Best Online Accounting Degree Programs

Accountants are the financial minds responsible for maintaining the financial health of businesses around the globe. Healthy finances are the heart of any organization and in order to keep that heart beating, it’s imperative to have educated workers with the financial acumen to help a company thrive.

Accounting and auditing occupations may be well suited for individuals who are organized and like working with data, applying problem-solving skills, leading projects and making decisions. As most of the coursework for accounting degrees is theoretical, accounting degree can lend itself well to online learning, a mode of education that is particularly suited for professionals, stay-at-home parents, or anyone who prefers the flexibility that comes with an online degree program.

Graduating from one of the many available online accounting degree programs can provide a point of entry into this growing field which is expected to grow at a pace that is faster than average compared to other occupations.

What Do Accountants Do?

One of the main functions of accountants is to ensure a company remains financially healthy. They do this by preparing and examining financial records and documents so that they are accurate and comply with laws and regulations. They help individuals and businesses understand and conform to tax regulations by computing taxes owed, preparing tax returns and ensuring they are paid on time. They may also make recommendations on best-practices for financial operations based on their observations.

Interesting Fact: Frank J Wilson, who spearheaded the investigation that led to the conviction of the infamous Al Capone, was an accountant who worked for the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Internal Revenue (now known as the Internal Revenue Service or IRS).

How to Become an Accountant?

The following steps outline a typical path toward becoming an accountant:

  • Take economics and math in high school, including calculus
  • Research your state’s educational requirements for accountants
  • Choose the accountancy degree program you want to enroll in and start learning
  • Gain work experience through an internship
  • In fact, gain as much work experience as possible while in school
  • Pick the type of accountant you want to be i.e. a CMA, CPA or CFA for example
  • Find a job
  • Get certified by passing the relevant certification examinations
  • Continue with a more advanced degree if you want to
  • Work your way up the career ladder or start your own accountancy firm

What Can You Do with an Accounting Degree?

While entry-level positions can be available with an associate degree in accounting, the BLS states that most accounting positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, and many accountants choose to get additional training to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Job prospects for accountants are expected to rise due to the growing number of businesses and the increasingly complex financial regulations and accounting standards. Have a look at the table below outlining the occupations related to this field along with job openings, average salary, total employment and job outlook for 2016 to 2026.

Careers
Employment
Median Salary
Projected Job Growth
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers307,280$96,9407.3%
Budget Analysts51,460$76,5404.2%
General and Operations Managers2,400,280$100,7806.9%
Marketing Managers263,680$136,8508.1%
Sales Managers402,600$126,6405.1%

Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov. Take a look at the education level most accountants have:
Accountants
Education Level Required & Percentage of Respondents
Associate's
39%
Bachelor's
14%
Post-baccalaureate certificate
42%
Source: 2018 Occupational Information Network (O*NET), U.S. Department of Labor, onetonline.org

Best Online Accounting Degree Programs 2019-20

We’ve used factors that students that are especially useful for students interested in online Accounting. To present you with the best opportunities, our methodology has taken into consideration factors like number of online programs offered in Accounting, tuition, ratio of students participating in distance education programs compared to the total enrollment, student-faculty ratio, services such as academic and placement, and more.

NOTE: The accuracy of data derived from IPEDS depends on colleges regularly reporting to IPEDS. Not all colleges are as regular as they should be in updating this information with IPEDS.OnlineDegrees.com, therefore, has gone a step further to ensure the rankings you see are accurate and verified. We manually check each college website to provide you the top rankings you can rely on. Because of this double-check, the number of colleges may vary for each degree level.

