Earning an accounting certificate online can be an effective and straightforward way to get proper accounting training.
Finances are an ever-present responsibility, and employers are continually searching for individuals who have the credentials to help organize and handle those resources.
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If you want to earn a certificate in accounting online, or any certification related to accounting, there are accredited programs that offer the curriculum and skills needed for various specialties.
Online Accounting Certificate Programs
An accounting certificate can be useful for individuals who want to gain basic accounting skills to either qualify for entry-level roles or prepare for a future undergraduate program.
Some certificates are beneficial for professionals who already have experience in the field and want to expand upon their current accounting skill set. Knowledge from a certificate program may be used to pursue a graduate degree or advance in their accounting careers.
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There are a number of accounting certificate programs that are offered with various instructional methods, ranging from in-person lectures to hybrid and fully online courses. Throughout various accounting programs, you can expect to see a common arrangement of course topics, such as:
- Accounting information systems
- Cost accounting
- Financial accounting
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Income tax and federal tax
- Introduction to business
- Managerial accounting
- Microcomputer accounting
- Payroll accounting
- Principles of financial accounting
On its own, an online certificate in accounting can help you qualify for a number of entry-level roles in accounting, such as:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting assistant
- Auditing clerk
- Financial clerk
An accounting certificate can also pair well with a bachelors degree. While the certificate can supplement your training, a bachelors can allow you to qualify for more positions in the field. In addition to their on-campus options, a number of universities offer online accounting bachelor degree programs.
Accounting and finance careers that require a degree include:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Budget analyst
- Tax examiner
- IRS agent
Individuals with accounting training can consider a range of job options that are best suited to their skills, interests, and overall career goals.
How to Get an Accounting Certificate
Getting an accounting certificate can help direct your steps toward an accounting career and can establish the foundation for your future educational and professional advancements. To determine which accounting program is right for you, you may want to reflect on a few necessary considerations:
- Do you want to find a program that is fully online?
- Would you be willing to take classes that are in person or hybrid?
- What are your financial aid options?
- Is the program you’re researching accredited?
- Does the program offer the classes you need for your career requirements?
- Can the program be completed in a timeframe that works best for your schedule?
- Will your earned credits transfer to other schools if you decide to further your education?
Answering these questions may help you discover which of your program options are best suited to your needs and aspirations. Once you’ve found certificate programs that align with your goals, you can apply to the schools that offer them. An accounting certificate can help you qualify for entry-level roles or supplement a degree program to advance your expertise.
Accounting Careers & Salaries
While an accounting certificate can be a beneficial supplement to a bachelors, a certificate on its own can help you qualify for entry-level clerk positions.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are numerous careers that accept accounting certifications and degrees. Jobs in accounting and finance are also expected to remain in demand.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Financial Analysts | $81,410 |
| Financial Examiners | $81,410 |
| Budget Analysts | $79,940 |
| Accountants and Auditors — Finance and Insurance | $79,310 |
| Accountants and Auditors — Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services | $77,080 |
| Loan Officers | $63,380 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $56,780 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $45,560 |
| Financial Clerks | $44,760 |
| Bill and Account Collectors | $37,700 |
Public accounting roles include real estate appraiser or tax accountant, while private accounting roles include bookkeeper or accounting clerk. While an accounting certificate can help prepare you for entry-level accounting and auditing positions, pairing a certificate with a bachelors can help you qualify for more advanced career opportunities.
Certificate in Accounting Curriculum & Courses
An undergraduate accounting certificate program’s curriculum will provide a general range of basic financial classes to get students kickstarted in their accounting studies. While some programs offer additional, specialized classes and concentrations, here are some common core classes that may be taught:
- Financial Accounting: This course introduces the basic financial accounting concepts of the complete accounting cycle and covers how to maintain a set of books for a sole proprietorship.
- Computer Literacy: This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers.
- Computerized Accounting: This course emphasizes operation of computerized accounting systems from manual input forms.
- Individual Tax Accounting: This course provides instruction for the preparation of individual federal income tax returns.
