Accounting Certificate

What is a Certificate in Accounting?

An online Accounting certificate includes the introductory and fundamental technical knowledge and skill development needed to obtain an entry-level accounting position in businesses across all industries. in an online Accounting certificate program, students will complete real-world exercises and projects within their courses to develop their technical skill and increase their knowledge of the role of accounting in business. Accounting certificate coursework also develops a student’s problem-solving skills as they are applicable to today’s businesses.

Qualifications

Students who want to apply for admission to an Accounting certificate online are typically required to hold only a high school diploma. Some colleges and universities will accept a GED from student. If students are entering a business school within a college, that business school may have additional enrollment requirements that go beyond the general enrollment requirements of the college. Each college and university has specific admission requirements, and students should contact their school of interest for exact enrollment information.

Courses to Expect

An online Accounting certificate curriculum includes introductory accounting and business courses. The accounting courses focus on developing the student’s practical and technical skills, while the business courses introduce management principles and practices. Accounting diploma and certificate courses may include everything from beginning accounting and payroll accounting, to financial accounting and taxation, to business ethics and business law. Students must also complete a limited number of general education courses not specifically focused on accounting or business principles.

Time to Completion

Students can typically complete an Accounting diploma or certificate in 12-18 months. Although time to graduate can vary dramatically by college, students can generally expect to complete at least 12 months of courses before earning their diploma or certificate in Accounting. If a college accepts credits previously earned by a student, that student may be able to complete their required courses in less than 12-18 months. If you are serious about seeking a diploma in Accounting, check with your desired schools’ admissions counselor to see what the program’s time to completion is.

Employment Outlook

Employers are continuing to demand accounting professionals who have the analytical knowledge and skills earned in a higher education setting. With an Accounting diploma or certificate, graduates can expect to take advantage of the demand for entry-level accounting-related positions, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will increase by 10 percent through 2018.

Accounting certificate or diploma graduates can expect to be considered for entry-level accounting positions in businesses and organizations of all sizes and across all industries. With an Accounting diploma or certificate, graduates have a variety of employment positions from which to choose. This flexibility within the accounting field allows diploma or certificate holders to explore job opportunities and industries to help them find a position they most enjoy. Some positions available to Accounting diploma or certificate graduates include accounts payable or accounts receivable clerk, auditing clerk, or bookkeeper. Note that with this degree level, you will not qualify to be a CPA-certified accountant.

Certificate and Diplomas in Accounting