Associate's
AS
Bachelor's
BS
Master's
MAS
1
Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff, NE
Average in-state tuition
$2,400
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
43%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,282
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
No
2
Craven Community College
New Bern, NC
Average in-state tuition
$1,824
No. of online programs
24
% of students in distance education
79%
Avg. amount of Aid
$5,894
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
No
3
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
Average in-state tuition
$2,432
No. of online programs
27
% of students in distance education
69%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,132
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
4
Haywood Community College
Clyde, NC
Average in-state tuition
$2,432
No. of online programs
8
% of students in distance education
72%
Avg. amount of Aid
$6,312
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
5
Lenoir Community College
Kinston, NC
Average in-state tuition
$2,432
No. of online programs
31
% of students in distance education
72%
Avg. amount of Aid
$7,288
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
6
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, NC
Average in-state tuition
$2,432
No. of online programs
18
% of students in distance education
60%
Avg. amount of Aid
$1,457
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
7
Stanly Community College
Albemarle, NC
Average in-state tuition
$2,432
No. of online programs
23
% of students in distance education
84%
Avg. amount of Aid
$5,734
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
8
Wayne Community College
Goldsboro, NC
Average in-state tuition
$2,432
No. of online programs
24
% of students in distance education
56%
Avg. amount of Aid
$1,920
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
9
Nicolet Area Technical College
Rhinelander, WI
Average in-state tuition
$4,066
No. of online programs
10
% of students in distance education
46%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,334
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
10
Western Wyoming Community College
Rock Springs, WY
Average in-state tuition
$2,256
No. of online programs
14
% of students in distance education
50%
Avg. amount of Aid
$3,998
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
Average in-state tuition
$8,568
No. of online programs
18
% of students in distance education
57%
Avg. amount of Aid
$8,292
Admissions Rate
92 %
Graduation Rate
58%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
2
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA
Average in-state tuition
$28,650
No. of online programs
41
% of students in distance education
60%
Avg. amount of Aid
$12,168
Admissions Rate
57 %
Graduation Rate
43%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
3
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY
Average in-state tuition
$21,500
No. of online programs
13
% of students in distance education
44%
Avg. amount of Aid
$12,910
Admissions Rate
39 %
Graduation Rate
35%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
4
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, ME
Average in-state tuition
$6,990
No. of online programs
29
% of students in distance education
75%
Avg. amount of Aid
$5,558
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
18%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
5
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA
Average in-state tuition
$34,225
No. of online programs
29
% of students in distance education
63%
Avg. amount of Aid
$12,099
Admissions Rate
60 %
Graduation Rate
59%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
6
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI
Average in-state tuition
$17,544
No. of online programs
64
% of students in distance education
73%
Avg. amount of Aid
$7,682
Admissions Rate
89 %
Graduation Rate
49%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
7
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM
Average in-state tuition
$3,842
No. of online programs
26
% of students in distance education
69%
Avg. amount of Aid
$5,958
Admissions Rate
60 %
Graduation Rate
35%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
8
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND
Average in-state tuition
$16,800
No. of online programs
27
% of students in distance education
46%
Avg. amount of Aid
$9,605
Admissions Rate
78 %
Graduation Rate
55%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
9
Peirce College
Philadelphia, PA
Average in-state tuition
$14,400
No. of online programs
18
% of students in distance education
96%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,899
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
35%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
No
10
Eagle Gate College-Murray
Murray, UT
Average in-state tuition
$10,900
No. of online programs
10
% of students in distance education
100%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,878
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
75%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
1
Post University
Waterbury, CT
Average in-state tuition
$15,258
No. of online programs
42
% of students in distance education
92%
Avg. amount of Aid
$6,014
Admissions Rate
53 %
Graduation Rate
20%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
2
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
Average in-state tuition
$2,522
No. of online programs
29
% of students in distance education
44%
Avg. amount of Aid
$8,450
Admissions Rate
59 %
Graduation Rate
52%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
3
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
Average in-state tuition
$22,400
No. of online programs
65
% of students in distance education
74%
Avg. amount of Aid
$10,869
Admissions Rate
60 %
Graduation Rate
51%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
4
Shorter University
Rome, GA
Average in-state tuition
$21,940
No. of online programs
46
% of students in distance education
38%
Avg. amount of Aid
$13,455
Admissions Rate
57 %
Graduation Rate
46%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
5
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME
Average in-state tuition
$35,650
No. of online programs
32
% of students in distance education
50%
Avg. amount of Aid
$20,353
Admissions Rate
84 %
Graduation Rate
63%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
6
Culver-Stockton College
Canton, MO
Average in-state tuition
$26,255
No. of online programs
7
% of students in distance education
21%
Avg. amount of Aid
$17,488
Admissions Rate
46 %
Graduation Rate
50%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
7
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
Average in-state tuition
$7,152
No. of online programs
79
% of students in distance education
85%
Avg. amount of Aid
$6,604
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
No
8
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT
Average in-state tuition
$6,006
No. of online programs
17
% of students in distance education
48%
Avg. amount of Aid
$7,162
Admissions Rate
79 %
Graduation Rate
49%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
9
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Average in-state tuition
$15,837
No. of online programs
137
% of students in distance education
90%
Avg. amount of Aid
$7,509
Admissions Rate
56 %
Graduation Rate
50%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
10
Purdue University Global-Davenport
Davenport, IA
Average in-state tuition
$13,356
No. of online programs
114
% of students in distance education
100%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,150
Admissions Rate
N/A %
Graduation Rate
48%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online Accounting Certificate Programs

