of the Best Accredited Online Accounting Degrees.

Keiser University is a private university located in Florida. The university has a long history starting in 1977. Arthur Keiser and his mother, Evelyn created the school to prepare students for jobs in Florida. In 1982 the school changed its name to the Keiser Institute of Technology. Finally, in 1986 the school introduces degrees and becomes the Keiser College. Today, the Keiser University has lots of educational programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels. Students have an opportunity to choose whether they are going to use an online or a traditional program.

The primary goal of the Bachelor of Arts in Accounting degree program is to prepare students for a career as an accountant. Being an accountant is not easy, and the students need to put in significant effort to gain the relevant skills. This program offers precisely that. You will learn how to use professional concepts to make decisions in accounting situations. Students will learn how to use tax software applications and how to enhance research and communication skills. To be able to receive the degree, students need to have 120.0 credit hours. Enroll in the program and prepare yourself for today’s professional environment in accounting. As a bachelor accountant, you can get a job in governmental and not-for-profit organizations.

Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges. The University also carries a license from the Commission for Independent Education in Florida.

California College San Diego Bachelor’s in Accounting

California College San Diego (CCSD) is a private college located in San Diego. In the past, the college was known as the California College for Respiratory Therapy and later as the College of Health Sciences. Today, California College San Diego is one of four institutions related to the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE). The college offers degrees at associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. As a potential student, you can choose between the following programs. These include healthcare administration, medical specialties, business management and accounting, respiratory therapy, computer programming, networking, and science. CCSD’s programs are efficient and flexible, which means that you can finish your degree in just 20 months.

Whether you want to launch or expand your accounting career, you should consider the Bachelor of Science Accounting degree at CCSD. With the right online degree in accounting, students can prepare for jobs in public or private accounting firms. Programs develop students to work in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The main goal of the program is to take you through financial analysis, tax accounting, budgeting, payroll accounting and more.

By the end of studies, students will be able to handle all business and financial tasks such as federal taxation, auditing, and corporate accounting. With the online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree, you can work as an accounting technician, business manager, office or sales manager or a bookkeeper. The program is available online and in San Marcos, CA.

Colorado Technical University Bachelor’s in Accounting

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a for-profit university in the United States. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in business, technology, and management. The college trained military personnel until 1995 when the institution gained university status. According to the college statistics, the CTU has more than 70,000 students. CTU receives 95% of all funds from the US government, and $33 million comes from the GI Bill funds.

Students can find a wide range of degree programs at Colorado Technical University, including a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, and Finance. A large number of these programs can be finished online. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program provides many benefits. Students can develop intellectual, analytical and communication skills that can help when entering the world of accounting. The program’s focus is to help students to learn about taxation, corporate accounting, governmental accounting, and auditing. This business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Colorado Technical University (CTU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students who enroll in the program gain knowledge that is necessary for passing the CPA and CMA exams. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program doesn’t officially prepare students for these exams but it covers the knowledge required for the exams.

Purdue University Global Bachelor’s in Accounting

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting Program is one of their high-quality online programs. Earning an online bachelor’s degree in accounting can enhance students skills and bring them more career opportunities. Any potential student who likes to work with numbers should consider enrolling in the program. At this college, accounting is not just the process of analyzing and interpreting numbers. Students will learn how to acquire a solid background in economics, finance, management, law and IT. Next, they will improve communication skills, gain teamwork skills and professional ethics.

Purdue University start out as Kaplan University, which got it’s name from Stanley H. Kaplan who designed the Kaplan Test Preparation Courses. Kaplan University was a for-profit college owned by Kaplan, Inc. In November 2000, the company decided to buy the Quest Education Corporation and changed their name to Kaplan College. Kaplan College divided into Kaplan University, which provides online bachelor’s and graduate degrees, and Kaplan College which offers associate degrees and certificates. In 2017, Purdue University expressed its plans to acquire Kaplan University. In March 2018, Kaplan College changed its name to Purdue University Global. Purdue University Global is a public, non-profit university that offers high-quality education online. Adults with busy lives make up the student body. Their mission is to deliver exceptional online learning experience to potential students.

All Purdue University Global’s programs, including the Associate’s Degree in Accounting, are accredited by ACBSP.

Stevens–Henager College Bachelor’s in Accounting

Stevens–Henager College, located in Ogden, Utah is a private non-profit college. It was created in 1891 by professor James Ayers Smith, which makes Stevens–Henager College one of the oldest in the state. James Ayers Smith was an educator from Nebraska who taught people for business jobs. In 1910 the school was sold to C. S. Springer who changed the name to the Smithsonian Business School. In the period from 1910 to 1959, the school changed several owners and names. Finally, in 1959 it returned to its original name, the Stevens–Henager College. Today, the college has five campuses in Idaho and Utah. Students can choose between online or traditional programs for associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees.

