Explore career paths with an accounting certificate. Learn how online programs prepare you for roles like bookkeeper, payroll clerk, or junior staff accountant.
An accounting certificate program can provide a focused way to build practical skills without committing to a full degree. These programs are designed to prepare you for entry-level roles by covering core topics like bookkeeping, financial reporting, and accounting software.
Understanding what jobs an accounting certificate program prepares you for can help you evaluate whether becoming an accountant aligns with your career goals. It can also give you a clearer idea of how a certificate fits into longer-term opportunities in the accounting field.
Is an Accounting Certificate Worth It?
An accounting certificate can be worthwhile depending on what your career goals are. There are two types of accounting certificates available; undergraduate and graduate. While they may provide similar education, each one has its own benefits.
An undergraduate certificate can:
- Provide foundational education without the commitment to a full degree program
- Qualify individuals for entry-level accounting jobs
- Prepare individuals for certification in their field
- Transfer credits to a degree program
A graduate certificate can:
- Provide accounting knowledge to those who hold a non-accounting related degree
- Advance an individual's accounting knowledge and skills
- Prepare individuals for certification in their field
- Improve job prospects/qualify individuals for promotion
<h2 id="section---WhatJobsCanYouGetWithACertificateInAccounting">What Jobs Can You Get With a Certificate in Accounting?</h2><p>Accounting certificate jobs vary with the type of certificate received. Below is more detailed information on a few accounting certificate jobs.
</p><h3 id="section---BookkeepingAccountingAndAuditingClerks">Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks</h3><p>Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks can benefit from an undergraduate accounting certificate. They don't need a college degree, but some college education and on-the-job training are required. These clerks are in charge of maintaining a company's financial records, from transactions to loans and statements.
</p><p>Accounting clerks can specialize in accounts payable or accounts receivable. Bookkeepers can gain the Certified Bookkeeper Designation; an accounting certificate can give them the necessary <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Which_Schools_Offer_Bookkeeping_Courses_Online.html">bookkeeping courses</a> in order to pass the certification exam.
</p><h3 id="section---AccountantsAndAuditors">Accountants and Auditors</h3><p>Accountants and auditors typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting or another related field, but an individual with a graduate accounting certificate can also qualify, even if their degree isn't finance-related. Accountants and auditors keep track of and evaluate financial processes, including the mismanagement of any finances, and suggest ways to improve a company's bottom line and reduce unnecessary spending.
</p><p>Becoming a Certified Public Accountant requires passing the Uniform CPA Examination exam from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and continuing education to remain certified. A graduate accounting certificate can prepare an individual for this certification, as well as enhance their skills.
</p><h3 id="section---BudgetAnalysts">Budget Analysts</h3><p>Budget analysts help companies get their finances organized. They review company and department budgets, work with project and program managers, review requests for funding, and estimate future financial necessities. Similar to accountants and auditors, a graduate accounting certificate can help an individual with a bachelor's degree either enter this career or hone their skills to advance in it.
</p><p>Budget analysts who work for the government can earn a Certified Government Financial Manager credential. This requires the passing of an exam and continuing education, as well as a bachelor's degree and 24 credit hours of financial management study.
</p><h2 id="section---AccountingCertificateSalary">Accounting Certificate Salary</h2><p>The following table offers salary and job growth information on the different careers available to those with accounting certificates.
</p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> Job Type </th><th> Average Salary (2019)** </th><th> Job Outlook (2018-2028)*</th></tr>
<tr><td> Bookkeeping Clerks </td><td> $42,371 </td><td> -4% (decline)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Accounting Clerks </td><td> $38,734 </td><td> -4% (decline)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Auditing Clerks </td><td> $32,747 </td><td> -4% (decline)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Accountants </td><td> $50,937 </td><td> 6%</td></tr>
<tr><td> Auditors </td><td> $55,895 </td><td> 6%</td></tr>
<tr><td> Budget Analyst </td><td> $59,994 </td><td> 4%</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com</i></p>
