What Can You Do With an Associates Degree in Accounting

What Is an Associate Degree in Accounting?

Bookkeeping deals with financial records and figures, helping organizations brand efficient decisions based financial analysis. An accounting associate program oftentimes serves every bit the first stride along this career path. A two-year associate caste in accounting builds foundational skills in math, concern, and accounting principles, preparing you to enter the workforce or transfer into a bachelor's program.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that accountants earn an annual median salary of $71,550, and careers in the field are projected to grow at an boilerplate rate over the adjacent decade. This folio offers an overview of what to wait from an associate degree in bookkeeping, including typical courses, admissions requirements, task opportunities, and salary potential. Y'all'll besides discover information on the certified public accountant (CPA) exam besides as answers to frequently asked questions about the bookkeeping field.

Why Get an Associate Degree in Accounting?

An acquaintance degree in accounting offers a broad overview of accounting principles and serves as the beginning step toward a career in the field. While some students enter the workforce directly later on earning this degree, many pursue further education, with some of the most common pathways outlined in the next department.

Future Bookkeeping Education

After completing an associate degree most students pursue a bachelor's in accounting, commonly accepted every bit the minimum education requirement for almost careers in the field. A bachelor'south builds on the knowledge gained in an associate plan, offering a comprehensive overview of accounting principles and practices.

Many accounting professionals pursue the certified public accountant credential, a requirement for many forms of bookkeeping professional person practice. The CPA exam requires 150 college credits to take. Every bit most available's programs are completed within 120-128 credits, many students elect to obtain a master'southward in accounting degree. A master's degree is typically the highest level of education required for a career in bookkeeping.

Some professionals interested in specialized accounting exercise, research, or teaching at the higher level may pursue a Ph.D. in accounting. More than commonly, accountants obtain specialized accounting certifications that bespeak specific knowledge in areas such every bit fraud examination or forensic accounting.

Associate in Accounting Careers

Along with further education opportunities, an acquaintance in bookkeeping prepares yous for a multifariousness of entry-level careers, such as bookkeeper, payroll clerk, and accounting banana. By and large, any career path with prospects of advancement requires at least a bachelor's degree, simply some entry-level positions offering respectable boilerplate salary levels. For example, the BLS reports that fiscal clerks earn an annual median bacon of $40,050.

Below, you'll find info on some of the top careers for associate in bookkeeping programs, along with average salary levels and projected task growth.

• Bookkeeper

  Bookkeepers and accounting clerks are responsible for maintaining an organization's financial records. This can include tasks related to recording cost and income transactions, creating financial statements, preparing banking concern deposits, and tracking accounts. This piece of work exists in many industries, including professional services, insurance, wholesale, healthcare, and retail.

  EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

  • Need: The BLS projects bookkeeper, bookkeeping, and auditing clerk employment to decline iv% between 2022 and 2028, due in office to increased automation within the field.
  • Trends: Software, like Quickbooks and Xero, along with full general technological advances take a direct upshot on many business organization operations, accounting especially.
  • Salary: The BLS reports the median annual salary for bookkeepers and accounting, and auditing clerks was $40,240 in 2018.

  Additional LEARNING

  • On-The-Job Training: Well-nigh companies provide some on-the-job training to new bookkeepers. This can include working closely with more experienced employees and supervisors to learn internal policies, procedures, and expectations for the function.
  • Certifications: Bookkeepers may cull to pursue the certified bookkeeper credential, offered through the American Institute of Professional person Bookkeepers. This process includes an examination and documentation of relevant work experience.
  

• Accounts Payable Clerk

  This accounting function is unremarkably part of a larger function or team working on finance-related tasks. Accounts payable clerks are responsible for maintaining records and filing reports, performing bones accounting functions, and issuing payments owed by the arrangement for products and services. These clerks may also have straight contact with clients and customers.

  EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

  • Demand: The BLS projects employment for bookkeepers and accounting and auditing clerks will decline 4% between 2022 and 2028.
  • Trends: The increasing use of technology to perform accounting tasks requires clerks to periodically acquire new systems and procedures. They may also be required to follow fiscal trends in their industry of employment (e.1000., insurance, healthcare, manufacturing).
  • Salary: According to PayScale, the median hourly wage for accounts payable clerks is $15.91. Salaries range from $26,754 to $45,529 per year.

  Additional LEARNING

  • On-The-Task Preparation: On-the-chore training provides the opportunity for new hires to piece of work directly with more experienced clerks. Those entering accounts payable roles can await to learn more than almost the organization and required tasks while performing their jobs.
  • Certifications: While not unremarkably required for employment, accounts payable clerks with an associate degree and at least ane year of experience may pursue the Certified Accounts Payable Acquaintance (CAPA) designation through The Establish of Financial Operations.
  