One of the great programs that can prepare students for professional accounting careers is the Bachelor of Science Accounting program. With this degree, students can launch their own businesses or expand their careers. Students will explore a wide range of fields such as management, marketing and investing. They will learn about financial analysis, tax accounting, auditing, payroll accounting and more. With the Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree, they can work as bookkeepers, accounting specialists, office or sales managers. The financial concepts and principles of business communication they are going to learn here will secure them a prosperous future in accounting.

Stevens–Henager College has national accreditation. All post-secondary programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The college is committed to improving the image of integrity and communication with students. The main aim of the Stevens–Henager College is to provide the high standards of education.

Online Accounting Master’s Degrees 

One of the main things to consider when choosing an online accounting masters program is the school’s accreditation. The United States Department of Education, along with state and regional organizations like the Higher Learning Commission, grant accreditations to universities and colleges based on a wide range of merit-based criteria. For example, the Higher Learning Commission follows a ten-year evaluation cycle based on quality assurance and institutional improvement.

How much does someone with an online accounting master’s degree earn?

Online masters degree program holders can earn anywhere from $60,000 to upwards of $140,000. The range is dependant on the type of job are working, in what sub-category of accounting. For example, a staff accountant can earn in the lower range, while a corporate controller or chief financial officer can make upwards of $140,000.

How long does it take to earn a master’s in accounting online?

The time spent on an online master’s in accounting degree program will depend on many factors. For example, if a student chooses a field of study that requires more intense learning, programs can take longer. Some programs can be completed in as little as eighteen months. Other degrees allow students up to six years to complete the coursework. Required credits to graduate range from thirty to forty-eight.

How Much Does a master’s in accounting online cost?

Expect to pay five-hundred to eighteen-hundred dollars per credit hour. Most programs will cost around $535 per credit hour. The credits add up to about $16,000 for the lower end programs.

However, once a student earns a graduate degree, they enter the realm of higher paying accounting jobs. Most students consider an advanced degree an investment in their future earning potential. Would you pay $16,000 once to earn an additional $5,000 to $50,000 annually?

Online Master’s in Accounting Admissions Requirements

Most private online accounting programs do not require excellent grade point averages or placement test scores. Of course, they are looking to see that you graduated from an accredited school and that you have the drive to succeed. Programs might take into account your work experience or your need for financial aid. Often schools prefer to work with students who have financial stresses, to expand their mission of helping as many people as possible reach their goals.

Online Accounting Master’s Degree Program Coursework or Curriculum

As the name implies, an accounting master’s degree is designed to develop high-level understanding and mastery of a broad range of accounting topics, including Financial Decision Making, Auditing, Statement Analysis, Taxation, Information Systems, Reporting, and Advanced Statistics.

Accounting Master’s Degree Specializations

The specialization associated with many online accounting degrees and courses are based on the student’s desired outcome. For example, if your goal is to work in forensic accounting, you would find a program with an emphasis on this subject or a focus on becoming an internal or external auditor.

Will an Online Master’s in Accounting Make it Easier to Earn a CPA License?

According to most state CPA licensing bodies, you do not need a master’s degree to take the exam. However, most do require at least 150 credit hours to take the exam. With most master’s degree programs coming in at about 150 credit hours, it makes sense to earn your graduate degree while meeting the minimum credit requirements.

As far as helping you with the CPA exam, the online master’s program at most schools is designed to deliver mastery in the area of accounting. The master’s degree would help when studying for the exam. Additionally, some of the coursework may be tailored to help you do well in some sections of the test.

What are the Career Opportunities with an Online Master’s in Accounting?

The glass ceiling gets broken with an advanced degree in accounting. Graduates can take any financial position in a company, from CFO to Financial Analyst. Many students expand open service firms like tax preparation or becoming a financial advisor. The sky’s the limit with an online master’s in accounting.

What can graduates with an online master’s in accounting make?

According to Payscale, employees who hold a master’s in accounting stand to make at least $10,000 more per year than someone who only holds a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, someone who holds a master’s in accounting will be more likely to be promoted into a high paying position within a large company, with many companies providing an immediate pay raise to anyone that holds an advanced degree.

Best Accredited Online Accounting Master’s Degree Programs

American InterContinental University Master’s in Accounting

Founded in 1970 in Lucerne, Switzerland, American InterContinental University (AIU) is a for-profit university. In 1976 the school opened a campus in Atlanta. In 1978, the school had 300 students, while today AIU has over 15,000 students.

Students of the university can choose between associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level degrees. Although, the school offers many varieties of degree options from business to information technology. You can attend healthcare management, criminal justice, design, and education programs. All of these degrees programs have the same concept, which is to provide 24/7 support for students. As a student of the American InterContinental University, you have the access to all your classes online through a mobile app. The college provides a team of advisors that can help you if you have any problems and questions.

