Best Accounting Certificate Programs

Certificate programs in accounting are generally much shorter than degree programs in accounting. They require fewer credits of coursework and can be completed in less time than a full degree program. For instance, many bachelor's degree programs require at least 120 credits, while certificate programs in accounting only require between 24 and 50 credits, depending on the program. However, this generally means that certificate programs do not include general education courses because most of these programs require students to already hold a bachelor's degree. Students can have a bachelor's degree in any field, but then the coursework for an accounting certificate is very focused on accounting. Both a certificate program and bachelor's degree program can help prepare students to take the CPA exam.

There are many different reasons why a student may consider earning a certificate in accounting. In general, students should have an interest in accounting and working with financial records and procedures. As mentioned, these certificate programs are open to students who hold a bachelor's degree in any major but may be looking to switch careers or add to current business skills to help advance their careers. Many students also pursue a certificate in accounting to help prepare for the CPA exam and meet their state's specific requirements. For CPA licensure, all states require additional education beyond a bachelor's degree (150 total semester hours, which is usually 30 credits beyond a bachelor's degree), although a master's degree is not necessarily required. Therefore, a certificate in the field can help students reach this extra education requirement. Earning a CPA license can greatly advance one's career and help licensees become more competitive in the market.

There are many graduate certificate programs in accounting that are also available and require students to have at least a bachelor's degree. Many of these programs are offered in an online format for flexibility for working professionals. These certificate programs can also help students reach the required 150 hours for CPA licensure, and many schools allow students to count credits from these graduate certificate programs towards a master's degree in the field. Other students may take these graduate certificate programs to further advance their knowledge and skills of accounting. Students can take between 18 and 21 credits of courses, and depending on the format of the program, may be able to choose from a list of accounting courses and customize their curriculum. Other programs have a set course list. There are some graduate-level accounting certificates that have prerequisite requirements for students that include a range of general business-related courses, such as courses in economics, management, accounting, and finance. Some of these programs can be finished in as little as 1 year and may allow students to work at their own pace.

In general, earning a certificate in accounting helps prepare students for accounting-related careers. These careers are available at a range of levels, based on experience and education. For example, students can first become accounting technicians or clerks. The difference between an accountant and accounting technician is usually a degree in the field and experience, which affects the job tasks and responsibilities that students take on. Typically, the more education and/or experience one has, the more advanced positions one could qualify for. For instance, those with experience may become a cost accounting manager or take on another kind of accounting executive job. There are also professional certifications that can help students stand out amongst competition and/or qualify them for more advanced positions or tasks. For example, students can become certified accounting technicians or CPAs. Explore some career options below.

Accountant and Auditor

Students who already have a bachelor's degree can work as accountants or auditors and earn a certificate in the field to advance their education and/or prepare for their CPA licensure exam. There are many different professional licenses or certifications that these professionals can pursue, based on their position, from groups like the Institute of Internal Auditors. Accountants and auditors help individuals and businesses prepare their taxes, manage financial records, and ensure that records and taxes are accurate and not fraudulent.

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk

Those who do not have a bachelor's degree but are still interested in accounting can work as bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing clerk. Accounting technicians would also fall into this category. Usually, these professionals need some postsecondary education but learn a lot of their job duties on the job. These clerks create financial records for their organization, check the records for accuracy, and handle different financial transactions.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts also usually need to have a bachelor's degree, typically in business, finance, or other related areas. Courses in accounting are valuable for these professionals, and depending on the position, some analysts may pursue professional certification in the field from groups such as the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Budget analysts create budgets for organizations to help the group meet its financial goals. They also review budget requests and inform management about available funding.

Many undergraduate certificate programs in accounting require between 24 and 50 credits of coursework, but there are some shorter, more specific certificate programs that may require as few as 12 credits of coursework. Typically, students in these certificate programs take various accounting-related courses, some of which may be offered at introductory and/or advanced levels. Courses can be broad in nature, such as courses in taxation or intermediate accounting, or more specific, such as forensic accounting and accounting analytics. Some programs also include other business-related courses, such as business law. Depending on the program, students may be allowed to choose an open elective. A couple of other examples of common courses for these certificate programs include:

Financial Accounting

Students usually take one or more courses in financial accounting that help students learn how to interpret accounting data in order to make wise financial decisions. Typically, these courses also help equip students with the necessary skills to prepare a range of financial reports and statements. These courses commonly have prerequisite coursework or require students to meet specific test scores on their SAT or ACT exams.