• Accounts Receivable Clerk

  Accounts receivable clerks work within accounting and finance offices to maintain financial records and perform basic accounting functions related to collecting and recording payments made to an organization. These clerks may direct communicate with customers nearly payments and invoices.

  EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

  • Need: According to the BLS, the overall employment of bookkeepers and bookkeeping and auditing clerks is projected to subtract four% between 2022 and 2028.
  • Trends: The increased utilize of technology to assist with financial recordkeeping, data analysis, and automatic billing are likely to touch on the office of accounts receivable clerks. Persons working in these positions demand to learn new systems and stay current within their manufacture, eastward.grand. wellness intendance, insurance, loan and credit, banking.
  • Salary: In 2020, PayScale reports the median hourly wage for accounts receivable clerks as $15.70, with annual salaries ranging from $25,956 to $45,295.

  Additional LEARNING

  • On-The-Job Training: Accounts receivable clerks tin can expect to gain noesis and skills through on-the-task training with more than experienced clerks.
  • Certifications: There are no certification options specifically designed for accounts receivable clerks. However, those working in these roles may cull to earn professional evolution certificates through relevant associations similar The Plant of Fiscal Operations.
  

• Payroll Clerk

  Payroll clerks aid with a variety of accounting tasks related to employee compensation. These clerks track employee hours, maintain administrative records, calculate wages, and distribute paychecks. This role is often connected to both finance and man resource functions within an organization.

  • Demand: A 5% increase in fiscal clerk employment is projected betwixt 2022 and 2028, according to the BLS.
  • Trends: Payroll functions and tasks are increasingly handled past automated systems and software applications. Clerks responsible for payroll and timekeeping tasks must develop technological skills to stay current and relevant in their roles.
  • Salary: The median almanac wage for payroll and timekeeping clerks was $45,050 in 2018, according to the BLS.

  Boosted LEARNING

  • On-The-Job Training: Many payroll clerks add to the knowledge and skills they acquire in schoolhouse with on-the-job grooming. This training is usually led past a more than experienced clerk in the organization.
  • Certifications: The need for payroll certification varies by industry and employer. The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers offers multiple options, including payroll certification and QuickBooks certification.
  

• Bookkeeping Assistant

  Bookkeeping assistants perform a variety of tasks that support an organization'south financial needs. These tasks can include general office tasks (e.chiliad., filing, phone and e-mail correspondence), accounting, and billing. They often involve working with senior accountants.

  EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

  • Demand: The BLS projects a 4% subtract in demand for bookkeepers and bookkeeping and auditing clerks between 2022 and 2028.
  • Trends: Current employment announcements call for skills in basic bookkeeping functions, office procedures, accounting software, and system and communication. The accounting assistant role is ofttimes specific to each organization, requiring flexibility and a willingness to learn.
  • Salary: Co-ordinate to PayScale, the median wage for accounting assistants is $sixteen.52 per hour in 2020, with almanac income ranging from $27,329 to $49,782.

  ADDITIONAL LEARNING

  • On-The-Task Training: On-the-job training, as conducted by experienced accounting assistants and supervisors, adds to the knowledge and skills accounting assistants can look to acquire in schoolhouse.
  • Certifications: Certification is non usually required to work as an accounting banana, but relevant professional evolution is available through certification programs offered by associations like the National Clan of Certified Public Bookkeepers and The Institute of Fiscal Operations.
  

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How to Get an Acquaintance in Accounting

Equally with most associate programs, an associate in accounting typically merely requires applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED. A program offered at a traditional 4-year college may maintain general GPA requirements or other admissions prerequisites, while those offered at community colleges typically feature open enrollment. Regardless of schoolhouse, all applicants may need to complete assessments of their math and writing skills earlier being immune to enroll.

Given that they are responsible for closely analyzing and interpreting circuitous fiscal records, aspiring accountants demand a strong eye for detail. Communication skills can as well assistance accountants share their work with other departments in an organisation. Students can build many of these skills by enrolling in an accounting document programme, which may besides help them complete their associate degree faster.

The Acquaintance Degree Feel

Associate degree coursework covers foundational accounting topics, as well equally introductions to business and economics. Math courses are part of the curriculum, along with full general education that provides knowledge in a broad range of disciplines.

The requirements to earn an acquaintance degree vary, but typically include 60-65 credits of coursework. Some programs offer internships and other for-credit opportunities to proceeds applied feel. Full-time students can expect to complete the associate degree in 2 years, and there are some programs that offer accelerated one-year degree plans.