The Master Degree with a Specialization in Accounting enables students to learn skills to build a successful career in accounting. This accredited program helps students develop an ability to create economic and financial strategies. It also helps them to handle all crucial business operations in an environment of accounting. They will learn how to solve problems, develop plans, use economic principles to analyze and evaluate economic problems. The program teaches students how to communicate in a business environment to avoid ethical and legal conflicts.

The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The rigorous standards of the association, are proof that you will make a great decision if you choose this university for building your career.

Ashford University Master’s in Accounting

Ashford University is an online university located in San Diego, California. The university has a long history that begins in 1893. Ashford University was purchased by Bridgepoint Education. The university has four colleges. Those include the Forbes School of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health, Human Services, and Science, and the College of Liberal Arts.

The Forbes School of Business offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees online programs. One of these programs is the Master of Accountancy program. The Master of Accountancy graduate program helps students develop skills which can enhance their communication and analytical abilities. By the end of the program, you will be able to solve complex accounting issues and apply what you have learned to real-world problems. You will gain decision-making skills that will support your technical knowledge.

The program has the IACBE accreditation. To finish the Master of Accountancy program and get the Master of Accountancy degree, all students need to complete 16 courses. Before they enroll in the master program, they need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or Economics. If you are eligible for the program, enroll and prepare yourself for a successful career in accounting.

Online Accounting Doctorate Programs

Online Accounting Doctorate programs are the top designations one can earn from an academic institute in the field of accounting. As such, there is often a higher touch aspect to the programs. Some programs involve a symposium or convention that is required for graduation. While this may be a challenge for someone who is seeking an online degree, having to travel to a location to attend a symposium, there are added benefits. For example, meeting high-level accounting professions is an excellent way to network, to advance in your career, and to open new opportunities.

Another thing to consider is will the degree advance your career goals? A doctoral degree ads a level of importance to your resume. If you are in a job or own a business that would benefit from having that level of elevated status, then a doctoral degree might be for you.

Don’t forget to find out if your previous credits and degrees will apply to your doctoral degree. For example, if some of your lower credit hours don’t transfer, you may be required to retake classes, incurring a cost and time expense

What’s the difference between a professional doctorate and a Ph.D.?

The doctoral degree is an in-depth course of study that allows for someone to call themselves a doctor at the end of the program. A doctoral degree comes in two types: Ph.D. or professional doctorate.

A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is a type of doctoral degree with an academic focus, i.e., to work as a professor or in the academic research community.

A professional doctorate is designed to enhance someone’s professional skills, in this case, accounting. Most of the schools we review will have professional doctorate programs. Most online accounting doctorate degrees are part of a ‘business administration’ degree, while some online accounting doctorate programs have a focus in accounting.

What does someone do with an online Ph.D. in accounting?

Traditionally, the Ph.D. degrees were essential to people who wanted to teach in their selected field. In the case of online professional doctoral degrees, we see online accounting doctors moving on to the highest echelons of accounting in companies and organizations, for example, Chief Financial Officers and Internal Auditors.

Does an Online Accounting Doctorate Give Me the Tools Needed to Get a Better Job?

Students who emerge from an online accounting doctorate are considered at the top of their academic learning ladder, making them more employable as a valuable resource. When competing against a candidate without a doctoral designation, your CV will show a dramatic level of commitment above the other choices. Of course, this doctoral degree will need to be matched with industry standard certifications, like the CPA, along with applied experience. In the end, the online accounting doctorate is an excellent choice for someone invested in accounting as a lifelong career.

Have a Busy Schedule? Consider an Online Doctorate in Accounting

Gone are the days when you had to work for a university as a teacher to earn an advanced degree. With the advances in online education, students can study for an online doctorate in accounting at nights and weekends. Everything is convenient and available from your computer. The library is at your fingertips. The bookstore, online notes, class discussions, are available to you at all hours of the day.

Good Jobs for Someone With an Online Doctorate in Accounting

A quick scan of Glassdoor.com shows many jobs ranging in pay from $100,000 to above $200,000. These are companies looking for someone holding a doctorate in accounting. The industry values the time commitment it takes to earn the advanced degree.

The Best Online Doctorate in Accounting Degrees

There are many online Ph.D. programs in the United States that are a great fit for someone looking to advance their career. We have compiled some of the best schools that offer a online degree. 

Liberty University Doctorate in Accounting

Liberty University (LU) is a private non-profit Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is the largest Christian university in the world. Measured by student enrollment, this is the largest non-profit university in the United States. According to Liberty’s statistics, in 2017 more than 15,000 students enrolled in and 110,000 students took online courses. The university has 17 colleges, including a school of medicine and a school of law. Since the studies have a Christian orientation, the university’s code prohibits premarital sex, dancing, and R-rated movies. Many people called the university a “bastion of the Christian right.” Liberty University offers associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. Students across the globe earn Liberty degrees by taking one of their university online programs.