Managerial Accounting

Students also typically take one or more courses in managerial accounting that help prepare them to locate and interpret data that management needs. Students learn how this information can help management perform their necessary duties, such as evaluating programs, setting prices, and planning for the financial future. Some of these courses also require prerequisites.

Some undergraduate certificate programs in accounting take longer than other certificate programs, as they commonly require more credits to help students reach the education requirements for CPA licensure. However, students can still usually complete these programs in 3 or 4 semesters, which is 2 years or less. To finish this quickly, students are usually enrolled full-time, which equates to at least 2 courses each semester or term. More specific certificate programs, such as financial accounting and reporting, are usually shorter in nature. They may only require around 12 credits of coursework and can be completed in 1 year or less.

With the multiple certificate programs available in accounting, students should consider program details, as well as school details and logistics. Beginning with the program, students need to examine and find the appropriate format that works best for their schedule, such as online vs. on-campus. Students should then compare any specific admissions requirements and ensure that they meet those requirements. Students interested in a specific career in accounting or a specific area of accounting may want to consider programs that include coursework in that given area. It is also important that students consider accredited programs. Several certificate programs in accounting are accredited by business-related organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This type of accreditation may be preferred by employers. Finally, students wishing to have hands-on experiences may look for an institution that provides internship opportunities through its business college or clubs and other accounting-related experiences.

Other school-related considerations could include the location of a program, the cost, and additional school resources. Some students who are working professionals may need to find a program that is close to home or their place of work for convenience. The cost of accounting certificates is discussed in greater detail below, but students need to compare the total cost of programs, as well as financial aid availability, to find a program that fits within their budget. A final consideration for on-campus students could be other campus amenities, such as academic advising or mentor programs.

The admissions requirements for undergraduate certificate programs in accounting vary by institution and program. Students need to carefully check the requirements and deadlines for their school or schools of interest. It is fairly common for these certificate programs to offer multiple start dates and admissions deadlines throughout the year. For example, some of these programs offer admissions for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Many accounting certificate programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some certificate programs are also open to any business major at an institution. Students who have a bachelor's degree in accounting may be at an advantage, as they may be able to transfer in some of their coursework to cover prerequisite requirements for the certificate program. Some program directors may need to approve upper-division program requirements that are transferred in. Students could also be required to meet a minimum GPA of a 2.8 or higher. Applications for these certificate programs are often found online and may come with an application fee.

In addition to the admissions standards of an accounting certificate program, the total cost of a program also varies from institution to institution. Depending on the program, students may pay a lump sum for the program or have different tuition rates per credit hour based on factors such as the type of student. For instance, some schools charge different tuition rates for in-state vs. out-of-state students. Lump-sum programs may cost over $12,000, while those with different tuition and fees may note that tuition and fees will vary each term. The different fees for a program vary by school but could include matriculation fees for new students and more.

Students must also consider other additional costs when trying to calculate the total cost of an accounting certificate. For example, most courses require books and/or additional materials. There can also be a big difference in living expenses between on-campus residents and off-campus residents. Students living at home will pay much less in housing than those living in campus facilities. However, some of these students may still pay for on-campus meal plans to eat while attending classes. Transportation costs can also be factored into these considerations, especially for those who live off-campus and need to meet for in-person classes.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources for Accounting Certificate Programs

To help pay for some of these different expenses, most students research their options for various forms of financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the best ways to check one's eligibility for state and federal loans and grants. This form can be filled out each year and be a great starting point in the financial aid process. After this, students can begin exploring their options and qualifications for different grants and scholarships. These awards do not have to be repaid and are available from schools with accounting certificate programs and different organizations at the local, regional, national, and even global levels. Some of these awards may be subject-specific or based on other distinguishing factors, such as race, academic merit, interests and talents, and more.

Schools that offer scholarships may offer various awards for different kinds of students. For example, one school offers undergraduate awards, graduate awards, scholarships for transfer students, military scholarships, and law scholarships. Some colleges or departments within a college or university offer their own scholarships in addition to more general awards, such as merit-based and presidential scholarships. For instance, the School of Business at the University of Baltimore offers more than 10 accounting-related scholarships.