Degree Options

Bookkeeping students can often choose between several types of associate degrees. This listing outlines the major differences among associate degrees.

• AA in Accounting

  An associate of arts may offer slightly more freedom in electives, enabling students to complete a wider option of courses.
  

• As in Bookkeeping

  An associate of science typically emphasizes math and science courses and may exist the best selection for many accounting students.
  

• AAS in Accounting

  An associate of applied scientific discipline is a professionally focused degree that prepares graduates to enter the workforce immediately, rather than transferring to a available's program.
  

Core Concepts

Students graduating with an associate degree in accounting are expected to know and understand these central concepts:

• Financial Statements: Provide documentation of financial data to managers and other stakeholders, such as shareholders and clients
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP): A framework of practice and procedure guidance widely used by accounting professionals
• Federal Income Revenue enhancement: A government-issued taxation that is paid quarterly and/or annually by both individuals and corporations, based on their income or revenue
• Spreadsheet Functionality and Modeling: Use of software programs, such equally Microsoft Excel, to format, store, sort, and analyze financial data, too as predict trends
• Data Management: Utilize of a variety of tools and systems to store and track financial information and monitor progress of accounting-related tasks inside an organization
• Cost Accounting: Provide analysis of costs associated with developing or providing services; provide managers with the information to make decisions on upkeep planning and toll reduction
• Oral and Written Communications: Strategies for effective communication in professional person business organization settings

Coursework

Each associate student works with an academic advisor to develop a degree outline that includes a specific course sequence. This plan covers topic areas in three main categories: general educational activity, accounting, and economics.

• General Education

  General education courses build fundamental skills that prepare students for more avant-garde coursework. These courses focus on broadly applicative skills such as inquiry and advice, as well as full general knowledge in areas such equally humanities, social sciences, and information technology.

  • English language composition
  • Business communications
  • Spoken language/public speaking
  • American history
  • Introduction to information technology

• Accounting

  These major courses introduce the fundamentals of accounting, offering a wide overview of the profession and preparing candidates for employment or further report. Accounting courses typically form a major portion of the associate degree curriculum.

  • Principles of bookkeeping
  • Computerized accounting
  • Managerial accounting
  • Income tax bookkeeping
  • Accounting internship

• Foundations in Business, Economics, and Math

  Supplementary courses give students a stiff foundation in business, math, and economics, enhancing the skills and knowledge gained in accounting courses. These courses are applicable to a wide variety of business environments, preparing students to work with many unlike types of organizations.

  • Principles of microeconomics
  • Principles of macroeconomics
  • Business police
  • Principles of marketing
  • Introduction to international business

Should I Get My Acquaintance Degree Online?

The affordability and convenience of online education make it a pop choice for accounting students, particularly those who wish to pursue a degree while maintaining their current career. Online learning offers several distinct advantages, including the power to complete courses at any time of day without visiting campus. Almost all accounting work can be performed on a computer, making the field ideal for online study.

Earning an associate in accounting online offers a number of advantages, just distance learning isn't for everyone. Online courses offer more flexibility, but also require more than independence, and some students prefer the structure of weekly classroom courses. However, for students who are highly organized and capable of directing their ain studies, online learning offers a much greater level of flexibility. For those who are unsure about online learning, many schools enable students to "exam drive" courses before enrolling.

Accreditation

Accredited programs have been evaluated by external reviewers to ensure a bones level of academic quality. This process assesses a plan co-ordinate to specific standards that cover areas related to curriculum development, faculty qualifications, student back up services, financial resources, academic services and resources, and student accomplishment. Information technology's important to ostend that an bookkeeping program is accredited for a number of reasons.

• Transfer Credits: About schools will not accept transfer credit from institutions that are non accredited. This is disquisitional if a student has earned credits they would similar to transfer into an associate program, or if a student is interested in transferring associate degree credits into a bachelor'due south degree program.
• Receive Financial Help: The U.S. Department of Education does non provide federal financial aid to students attending schools that are not accredited past a recognized accrediting bureau
• Go a Certified Public Accountant: For students who program to somewhen take the CPA licensing examination, most states crave completion of 150 credit hours from a school accredited through an bureau recognized past the State Boards of Accountancy. It's important non to waste material whatsoever time taking courses that volition non count toward this requirement.