The Doctorate of Business Administration in Accounting is a 100% online degree program. By taking the program, students can get many opportunities in the industry of accounting. They can work as accounting executives, budget supervisors, and certified management accountants. This is an advanced program which will take students through the fields such as accounting ethics, in-depth analysis, tax and auditing techniques and accounting theory. Graduated students will be able to run their own businesses and understand cost management. In short, they will be able to cope with any financial problem that occurs in an accounting environment. Students who would like to have a doctorate in accounting should enroll in the program because they will gain confidence, integrity, and professionalism.

Northcentral University Doctorate in Accounting

Northcentral University is a regionally accredited online for-profit university. It is located in San Diego, California. Donald Hecht created the university in 1996. Seven years later, Northcentral University received regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. As an online university, it has the privilege to serve worldwide students. Northcentral University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level degrees in business, technology, management, marriage and family therapy, and psychology. It has five schools and those are School of Business, School of Technology, School of Education, School of Health Sciences and School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

There is no business that can survive without a great understanding of accounting principles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected the accounting sector will grow by 11% until 2024. By enrolling in the advanced doctoral accounting programs, potential students can secure themselves a bright future. Professors at Northcentral University have a lot of professional experience to teach students on to become advanced accounting experts. One-to-one communication between professors and students, make this university more interesting. Students can ask questions, create their own schedules and take online exams. There is no need to visit a physical campus.

Like many other prestigious American universities, Northcentral University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The business school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These accreditations are a guarantee for all future students, that Northcentral University meets all rigorous standards related to the quality of education.

Online Accounting Certificate Programs

What is an Accounting Certificate Program?  If you are interested in increasing your skill in a specific area of accounting, a certificate program worth considering. Most accounting certificate programs are designed to be short, concise, and include testing at the end of the program. After the test, the student is awarded a certificate of completion, often assigning them with a designation.

Online certificate programs are delivered digitally and are self-guided. Some have time limits, meaning the course has to be completed in six weeks, and the test must be taken within some period of time after completing the course.

Will An Online Accounting Certificate Help Me In My Career?

Obtaining an online certificate in accounting can have a direct effect on your ability to get hired and earn promotions. With advanced training in advanced reporting, understanding asset classes, a deep dive into generally accepted accounting principles, and management of accounts receivable and payable, a certification is a great way to show employers that you are committed to accounting as a career.

What does someone do with an Online Certificate in Accounting?

If your goal is to get into the accounting field without spending years earning a degree, an online certificate in accounting can provide a path to employment. With the high demand for accountants, many jobs are lower tier positions that a certificate would help to get a job.

Accounting Clerk: They create ledger entries, audit monthly statements, manage monthly payroll, create invoices, and prepare quarterly reports. An accounting clerk will typically be part of a larger team, often taking direction from a senior accountant, chief financial officer, or tax auditor.

Billing Clerk: Responsible for invoices and credits, a billing clerk may also communicate directly with clients or higher level members of teams.

The Best Accounting Certificate Programs

New York Institute of Career Development

The New York Institute of Career Development offers online certificate courses in both tax preparation and bookkeeping. The online Tax Preparation Course will train students for a career as a certified tax professional. The course covers all the relevant laws and regulations related to taxation for both individuals and small businesses. At the end of the program, students will be able to take the Tax Certification Exam offered by the National Bookkeepers Association, a nationally-recognized organization that will ensure graduates success in the field.

The online Bookkeeping Course will help students prepare a professional bookkeeper. The course covers payroll transactions, cash and accrual accounting, financial and tax records, and more. At the end of the program, students will be able to take the Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Exam offered by the National Bookkeepers Association.

Both courses include hours of engaging video training featuring career tips from industry experts. And students will benefit from one-to-one mentorship from an experienced professional in the field.

Southern Careers Institute Accounting Certificate

Southern Careers Institute (SCI), founded in 1960, is a private school located in Texas. From 1992 to 2014, the school increased its number of campuses across Texas. They have campuses in Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Pharr, Harlingen and San Antonio.

In 2014 the school decided to offer online programs to their students. The school’s partnership with Coder Camps brought a lot of benefits to students who want to become web developers. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Full Stack Javascript Programs. Following the cutting-edge trends, SCI offers programs in Business, Medical, Cosmetology, Technology, and Trades.

The Business Accounting Specialist program is the perfect option for students who like numbers. The program prepares students for a career they will love. Southern Careers Institute’s programs will teach students the following skills: payroll, accounting principles, financial analysis, taxes and more. Program instructors are professionals who can explain the theoretical and the practical aspects of the job. Upon graduation, students will become professionals who will be able to handle all fundamental accounting tasks. They will be able to implement accounting principles in business processes and use computerized accounting systems.

The school is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. It is also approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.