- Payroll Accounting: This course covers the laws that affect a company’s payroll structure as well as practical application methods in maintaining payroll records.
- Managerial Accounting: This course emphasizes the interpretation of data by management in planning and controlling business activities.
- College Algebra: This course emphasizes techniques of problem-solving using algebraic concepts.
- Introduction to Statistics: This course emphasizes the concepts and methods fundamental to utilizing and interpreting commonly used statistics.
- Principles of Economics: This course provides a description and analysis of economic operations in contemporary society.
- Document Production: This course places an emphasis on utilizing correct techniques with adequate speed and accuracy and producing properly formatted business documents.
You might be able to pursue additional concentrations within a program, depending on the school.
How to Choose an Accounting Certificate Online Program
If you earn a general certificate or diploma in accounting, you may qualify for entry-level jobs in the field, such as bookkeeper or accounting clerk. Some programs also offer the option of an in-person or online bookkeeping certificate.
If you intend to advance in your accounting profession, you may benefit from an undergraduate program or even a master’s program. When selecting a certificate program, here are some factors you may want to consider:
- What is the timeline to complete the program?
- Can you advance toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in this program?
- Is the program affordable?
- Is the program in person or online?
It’s strategic to choose a program that aligns with your career requirements. For instance, full-fledged accountants are typically required to hold at least a bachelors degree. Certified public accountants (CPAs), in particular, are also required to hold specialized certification and pass a licensing exam.
Certificate in Accounting Programs Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements for accounting certificate programs vary, but a few general requirements are typically expected by institutions. These requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Application fee
- Minimum GPA requirement of a 2.0, on average
A growing number of schools no longer require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions, but this can vary by institution. If you plan to advance your education by enrolling in a bachelor’s or master’s program, you will be expected to meet another separate tier of admission requirements.
Accounting Certificate Programs Online Accreditation
The status of regional accreditation is evidence that a school has met and is maintaining a high level of standards set by an accrediting agency.
Accreditation from a reputable agency is a vital aspect of an accounting certificate program. Employers and colleges tend to seek or accept individuals who have studied under accredited programs to ensure that the overall training they received is of high quality.
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Attending an accredited institution can also impact your eligibility for financial aid acceptance and the potential transferability of your earned credits.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are many financial aid opportunities for qualifying students who want to pursue certifications in accounting.
It’s strategic to make sure that you find a program that will accept your financial aid information. You can fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to your institution. Your FAFSA can determine your eligibility for government grants and loans.
Some schools and public organizations also offer scholarships based on need or merit. Payment plans are also offered by many institutions, and loan repayment options after graduation can be catered to suit your financial circumstances.
Is Accounting Hard?
Some people consider accounting to be difficult since it involves an array of math-related subjects. Accountants tend to think analytically, have an aptitude for mathematics, and have a high attention to detail.
If you have enjoy mathematics, spreadsheet analysis, and logistical topics, you might also enjoy an accounting program and career. When researching prospective accounting programs, you could also see if they offer any additional tutoring or supplemental instruction.
What Can You Do with an Accounting Certificate?
With an accounting certificate, professionals may qualify for a variety of entry-level jobs. You can test the waters in the accounting sector and decide whether to pursue a higher degree or additional certification, depending on your career path.
Common entry-level careers in the field include accounting assistant, bookkeeper, auditing clerk, and financial clerk. A standard certificate, like an accounts payable certification or accounts receivable certificate, allows graduates to begin in an entry-level position. Further education can allow you to seek more advanced professions and salary opportunities.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Certificate Online?
How long it takes to get an online accounting certificate depends on the particular certificate program and school.
The average completion time for an online accounting certificate is 6 months to 1 year with full-time study. Some schools even offer shorter certificate programs, depending on the area of focus and how many topics are covered.
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Since many online certificate programs have more scheduling flexibility, you can likely choose to complete your studies part-time, if needed. Though enrolling part-time will add to your completion time, it can also help you balance your studies with life’s other responsibilities.
