Online education has recently become popular with the shift towards remote work and learning. This is especially true for fields like accounting that lend themselves well to remote work. This article will look at some of the top online bachelor’s and master’s programs in accounting that allow working professionals to advance their education and career from anywhere.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add new skills, these flexible programs can help prepare you for success in the evolving accounting industry.
Top Online Accounting Degree Programs to Consider
Master of Accounting
The Master of Accounting is a graduate-level degree program typically takes 1-2 years to complete full-time. It is designed for students pursuing accounting careers requiring advanced knowledge, such as becoming a CPA, CFO, accounting manager, or auditor.
The curriculum builds on undergraduate accounting coursework, featuring advanced topics like financial reporting, business law, corporate taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. Courses blend theory and practice to develop analytical and technical skills needed in the field. Often, there is flexibility to customize electives based on career goals or specializations like forensic accounting or international accounting.
Pursuing these accounting degrees online enables you to meet the 180 credit hour requirement to qualify for the CPA exam in most states. It can expand your job prospects into prestigious public accounting firms or leadership roles in corporate accounting and finance departments. A Bachelor degree in accounting signals advanced expertise to employers.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BS Acc) is an undergraduate program that usually takes 2 years to complete full-time. It provides foundation knowledge and skills for entering careers like bookkeeping, auditing, taxes, budget analysis, financial reporting, and more.
The curriculum includes general education courses but focuses heavily on different facets of accounting. Core topics cover financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, cost accounting, tax accounting, accounting information systems, and auditing. The concepts, procedures, and rules of handling financial information are explored from different perspectives.
Pursuing a BS Acc opens diverse job options in public accounting firms, small and large corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and personal financial planning services. It equips graduates with versatile skills that apply to many industries, from healthcare to technology to hospitality. Typically, this versatile, affordable degree is the stepping stone into the accounting profession.
Career Paths with an Online Accounting Degree
Here are some career paths you can pursue with an online accounting degree:
- Public Accountant – You can become a certified public accountant (CPA) and work at an accounting firm helping businesses and individuals with taxes, audits, and financial planning.
- Corporate Accountant – You can work as an accountant within a company in areas like financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, payroll, or cost accounting.
- Government Accountant – You can work in accounting and financial roles for federal, state, or city government entities.
- Management Accountant – You can become an accountant who specifically helps managers in business departments understand financial data.
- Internal Auditor – You can become an auditor within a company that assesses internal controls and compliance with policies and regulations.
Conclusion
With versatile career prospects and strong earning potential, online accounting degrees offer a flexible and affordable path to enter this stable, growing profession. Accounting skills open doors across all business sectors, from public accounting firms to corporations in every industry.
FAQs
1. What accounting jobs can I get with an online bachelor’s degree?
Common entry-level accounting jobs with a bachelor’s degree include bookkeeping, payroll accountant, accounts receivable/payable clerk, tax preparer, and junior auditor.
2. Is it better to get a master’s degree in accounting?
A master’s degree enables you to advance into leadership roles and often meets eligibility for the CPA exam. It signals advanced expertise to employers.
3. How long does it take to complete an online accounting program?
Bachelor’s degrees usually take 2 years full-time or longer for part-time. Master’s degrees take 1-2 years full-time or extended for part-time enrollment.
4. What skills are developed in an accounting degree?
A: Key skills include financial reporting, budget analysis, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting, Quickbooks, Excel, accounting software, attention to detail, critical thinking, and communication.
5. Can I work while completing an online accounting program?
Yes, the flexibility of online learning is ideal for working professionals. However, full-time programs at advanced levels can still require significant study time.
6. What is the average salary for an accountant?
The average salary for an accountant in the U.S. is over $60,000 annually. Higher salaries are attainable with certifications like CPA, specialized experience, and management roles.