Harvard Extension School Accounting Certificate

Harvard Extension School, founded in 1910, is one of the twelve schools which belongs to Harvard University in Cambridge. The school offers professional courses, and graduate and undergraduate degrees in 60 fields.

Harvard Extension School is a great opportunity for people who have busy lives. Many people have jobs, kids and a lot of duties. Finding a free time for school is not easy. Courses are designed to give students more flexibility. They can earn a degree from their home and have the same reputation as any other Harvard’s student.

The Harvard Extension School’s Accounting Certificate program teaches students how to compile, analyze and prepare critical financial information. By attending the program, students can gain the basic knowledge in accounting that is crucial for a wide range of jobs on the job market. They can learn about financial accounting system principles, cost terminology, cost systems and how to operate with important information. The potential students don’t need to send their applications for the program. A simple registration on the official site is enough. They can choose one of Harvard’s registration periods which take place in spring, summer or fall. To be able to get the certificate, students need to earn at least a B grade in each course and finish all the courses within three years. They have to complete four certificate courses for graduate credit.

Stevens-Henager College Forensic Accounting

The Accounting with a Forensic Accounting emphasis program is designed for all students who would like to solve crimes. Potential forensic accounting students will be trained to identify financial crimes such as contract disputes, bankruptcy disputes, and securities fraud. The Forensic Accounting degree gives students an opportunity to develop their logic and communication skills. Upon graduation, they can work as forensic accountants, accounting technicians, bookkeepers or office managers.

Online Accounting Courses for Beginners

Accounting in 60 Minutes – A Brief Introduction

Details: The Accounting in 60 Minutes – A Brief Introduction course is dedicated to students who want to learn the basics of accounting. As the title says, students will need to about one hour of free time to finish the course. Many people would say that this period of time is not enough to learn principles of accounting., but this is not a typical course. During his working experience, professor Turner has developed shortcuts and analogies to make learning easy. All potential and future accountants, who want to experience a simple and fun way of learning, should enroll in the course. The course contains videos and quizzes which students can use to check their gained knowledge. They will learn about accounting equations, income statements, debits, and credits. Students who take his course are business owners, managers, business students, and beginners

The Complete Financial Analyst Course

Instructor: 365 Careers is on the best selling instructors on the Udemy platform that provides finance courses. 120,000 students around the globe have gone through the company’s business programs. Their courses cover the most critical aspects of every business. That includes finance, data science, entrepreneurship and office productivity. By attending the sessions, each student will have an opportunity to learn from proven and experienced experts. Students can choose whether they will become financial analysts, finance managers, business executives, or entrepreneurs.

Details: The Complete Financial Analyst Course 2018 is the best selling course that prepares students for the world of accounting. The course will take students from the beginner levels to advanced levels. To be able to follow the course, students need to have the newest version of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. The course will cover the topics such as liquidity, profitability, solvency, bookkeeping and accounting principles. Working with a significant amount of data will no longer be a problem for students. The instructors will teach students how to be more efficient and faster while dealing with tasks. They will be able to build a company’s P&L from scratch and perform financial analysis.

According to the Business Insider, the financial analyst position is considered as a top paying job in the job market. Considering this, taking the best selling Udemy’s course seems like a rational first step. At the end of the course, you will get a certificate of completion and lifetime access to the content of the course.

Introduction to Finance, Accounting, Modeling and Valuation

• Over 25,000 students enrolled
• 4.5 hours on-demand video
• 6 Articles
• 14 Supplemental Resources
• Full lifetime access
• Access on mobile and TV
• Certificate of Completion

Instructor: The Complete Business Education (CBE) company with the teacher Chris Haroun provide high-quality business courses for students who want to gain business skills. The CBE courses have more than 200,000 students around the world. These students have recognized that CBE’s courses are affordable, entertaining and based on practical work. Since nobody wants to learn theory on its own, the instructors have made exciting programs. By taking these programs, students can gain valuable skills. Chris Haroun is award-winning MBA professor and the best selling Udemy’s teacher. His course called “An Entire MBA in 1 Course” has been purchased by 150,000 students.

Details: Accounting is about what has already happened in the past. It is more than science. The Introduction to Finance, Accounting, Modeling, and Valuation with Chris Haroun is the perfect opportunity for students to learn basic accounting principles. Since Chris will cover these principles from scratch, students don’t need to have any previous accounting experience. They need to have a basic understanding of the Microsoft Excel program, which is important because the teacher will explain how to create balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements using the program. The teacher will show students which online free sources are essential for making financial forecasts.

At the end of the course, students will get a certificate of completion.

Online Bookkeeping Courses

A bookkeeper tracks financial transactions for a business or personal entity. A bookkeeper makes a higher than average salary, and spends most of their time importing and auditing bank records. We have gathered some courses for your that focus on bookkeeping.