What’s the Difference Between an Accounting Certificate vs. Certification?
A certificate can help prepare you to advance in your career or gain the knowledge needed to stay up-to-date in your field. Programs for online accounting certifications usually require an assessment of current knowledge, as indicated by examination or professional competency.
Other factors that differentiate between the two include the following:
| Certificate | Certification |
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Accounting certification programs offer an additional boost to your resume and can make you more marketable to employers.
What’s the Difference Between a Certificate vs. Associate Degree in Accounting?
Accounting certificates focus solely on the topic of accounting, while an associate degree in accounting includes general education coursework to offer a well-rounded educational experience.
| Certificate | Associate’s Degree |
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Both types of programs can be a benefit to your educational journey depending on your aspirations after graduation.
Is an Accounting Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an accounting certificate is worth it for many students. An accounting certificate can help qualify you for entry-level careers in the accounting sector. A certificate can also be supplemented with a bachelors degree, enabling you to receive specialized training along with qualifications for more advanced careers.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for business and financial occupations is remaining steady and will continue to grow over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online Accounting Certificate Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers certificates in Accounting Technology Management, Accounting Technology Operations, and Accounting Technology Specialist. Credit requirements range from 12 to 27. Those interested in obtaining a certificate must submit copies of their official high school transcripts and TABE when applying online.
Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
North Seattle College offers a Certificate of Accountancy. Students must complete 45 credit hours to obtain the certificate. Students studying full-time can typically complete the program in 4 quarters. Those interested in the program may submit an online application through the school’s website along with their official test scores and education history.
North Seattle College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Richmond Community College offers two certificates in accounting: Accounting Specialist and Accounting/Bookkeeper. Students must complete 18 credit hours to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit an online application through the school’s website along with copies of their official high school transcripts.
RichmondCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Shoreline Community College offers an Accounting Certificate of Proficiency. Students must complete 55 credit hours to obtain the certificate. Those interested in completing an associate’s degree in accounting may be able to use the credits toward half of the required courses. Applications are open to any interested students.
Shoreline Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online accounting certificate program. The certificate requires the completion of 18 credit hours and can typically be completed in 6 months. Classes are 8 weeks long. Those interested in the program can speak with an admissions counselor before submitting an online application. Applications are accepted year-round.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Southwestern Community College offers a certificate in Accounting and Finance. Students may add an emphasis in Bookkeeping, Payroll, or Tax. Students must complete 16 to 18 credit hours to obtain the certificate. Applicants must submit an online application along with their official high school transcripts, placement test scores, and GPA.
SCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of California—Berkeley offers a certificate program in accounting. To obtain the certificate, students must complete 24 semester hours with a minimum GPA of 2.5 within five years of starting the program. Those interested in the program must submit an online application through the school’s website.
University of California – Berkeley is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges.
The University of Virginia offers an online accounting certificate program. Students must complete 10 courses. The certificate program prepares students for those looking to complete the Certified Public Accountant examination. Applicants need to submit copies of their transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may be used, but official transcripts are needed after acceptance.
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Washington offers a certificate in accounting. The certificate prepares students for the Certified Public Accounting exam. To graduate, students must complete 36 credit hours. The program may be completed part-time in three quarters or in a full-time intensive quarter. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in the field to be eligible for the program.
The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Wayne Community College offers a certificate in Accounting and Finance/Bookkeeping. To graduate, students must complete 17 credit hours. Those interested in the certificate may apply online through the school’s website with copies of their official high school transcripts. An admissions interview must also be conducted.
Wayne Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Accounting Certificate Online
You can begin your search for the right accounting certificate once you know what kind of accounting role you prefer. Understanding the necessary job requirements can help you find a program that aligns with those specifications.
To prepare yourself for the application process, you may want to take the time to explore accredited universities and compile your admissions and financial aid information. You can also reach out to any prospective institution’s advisors so they can help guide you through the application progress and program requirements.
If you’re ready to discover the program that’s right for you, you can start comparing online accounting certificates from accredited schools today.