It is upward to prospective students to confirm that the schools they are interested in attending have earned regional or national accreditation. Accounting programs should also exist accredited by an bureau that specializes in the field, such as one of the post-obit:

• Association to Accelerate Collegiate Schools of Business concern
• Accreditation Quango for Business Schools and Programs
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Teaching

Selecting the Best College for an Associate in Accounting

Several factors should be considered when selecting an associate in accounting program. Factors including cost, program format, location, schoolhouse size, and professional person training can all have an touch on.

For many students, cost ranks amidst the top concerns when selecting a program. Typically, the most affordable route to an associate in accounting degree is to enroll at a community college. However, more expensive four-yr public and private schools also offering associate degrees, which typically transition immediately into bachelor's programs. These schools may offering additional opportunities unavailable at community colleges, such equally internships, networking events, and membership in pupil business organizations.

Forth with networking and business opportunities, some schools offer increased professional grooming, with courses specifically designed to meet requirements for the CPA exam. If yous're interested in becoming a CPA, research whether a school'south accounting curriculum aligns with professional standards. Besides be sure that a school holds regional accreditation from a reputable accreditation bureau,

Regardless of your needs, plenty of schools offer strong associate in accounting programs. The 2 rankings below gather some of the top programs available both on campus and online.

All-time Acquaintance in Accounting Programs

Best Online Associate in Accounting Programs

Next Steps Subsequently Getting a Bachelor's Degree in Bookkeeping

An associate in accounting caste is but the first stride in your accounting career. Remember about the post-obit possibilities every bit you continue to develop your goals and choose a career path.

• Enter the Workforce: Ane option later earning your associate degree in accounting is to immediately enter the workforce. While your career options volition exist express, you tin can nonetheless pursue a multifariousness of entry-level positions, such equally bookkeeper or payroll clerk. Entering the workforce after graduation offers the obvious benefit of immediately earning a salary, and y'all'll too build valuable professional feel. Some students accrue job experience before pursuing their bachelor'south or master'southward.
• Pursue a Bachelor's Caste: Another popular option after earning an acquaintance in accounting is to immediately move into a bachelor'due south in accounting program. Almost schools offer bookish pathways that enable y'all to seamlessly motion from an associate program into a bachelor'southward without repeating any coursework. As mentioned earlier, earning your available's offers increased job opportunities and bacon potential. You'll also complete coursework that puts you closer to meeting requirements for the CPA exam.

Information on Associate Degrees in Bookkeeping

• How do I start a career in bookkeeping?

  Earning an associate in accounting is a common starting time footstep toward a career in bookkeeping. The degree prepares you for entry-level jobs or further education.
  

• Is an accounting certificate equivalent to an associate degree?

  An accounting certificate is not equivalent to an associate degree. Certificates typically require fewer credits and build less comprehensive cognition.
  

• How long does it take to become an acquaintance caste in accounting?

  Most acquaintance degrees take virtually two years to consummate, though some accelerated programs may enable you to graduate faster.
  

• How much does an associate in bookkeeping cost?

  While tuition rates vary widely among colleges, the National Center for Instruction Statistics reports that the average cost of an associate degree at a two-year college comes to most $20,200.
  

• How can I pay for my associate in accounting?

  Yous take many options to finance your caste, including scholarships, grants, federal loans, individual loans, and personal funds. Some employers may also partially finance your instruction.
  

• Is an acquaintance degree in accounting worth it?

  An acquaintance in accounting is an affordable degree that serves as the beginning step toward a career equally an accountant, making it a worthwhile choice for students.
  

• What can I exercise with an associate degree in accounting?

  An associate in accounting prepares you to enter a available'southward program or pursue entry-level careers such as bookkeeper, bookkeeping assistant, or payroll clerk.
  

• Tin can yous become an accountant with an associate degree?

  An associate degree in accounting does non enable y'all to become an accountant. Accountants must agree at least a bachelor's caste or even a master's degree.
  

• What salary can you get with an acquaintance caste in bookkeeping?

  Salaries for acquaintance caste holders vary by position an experience level: for case, accounts payable clerks earn an annual median salary of $26,754-$45,529.
  

Accounting Organizations

Accountants depend on professional organizations to network, share knowledge, and discover job opportunities. The list below features some of the most pop accounting organizations.

• American Plant of Certified Public Accountants
• Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
• American Accounting Association
• The Institute of Internal Auditors
• Institute of Management Accountants
• National Lodge of Accountants
• Professional Association of Small Business Accountants

Recommended Reading

About Affordable Online Accounting Programs 2022

Dec 21, 2022   |   Will Capella

Kick off your finance career with one of these affordable online accounting degrees. Compare the top programs, crisis the numbers, and get the best value.

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Source: https://www.accounting.com/degrees/accounting/associate/

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