The Best Online Bookkeeping Courses

Fundamentals of Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Over 1,700 students enrolled 
• 2 hours on-demand video
• 6 Supplemental Resources
• Full lifetime access
• Access on mobile and TV
• Certificate of Completion

Instructor: Established in 2013, LetsTute E-tutor is a company that provides all types of education. The company was created by a group of experts in math, accountancy, and science. LetsTute E-tutor believes that learning process should be interesting and fun. The teachers have created a very interesting set of courses full of real-time examples. Over the past five years, they have created many interesting courses.

Details: Students who like to work with numbers should check out the Fundamentals of Accounting & Book-keeping program. The LetsTute E-tutor’s course is a beginner’s guide to accountancy and bookkeeping. Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions. Accounting or accountancy is the process of measurement, processing, and communication of financial information. To be able to cover and understand all these processes, a potential student must understand the fundamentals of accounting and bookkeeping. That in the main reason why the teachers have created the Fundamentals of Accounting & Book-keeping program. This easy-to-follow program will cover the following topics. Students will learn the importance of accounting and bookkeeping. Next, they will learn about debits and credits, classification of accounts and impacts of different transactions on financial statements.

Students don’t need to have any previous experience to enroll in the course. People who would benefit from this course: accountancy students, business owners, entrepreneurs and other people interested in accountancy and finance. After completing the course, students will get certificates and 6 supplemental resources.

Book-Keeping & Accounting Level – 2

• 4 hours on-demand video 
• 9 Supplemental Resources
• Full lifetime access
• Access on mobile and TV
• Certificate of Completion

Details: After the level 1 course, where students learned the basics of accounting and bookkeeping, they can take the Book-Keeping & Accounting Level – 2 course. The second program describes accounting in different types of business organizations. The goal of the course is to take a deeper dive into the concepts of accounting. Students learn about partnerships, joint stock companies, and negotiation means. Next, students learn about accounting in non-profit companies. Although these companies don’t need for profit per se, but they do need to maintain positive accounting practices to track all funds they receive. Every lesson in the course is explained in a logical manner. Students take quizzes to test their knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Financial Accounting Courses

Accounting & Financial Statement Analysis: Complete Training

• Over 13,500 students enrolled
• 2.5 hours on-demand video
• 11 Supplemental Resources
• Full lifetime access
• Access on mobile and TV
• Assignments
• Certificate of Completion

Instructor: 365 Careers is one of the better companies on the Udemy platform. They provide courses in the fields of finance, data science, entrepreneurship, office productivity and blockchain for business. A wide range of different courses prepare students for business environments. Whether they want to become financial managers, business executives or data analysts, ‘365 Careers’ classes are the perfect place to start. More than 150,000 students from around the world have enrolled in their programs.

Details: Accounting is one of the most essential skills for people who want to get a job in the finance industry. Potential students who have difficulty understanding financials should enroll in the Accounting & Financial Statement Analysis: Complete Training. The course contains HD videos with explanations of company financials. Teachers are full of enthusiasm and eager to explain every concept in detail. Students will have an opportunity to learn about bookkeeping, credits and debits and balance sheet items. Through the course, there will be a lot of exercises. For example, students will learn how to register accounting transactions and how to build financial statements. The teacher covers topics such as cash flows, financial ratios, and financial statement analysis.

Students don’t need any previous experience in accounting to be able to follow the course. The only things they need are a notebook and pen. The targeted audience for the course are accountants, investment bankers, business owners, students and financial controllers. Every student who decides to purchase the course will get 11 supplemental resources, full lifetime access, and assignments. At the end of the course, they will get certificates of completion.

Introductory Financial Accounting

• Over 2,100 students enrolled 
• 10 hours on-demand video
• 20 Articles
• Full lifetime access
• Access on mobile and TV
• Certificate of Completion

Instructor: Erik Slayter is an accounting professor and certified public accountant. He works at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis, Obispo. Profesor Slayter has a lot of experience in accounting. He has worked as a Division Controller for the San Luis Obispo County division of Waste Connections, Inc. Students who want to gain accounting skills should try one of the professor Slayter’s courses. The style of teaching will meet the needs of the average student. The lessons and provided examples give the course an interactive mode, which helps students consider every detail. Slyate uses a whiteboard for most of his demonstrations.

Details: The Introductory Financial Accounting program can teach you the basics of accounting. That includes the accounting cycle, inventory, depreciation, receivables, and more. Accounting is an information system which is used for recording and reporting financial events. Students will learn to apply accounting principles to different types of businesses. Whether it is a service, merchandising, or manufacturing company, students will have enough knowledge to make key decisions.

Ideal candidates for the course are university students and other people interested in accounting. The Erik Slayter’s Introductory Financial Accounting program contains 10 hours of video content. Students will be supplied with 20 articles which will help them to learn more about accounting. The program is accessible on mobile devices, laptops, and TVs. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate.