What can I expect to learn in an online certificate program?

An online certificate program introduces students to the basic concepts of accounting. This level of education may be well-suited for individuals who are looking to build their accounting skills and want to learn to assemble and evaluate business and financial records.

Typical duration: Up to one and half years of part-time study

General prerequisites: High school diploma or GED

Typical coursework: Students may learn topics describing accounting terminology, financial statements and costing methodologies. Coursework may include:

  • Fundamentals of accounting
  • Computer applications in accounting Managerial accounting principles
  • Financial accounting principles
  • Cost accounting

What can I do after earning a certificate?

A certificate in accounting may make you eligible for promotion if you are working in a small business or enterprise or entry-level positions such as:

  • Accounts receivables clerk
  • Accounts payable clerk
  • Payroll clerk
  • Financial clerk
  • Bookkeeping clerk
  • Auditing clerk

Online Associate in Accounting Degrees

What can I expect to learn in an online associate accounting degree program?

An online associate accounting degree program is customarily designed to prepare students for the realities of working as an accountant in a variety of organizations.

Typical duration: Two years of full-time study

General prerequisites: High school diploma or GED

Typical coursework: Class curriculum at this level usually covers essential accounting principles that can equip students to track an organization’s financial transactions as well as prepare and interpret financial documents. Also likely to be included in this program are core business topics, general education courses as well as subjects like taxation, economics, business law, mathematics, and financial management. Examples include:

  • Computerized accounting
  • Payroll accounting
  • Introduction to business law and ethics
  • Business statistics
  • Economics
  • Personal finance
  • Federal taxation

In addition to meeting the program credit requirements, you may also be required to pass an examination to complete your online accounting degree. Possible electives: Auditing; fraud examination; taxation

What can I do after earning an online associate accounting degree?

An associate degree may open up entry-level positions in larger businesses and financial institutions than those accepting undergraduate certificates or diplomas in accounting. Some potential careers are:

  • Billing and postal clerk
  • Tax preparer
  • Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk
  • Payroll and timekeeping clerk
  • Brokerage clerk
  • Statistical assistant
  • Budget analyst

Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs

What can I expect to learn in an online bachelor’s degree in accounting program?

A bachelor’s accounting degree program generally builds on what is taught at the associate level. It may focus on the fundamentals of working in the accounting field, giving students an understanding of auditing principles, how to manage a company’s financial records, and how to make decisions based on a company’s financial information.

Typical duration: Four years of full-time study

General prerequisites: High school diploma or GED

Typical coursework: You may find subjects like auditing, taxation, financial accounting, and the laws and ethical standards that accountants must adhere to. Courses may include:

  • Financial statement analysis/ business valuation
  • Intermediate accounting
  • Advanced accounting
  • Auditing principles
  • Advanced topics in accounting research
  • Finance for business
  • Statistics for decision making
  • Ethical and legal topics in business
  • Corporate taxation
  • Individual taxation

Possible concentrations: Students may be required to choose an area of accounting to focus on, such as public accounting, forensic accounting, or managerial accounting. You may also have to complete an internship or a capstone project as a part of your online accounting degree program.

What can I do after earning a bachelor’s degree?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), a bachelor’s degree in accounting was the fourth most sought after degree by employers after engineering, business and computer sciences. A number of career options may be available in public and private organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Potential occupations are:

  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Financial analyst
  • Financial controller
  • Risk analyst
  • Treasurer
  • Pricing specialist
  • Assurance specialist

Online Master’s in Accounting Degrees

What can I expect to learn in an online master’s degree program?

