Learn what you can do with an associate degree in accounting. Discover how online schools prepare you for high-demand roles like staff accountant or bookkeeper.
An associate degree in accounting can open the door to a variety of entry-level roles in finance and business. This type of program provides a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, and basic business practices.
Exploring what you can do with an associate degree in accounting can help you understand your options and next steps in becoming an accountant. Whether you plan to enter the workforce right away or continue your education, this degree can serve as a valuable starting point.
Associate's in Accounting Jobs
While many people may be familiar with bachelor's degree programs in accounting, there are also associate's programs available in the field. Some of the main differences between an associate's degree in accounting and a bachelor's degree in accounting include the careers that each degree leads to. An associate's degree in accounting typically prepares students for entry-level accounting and business careers. Some specific job titles for those with their associate's in accounting may include:
- Accounting clerk
- Bookkeeping clerk
- Financial clerk
- Auditing clerk
- Teller
- Bill and account collector
- Payroll administrator
- Accounting assistant
<h4 id="section---AccountingClerks">Accounting Clerks</h4><p>Accounting clerks may include additional job titles, such as accounts receivable clerk or accounts payable clerk. These clerks may be responsible for checking account data, posting transactions, coding documents, and figuring out interest charges.
</p><h4 id="section---BookkeepingClerks">Bookkeeping clerks</h4><p>Bookkeeping clerks maintain the costs and income records for their organization. This may require them to deposit money in the bank, run financial statements, create invoices, and manage payroll.
</p><h4 id="section---FinancialClerks">Financial Clerks</h4><p>Financial clerks may also have a variety of other specific job titles, like new accounts clerks, procurement clerks, or payroll and timekeeping clerks. In general, financial clerks help maintain financial records for an organization and perform various financial transactions.
</p><h3 id="section---AccountingAssociateDegreeSalary">Accounting Associate Degree Salary</h3><p>According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, the average annual salary for those with an associate's degree in accounting was $50,000, as of July 2019. The average was slightly less at $48,000 for those who specifically have an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting for the same year. This average is also expected to change with the specific job title, employer, and other job-related factors. Explore a few of the median salaries for other associate's degree in accounting careers in the table below.
</p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>Career</th><th>Median Salary (2018)*</th></tr>
<tr><td>Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks</td><td>$40,240</td></tr>
<tr><td>Financial Clerks</td><td>$39,570</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tellers</td><td>$29,450</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bill and Account Collectors</td><td>$36,020</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreeInAccounting">Associate's Degree in Accounting</h3><p>Students can pursue an on-campus Associate of Science (AS) or AAS in Accounting from a variety of institutions. Some of these degree programs may require around 62 credits and can usually be completed in 2 years. Students in these programs may take courses that further develop their computer information skills, as well as courses in topics such as:
</p><ul><li>Cost accounting
</li><li>Tax accounting
</li><li>Business law
</li><li>Payroll accounting
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreeInAccountingOnline">Associate's Degree in Accounting Online</h3><p>There are also several online options for students wishing to study accounting, including <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Where_Can_I_Find_Free_Accounting_Courses_Online.html">free, online courses in accounting</a> and online associate's degree programs in accounting. Students can still pursue AS or AAS in accounting degree programs online and these programs may require approximately 60 to 90 credits.
</p><p>Online associate's degree programs in accounting typically cover the same kinds of topics as on-campus programs, but may allow students to work at their own pace and/or attend class when it is convenient for them. Classes may be 8 to 10 weeks in length and students may be required to complete a capstone experience. Online degree programs may also be more likely to provide multiple start dates throughout the year to accommodate various schedules.</p>