Financial Accounting – A Brief Introduction – in 60 Minutes

Instructor: BrainyMoney’s mission is to educate people on their finances. Some people don’t know how to manage money. The result of that is a lack of life opportunities. If they knew how to control their finances, they would have extra money to spend on vacations, traveling, etc. Son Han, the founder of the BrainyMoney, loves finance and traveling. In 2008, he earned bachelor and master degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Son is a financial analyst and certified public accountant.

Details: Potential students who want a short and useful course are in the right place. Financial Accounting – A Brief Introduction – in 60 Minutes is a program in which you can learn the basics of financial accounting in just one hour. During his working experience, Son gained many valuable skills. He has proven techniques which he has used for over past eight years. Thousands of students have enrolled in his programs and made the first moves in their careers. In the program, students will learn about accounting equations, balance sheets, income statements, debits, and credits. By the end of the course, students will learn how to create balance sheets, journal entries and how to make T-Accounts. They will understand the basics of accounting such as the difference between a debit and a credit.

The targeted audience for the course are accountants, students, IT Professionals and everyone who would like to refresh their accounting knowledge. Previous experience in accounting is not required. It would be recommended to have a printer for people who want to print the handouts. At the end of the course, students will get certificates of completion.

Financial Accounting & Excel–Comprehensive Accounting Course

Instructor: Robert (Bob) Steele is an accounting business instructor. He has worked as a certified public accountant (CPA). After many successful working years, he has decided to use the Udemy platform to share his knowledge. People who find it difficult to understand accounting principles will enjoy the courses. Robert’s passion is to find the best way to teach people new skills. Mr. Steele is also the author of three books which can be found on Amazon.

Details: Financial Accounting & Excel–Comprehensive Accounting Course provides 21.5 of video content. Students who appreciate long and well-structured courses will enjoy the course. Through 143 lessons, students will learn about the following topics. The topics are the accounting cycle, excel fundamentals, debits and credits, post journal entries to general ledger and more. The core options of Excel that will be covered are adding, subtracting, and summing up columns of numbers. At the end of the course, students should be able to understand how accounting software works.

Ideal candidates for the course are business owners, accounting students, and accounting professionals. Potential candidates don’t need any accounting experience to be able to follow the course. Since the instructor will explain how to use Excell, you need this program to perform exercises. The course is accessible on mobiles devices, tablets, and TVs. The most successful candidates who finish the course will receive a certificate of completion.

Cost Accounting Courses

Cost Accounting and Financial Management – A Complete Study

Instructor: Raja Natarajan is an accountant with a passion for teaching people. He has worked in the State Bank of India as an assistant to a vice president for a number of years. During his working experience, Raja was involved with financial analysis, risk management, and evaluating business models. He learned practical things related to accounting and financial management. Since he loves to teach people, he decided to share his knowledge through the Udemy platform.

Details: Students who would like to learn more about theory and practical concepts of finance should enroll in the Cost Accounting and Financial Management – A Complete Study. As the title says, the program is a complete overview of the accounting and financial management. Students are offered by practical examples and lots of case studies in which they will learn how to solve practical problems. Students who are not sure about their knowledge can take one of the course’s quizzes to test what they have learned. The program has two segments and those are financial management and cost accounting. In the first segment, students will learn about basics of financial management, financial analysis through ratios, financial analysis through cash flow statement and fund flow statement. Next, the teacher will cover topics such as costs of business, budgeting, leverage analysis and more. In the second segment related to cost accounting, the instructor will cover the following topics. The topics are the basics of cost accounting, material costing, labor costing and many other.

Ideal candidates for the course are finance students. This is a very demanding course which lasts 45 hours. Students who are ready to go through all the lessons and finish the course will get a certificate of completion.

Cost Accounting: Introduction to Management Accounting

Instructor: Dave Burrell is an accounting instructor. He has worked as an accounting educator for six years. Dave is the owner of the Notepirate which is an accounting and finance website. According to him, accounting and finance have a significant influence on his life. At the start, it was difficult for him to understand the fundamental concepts of accounting. He knows how beginners feel. In the field of accounting and finance, it is essential to find a teacher who will provide a deep understanding of the material. Dave Burrell is precisely that.

Details: In the Cost Accounting: Introduction to Management Accounting program, the instructor explains management accounting. Management accounting is a little bit more mathematical and logical based. It is related to manufacturing, where managers are free to create an internal accounting system. It is a forward-looking system in which the main operation is making forecasts for the next couple of months or years. In general, management accounting is the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, analysis, and preparation and communication. The teacher will try to break this definition down and explain each keyword in detail. Students will learn about cost measurement, cost behavior, cost functions, fixed costs, variable costs and mixed costs. Next, they will learn about the process of costing, preparing cash budgets, variance analysis and more.

Ideal candidates for the course are university students, CPA & MBA students, and bookkeepers. To be able to follow the course, students need to have basic algebra and arithmetic skills. The course contains 7.5 hours of video content and it is accessible on mobile and TV. Upon completion, students will get certificates.