Online accounting master’s degree programs are generally designed to give students a deep understanding of accounting theory and practice — something that may make degree holders more attractive candidates to potential employers. You may find schools that offer online MBA programs with a specialization in accounting. These programs offer busy professionals another convenient option for advancing both their business and accounting skills while still maintaining their current career and gaining job experience.

Typical duration: Two years of full-time study

General prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree

Typical coursework: The core curriculum of an online accounting program at this graduate level emphasizes accounting theories and principles, as well as fundamental accounting practices — such as conducting audits, creating and analyzing financial statements, detecting fraud, financial reporting, and using market data to make financial decisions for an organization. Students can learn about subjects such as cost accounting, economics, financial analysis and reporting, and business ethics. Examples of other course topics include:

  • Auditing theory and practice
  • Accounting information and decision systems
  • Professional responsibilities and ethics in accounting
  • Governmental and nonprofit accounting
  • Production/operations management
  • Financial markets and securities
  • Advanced auditing

You may also be required to complete a capstone project as a part of your online accounting master’s degree program. Possible electives: International accounting; occupational fraud and abuse; accounting communication

What can I do after earning a master’s degree?

There are a number of potential career options for those who earn a master’s degree in accounting online Including leadership positions in corporate and financial institutions. Some possible occupations are:

  • Auditor
  • Financial manager
  • Chief financial officer
  • Staff accountant
  • Financial consultant
  • Financial reporting manager
  • Credit analyst
  • Internal auditor
  • Risk analyst

Online Doctoral Degree Programs in Accounting

What can I expect to learn in an online doctoral degree program?

For those who wish to gain even deeper expertise on the subject, master’s degree holders may choose one of two doctoral programs in accounting:

  • A Ph.D. in accounting which can prepare students for academic careers as either college professors or researchers
  • A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a specialization in accounting which is geared toward preparing students for leadership roles in organizations. Students in this program can expect to take courses that use accounting theory as the foundation for building practical skills needed in the business world.

Online doctoral degrees in accounting can prepare students to become leaders in the accounting field. Doctoral students learn about accounting theories, empirical research in the field, and the methodologies used to conduct academic studies.

Typical duration: Four to six years of full-time study

General prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE may be required depending on the program

Typical coursework: Some examples of coursework at the doctorate level are:

  • Becoming an academic writer
  • Strategic management and practice
  • Foundations of research, scholarly literature, and theory in management
  • Accounting-based performance evaluation systems
  • Business strategy and innovation for competitive advantage

Students are also normally required to complete a dissertation that includes original research in accounting, or a comprehensive examination that tests on the concepts taught throughout the program.

What can I do after earning a doctoral degree?

Individuals with doctoral degrees in accounting can be eligible for senior management positions or positions in academia. Additionally, they may choose to use the business acumen they gain in the program to start their own companies. Potential job titles include:

  • Adjunct or part-time faculty
  • Business researcher
  • Chief financial officer
  • Dean or associate dean of business
  • Forensic accountant
  • Full-time faculty
  • Senior auditor
  • Senior accountant
  • Vice president of finance

Accreditation

Accreditation is an important criterion to look for while choosing from one of the many online accounting degree programs. This is because the accreditation status of a particular institute or degree program serves to demonstrate that the education you are receiving is relevant and meets the standards required by employers in the industry. It can also be important while looking for financial aid, acquiring professional certifications and licenses or while transferring credits from one degree course to another. A major accrediting body for online accounting degree programs is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) that provides internationally recognized, specialized accreditation for both business and accounting programs.

