Important Facts About Accounting Certificates
| Certificate Level | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|
| Prerequisite Education | High school diploma or GED | Bachelor's degree |
| Online Availability | Available online or on-campus | Available online or on-campus |
| Professional Certification Preparation | None, though voluntary certification like the Certified Bookkeeper credential is available | CPA |
| Continuing Education | None | Required to maintain CPA licensure |
Accounting Certificate Coursework
In undergraduate certificate programs in accounting, students are required to take introductory level classes in topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, accounting computer applications, and federal taxation. Some programs culminate in a final comprehensive exam.
Post-baccalaureate and graduate certificate programs in accounting include advanced accounting coursework so that graduates are ready to take the CPA exam. Students may need to have completed prerequisite financial and managerial accounting courses before they are ready for these high-level classes. Some of the topics student can expect to study include auditing concepts and practices, integrated accounting issues, business law, and governmental accounting. Depending on the program, students are required to complete anywhere between 16 and 50 credits, so the completion time varies considerably.
Career Options
After earning an undergraduate certificate in accounting, individuals are prepared for entry-level accounting positions. They may become bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing clerks. These professionals are responsible for producing financial records for businesses and other organizations. Accounting clerks who work for larger organizations may have specific titles based on their job duties, such as accounts payable clerk or accounts receivable clerk. As of 2021, the median annual salary for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks was $45,560 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also predicted 5% job decline in the field from 2021 to 2031 due to increasing automation in the field.
Those who finish graduate certificate programs often pursue careers as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Accountants who file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission are required to be licensed by their state's Board of Accountancy. To take the exam, candidates need to have completed at least 30 credit hours of coursework beyond a bachelor's degree, and a certificate program can count toward this requirement. From there, they must pass an exam.
Once licensed, CPAs find jobs preparing and examining financial records, as well as ensuring that their clients remain in compliance with governmental financial regulations. They may work for organizations or individuals. The BLS reported that the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 per year in 2021, with job opportunities expected to increase 6% from 2021 to 2031.