Accounting Resources

How to Get a Job as an Accountant

Accounting is a stable field in high demand. It’s not going away any time soon… Lots of job security! Sounds good right!? Yes, but you have to have the right education to get a good job and pass certification exams. In most states, candidates must have 150 or more college credits before taking the exam. If you want to work at a big accounting firm, you will need to pass the CPA exam. To do that, you need a degree in accounting from an accredited college or university and a passing grade on the CPA exam. Most students will use a certificate program to prepare for licensing tests. They augment them with skill boosting courses in accounting. By many counts, the CPA exam itself can be a commitment of 300 hours of study.

Accounting firms are looking for junior accountants. A junior accountant is someone who graduated from college and is seeking an entry-level position. This path can be a great way to get paid while learning what it means to be an accountant. Some people study for their licensing exams while they work their jobs. Big accounting firms, like KPMG, often pay for employees to get their licenses.

Employers are looking for successful performance in a degree program. Most accounting firms want someone with a 3.5 GPA or better, but experience in the field or a certificate can help. Another tip is to take an internship at an accounting firm while you are studying in college. Major accounting firms recruit in September and October. These recruiting efforts focus on filling internships and hiring junior accountants for the following year.

Students who take internships during their junior and senior year of college can be hired by the firm where they worked. They also have a leg up in the hiring process after college, as they have proven themselves to a firm.

Get to know your accounting professors at your college. Big accounting firms check in with professors to get recommendations for employees. Getting to know your professors is one instance where being the teacher’s pet can pay off! Volunteer to grade papers or tutor students who are struggling. Even if your professor doesn’t recommend you, it is a significant contact to have in the future.

What Type of Person Makes a Great Accountant?

An accountant loves to work with numbers. They must have a passion for details, be able to analyze complex scenarios and make judgments about data. If you were the type of child kid that liked to have everything in its place, you might make a good accountant. If you loved solving puzzles or somebody might consider you a ‘Perfectionist,’ then you have attributes of a good accountant. If you have trouble focusing for long periods of time, hate to work alone, and are poor with handling money, you will not excel in the realm of accounting.

An accountant should have a strong moral compass. Business owners rely on accountants for analysis of their business financials. If you lack ethical fortitude, you will jeopardize everything.

Interviewing for an Accounting Job

Research your idea job on sites like indeed.com and Monster.com. Sort your search by common phrases like Accountant or Accounting. Most employers don’t want to take a chance that you won’t be a good fit or like the work, so demonstrate in your resume that you have experience in the field.

Prepare some answers for common interview questions when applying for an accounting job. Consider things like, “Have you helped a company save money in your accounting experience, and if so, how?”

Employers want to see that you fit the typical idea of an accountant. Show up dressed well, be meticulous in your correspondence, and be on time! If you want to be an accountant, act like an accountant in your interview. You will want to present yourself as measured and calculated. Don’t show up to your interview wearing anything other than a well-fitting suit.

How Much Does an Accountant Make?

The good news… If you can make it past the in-depth education and testing, accountants make high salaries. Most junior accountants make around 25 dollars per hour, which is more than double what someone with a less specific skill set would make coming out of collect. After five years or so in the field, salaries climb above $30 per hour and continue to grow. After 20 years as an accountant, many make $100,000 per year or more.

What Is It Like to be an Accountant?

While there are some stereotypes in the accounting world, most of those are echoes from a long distant past. When you think of an accountant, you might think of someone locked in a tiny room with an adding machine, head down, crunching numbers all day. While some of that still happens, modern accounting involves much more communication and teamwork. A junior accountant will join a team of accountants who discuss the different tasks associated with managing a corporation’s reporting. Gone are the days of nerdy people struggling to handle manila folders as they walk down the hall. They have been replaced by teams of well-organized analysts who come together to meet a common goal.

Highest Paying Cities for Accountants

As you might guess, salaries are higher in cities with an expensive cost of living. New York and San Francisco top out the list at just shy of $90,000 per year. If you live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that same job will pay $20,000 less. One way to boost income is to earn a CPA designation in your state. Most salaries jump by $5,000 to $6,000 with a CPA license.

Unemployment Rates for Accountants

Accounting is an in-demand profession. The unemployment rate for accountants is below national averages. As an example, in the fourth quarter of 2017, the unemployment rate in the United States was at 4.0 percent. The rate for accountants was half of that at 2.0 percent. The rate for financial analysts was just 0.8 percent.

Professional Organizations

The accounting profession has many organizations that set best practices and support accountants in their education and employment. Many of the organizations have annual conventions where accountants in their field can meet to network and learn. The organizations tend to be specific to the type of accounting someone provides, like the Association of Financial Analysts for financial analysts or the American Accounting Association that promotes accounting education and research.