Online accounting degree and certificate programs are offered by accredited universities and colleges like University of Phoenix, Kaplan University and AIU Online. Specializations include managerial accounting, professional accounting, finance, and more.
Recent corporate scandals involving high-profile accounting firms have not diminished the demand for accountants. As accounting and reporting guidelines have become stricter in the U.S., strengthened by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002, the demand for ethical, knowledgable and bright accountants has not stopped.
In the United States, there are three main classes of accountants: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). CPAs provide a wide range of services to the public, including auditing, accounting, litigation, tax, and financial advisory services. CIAs generally work in an auditing capacity for employers, while CMAs generally work for employers, but might also serve the public in a more limited manner than CPAs. CPAs are licensed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In the UK, Canada and Australia, the Chartered Accountant (CA) is the equivalent to the U.S. CPA.
Although requirements vary from state to state, to become a CPA requires the completion of a college or university bachelor's accounting degree, typically including 150 credit hours of coursework, and specific courses, usually in financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earn, on average, $56,680 a year (May 2004). Naturally, no educational program can guarantee a future salary or employment upon completion, but accredited degrees and certificates are typically required or preferred by employers hiring in this field.
AAS in Accounting Kaplan University's online Associate of Applied Science in Accounting will teach you more than just number-crunching. In addition to core technical competencies, you'll build key skills in communication, leadership and networking that will help you advance your career.
B.S. in Accounting In addition to teaching specific accounting techniques, the Bachelor of Science in Accounting provides core training in finance, economics, management, law, information systems and quantitative methods.
B.S. in Accounting/Government - Nonprofit Accountancy In Kaplan's online nonprofit accountancy specialization, you'll learn accounting methods and financial reporting guidelines for state and local government, as well as Yellow Book regulations. As a BS graduate, you'll be familiar with the distinctive characteristics of government and nonprofit accounting.
B.S. in Accounting/Managerial Accountancy Kaplan College's computerized business specialist certificate can qualify you for entry-level positions in help desks, call centers, and most offices.
B.S. in Business/Accounting The online BS specialization in accounting qualifies graduates for professional positions in the accounting field, including tax preparation firms and payroll departments. The rigorous curriculum addresses all major U.S. accounting methods and techniques, including:
New tax laws
Financial statements
Balance sheets
Asset management
Inventory analysis
Accounting software
Cost-volume-profit analysis
B.S. in Management/Accounting Management This career-focused curriculum addresses the major topics in accounting, including financial statements, asset management and accounting software.
BS in Accounting/Public - General Accountancy The online BS in public accountancy from Kaplan University will teach you auditing, tax, and consulting principles for companies, government entities, nonprofits, or individuals. Coursework includes comparison and contrasts with financial accounting, basic cost accounting terminology and methods, cost classification, inventory manufacturing, and more.
BS in Accounting The accounting major focuses on the processes for analyzing and reporting the economic activities of organizations and communicating that information to decision makers. The accounting curriculum includes studies in managerial accounting, budgeting, accounting systems, internal controls, financial analysis, financial reporting, internal and external auditing, taxation, international accounting, and accounting issues related to for-profit, not-for-profit, and government organizations.
MS in Accounting and Financial Mgmt The online master's in accounting and financial management is designed for individuals who want to concentrate their graduate studies in finance and accounting as an alternative to a general management or general business-related degree. The program curriculum provides academic depth in both fields and incorporates coursework in areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, operating systems, long-term financial management, marketing and investments, multinational finance, and electronic commerce.
MS in Accounting and Info Technology This program is designed for individuals who want to concentrate their graduate studies in accounting with an information technology emphasis. The degree program develops the accounting and information technology competencies needed to respond to the evolving demands being placed on accountants in modern organizations. The curriculum consists of a series of accounting courses that provide students with core knowledge in areas such as financial accounting concepts and applications, management accounting methodology, and auditing standards. Supporting technology courses offer both depth and breadth in relevant topic areas such as computer systems, information resource management, electronic commerce, information technology, and technology management.