Certifications and Licensure

There are various different professional certifications that accountants can acquire. Many public accountants hold the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. In fact, all accountants who file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are legally required to be CPAs. The CPA examination is conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). A few more professional certifications and their issuing bodies are:

Licensing requirements vary by state and job roles. Nearly all states require CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework to be licensed – the amount typically needed for a master’s degree. CPAs are licensed by their state’s Board of Accountancy. Financial analysts are normally licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Scholarships and financial aid programs

Employment Statistics

Accountants and Auditors

Industries with highest concentration of employment
  • Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
  • Other Investment Pools and Funds
  • Oil and Gas Extraction
  • Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds
  • Management of Companies and Enterprises
States with highest employment level
  • California
  • Texas
  • New York
  • Florida
  • Pennsylvania
Top-paying metropolitan areas
  • San Rafael, CA Metropolitan Division
  • New York-Jersey City-White Plains, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division
  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
  • Fairbanks, AK
  • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Industries with highest concentration of employment
  • Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
  • Office Administrative Services
  • Land Subdivision
  • Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds
  • Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works)
States with highest employment level
  • California
  • Texas
  • New York
  • Florida
  • Ohio
Top-paying metropolitan areas
  • San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA Metropolitan Division
  • San Rafael, CA Metropolitan Division
  • Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley, CA Metropolitan Division
  • Napa, CA
  • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division

Tax Examiners and Collectors, Revenue Agents

Industries with highest concentration of employment
  • Federal Executive Branch
  • State Government, excluding schools and hospitals
  • Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals
States with highest employment level
  • California
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Pennsylvania
Top-paying metropolitan areas
  • Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division
  • Waterbury, CT
  • New Haven, CT
  • Anchorage, AK
  • San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA Metropolitan Division

Source: 2016 Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Other resources for those aspiring for career in accounting

 

See Methodology Information Here
Sources:

  • Accountants and Auditors, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm, accessed August 2018
  • Accountants, 13-2011.01, National Center for O*NET Development, Auditors, 13-2011.02,https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2011.02, accessed August 2018
  • Accounting (AS), Southern New Hampshire University, https://www.snhu.edu/admission/academic-catalogs/coce-catalog#/programs/NyTO7EItl, accessed August 2018
  • Accounting Associate Degree, Penn Foster College,https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/accounting-and-finance/accounting-associate-degree, accessed August 2018
  • Accounting Specialization: Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, Capella University,https://www.capella.edu/online-degrees/phd-accounting/courses/, accessed August 2018
  • Accounting Undergraduate Certificate, Capella University, School of Business and Technology,https://www.capella.edu/online-degrees/certificate-undergraduate-accounting/, accessed August 2018
  • Accounting: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Walden University,https://www.waldenu.edu/doctoral/doctor-of-business-administration/curriculum/accounting, accessed August 2018
  • Associate Degree: Accounting, Ashworth College, https://www.ashworthcollege.edu/associate-degrees/accounting/, accessed August 2018
  • Associate of Science in Accounting, Sullivan University, https://sullivan.edu/college-of-accounting-and-finance/associate-of-science-in-accounting/, accessed August 2018
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of Phoenix, https://www.phoenix.edu/programs/degree-programs/business-and-management/bachelors/bsacc/, accessed August 2018
  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm, accessed August 2018
  • BS in Accounting, Southern New Hampshire University, https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-accounting, accessed August 2018
  • Career: Management Accountants and Internal Auditors, Big Future, The College Board, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/businessand-finance-management-accountants-internal-auditors, accessed October 2019
  • Financial Analysts, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm
  • Financial Managers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm accessed August 2018
  • Management Analysts, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
  • Master of Professional Accounting, Penn State World Campus, https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-masters-in-professional-accounting-degree/overview, accessed August 2018
  • Online Master of Accountancy, The University of Scranton, https://elearning.scranton.edu/macc/master-of-accountancy, accessed August 2018
  • Online Masters of Accountancy, The University of Oklahoma, http://www.ou.edu/price/accounting/online-macc, accessed August 2018
  • Online Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting, Penn Foster College, https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/accounting-and-finance/accounting-undergraduate-certificate, accessed September 2018
  • The Bean Counter Who Put Al Capone in the Slammer, Daily Beast, August 2017,https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-bean-counter-who-put-al-capone-in-the-slammer Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting, National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2017, Job Outlook: The Degrees and Majors Most in Demand http://www.naceweb.org/job-market/trends-and-predictions/job-outlook-the-degrees-and-majors-most-in-demand/, accessed August 2018
  • Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become an Accountant, Rasmussen College, https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/blog/how-to-become-accountant/, accessed October 2019
 
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Methodologies and Sources