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How to Get A Finance and Accounting Degree Online

Anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in finance or accounting should consider getting a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. The finance and accounting degree is a combination of the two disciplines. Students interested in pursuing this degree need to take a series of general education, business, accounting, and finance classes over the course of four years, but this time frame may change depending on factors like academic progress or enrollment status. Individuals that enroll in finance and accounting program will learn how to develop investment and accounting strategies for personal and professional use.



Students may prefer to pursue this degree online because the program offers them flexibility. Students are able to attend classes on their own time, pick the amount of classes they want to take, and choose how long it takesfor them to complete the program. An online degree program provides students with a solid foundation in financing and accounting practices. Individuals that complete the program will have the opportunity to work for corporate and public companies in a variety of finance jobs. Individuals that earn a degree in accounting and finance could work in a variety of fields, including banking, taxation, accounting, and financial management.

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Online Accounting Degree Programs

By majoring in this combined discipline, students will learn how to identify and use business tools they need to be effective in the field. Students will take courses in finance, project management, strategic planning, learn how to use enterprise resource planning software (ERP), and more. Once students have successfully completed the program, they will be equipped to use their newfound skills and knowledge to monitor, regulate, audit, and process transactions and financial operations. Finance and accounting graduates are capable of assessing and managing the financial needs of personal clients and businesses alike.

There is an overwhelming demand for financial documentation specialists, auditors, analysts, and accountants. This degree is for students who want to pursue a career in finance, but do not necessarily want to become a certified public accountant (CPA), or who want to increase their career options.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Finance and Accounting Degree?

There are many schools in the United States, such as Ashford University and Northeastern University, which are offering online Finance and Accounting degrees. Students can enroll in a 4-year long Bachelor of Science (B.S)/ Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Finance, a 1-year long Certificate Program in Accounting, or a 1 to 2 year long Master of Science (M.S) in Finance.

What Are the Requirements to Complete an Online Finance and Accounting Degree?

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Finance have to complete around 120 credits and those enrolled in Master of Science (M.S) in Finance are required to complete around 39 credits. Those enrolled in the Certificate Program in Accounting have to complete around 24 semester units. The coursework is composed of a range of topics like Financial Institutions and Markets, Risk Management and Insurance, Investments, and Cost Accounting.

How Much Can I Make after Completing an Online Finance and Accounting Degree?

An increase in economic growth and globalization is expected to increase the demand for financial professionals and accountants in the near future. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the job opportunities for Accountants and Auditors will increase by a 6 percent from 2018 to 2028. Employment figures reveal that these individuals made an annual median wage of $70,500 in 2018. 

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:Where do accountants work?

A:According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 1.3 million employed accountants in 2012. Around 25% of accountants were employed in accounting, tax, and payroll services firms. Other sectors that employed accountants included manufacturing, government, finance and insurance, and retail enterprises. The demand for accountants is expected to grow 13% from 2012-2022. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:What does an accountant do?

A:An accountant is mainly responsible for examining and managing financial records. The job duties typically include: computing taxes and preparing tax returns, examining financial statements, assessing financial operations, recording financial data using various accounting procedures, managing financial software programs, and more. Accountants can seek work in a range of public and private organizations.

Q:What do account managers do?

A:An account manager is the interface between customers/clients and sales dept of a company. The typical job duties of an account manager include: building lasting relationships with clients, developing portfolios for company, setting financial budgets, developing strategies to meet financial goals, preparing reports, working with teams, analyzing and determining sales opportunities, and more.

Q:What jobs can you get with an accounting degree?

A:With a degree in accounting you can qualify for diverse careers in the professional world. Not necessarily do you have to work as an accountant. You can also become an auditor, a CPA, an accountant manager, a tax planner, or an investment analyst. The income level will vary from job to job. For example, in 2012, financial analysts made a median annual income of $76,950 whereas accountants made a median annual income of $63,550. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:How long does it take to get an accounting degree?

A:The duration of an accounting program will depend upon the level of degree you are planning to pursue. If you are an undergraduate student and wish to enroll in an associate program, it will take you two years. On the other hand, a bachelor degree takes four years to complete. If you are enrolling in a masters program, it will take you 2 years to earn the degree.

Q:What degree do you need to be an accountant?

A:To become an accountant, you must have at least a bachelor level degree. This is a four year undergraduate program that will equip you with skills needed for entry-level or managerial-level accountant positions. You can also enter the field with an associate degree and work at assistant-level. The higher your qualifications are, better will be the career prospects.

Q:How to get an accounting degree?

A:Accounting degree programs are offered at all levels of post-secondary education. You can pursue associate level degrees, bachelor degrees, and masters degrees. To successfully earn a degree in this field, you must complete all the program requirements. You will have to earn a minimum number of credit hours, complete assignments, and pass relevant examinations. The exact degree requirements will vary from college to college.

Q:How to become an accountant without a degree?

A:Unfortunately, your chances of becoming an accountant without a professional degree are very slim. Most employers prefer hiring accountants who have at least a bachelor level degree in accounting, or a certification. It is recommended you pursue a college degree or a short course and develop accounting skills needed for this career.

Q:Define online accounting degree programs?

A:Online accounting degree programs enable students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop accounting strategies. The curriculum is the same as on campus programs and will cover various theory-based subjects such as accounting principles. bookkeeping, financial statement analysis, etc. This option is beneficial for those who have time commitments and can't attend programs on campus. You may attend classes on your own time, pick the amount of classes you want to take, and make your own schedule and time frame that fits you best.

Q:Where do forensic accountants work?

A:Forensic accountants use both accounting and investigative skills in order to provide litigation support in cases where there may be fraudulent activity within a company or organization. As such, forensic accountants are commonly employed by public accounting firms, consulting firms which specialize in risk assessment and forensic accounting services, lawyers, insurance companies, financial institutions, government organizations, and law enforcement agencies.

Q:What does an account manager do?

A:An account manager works for a particular organization or company and is responsible for the management of accounts. This includes overseeing and managing sales, transactions between suppliers, and relationships with customers. An account manager is also responsible for maintain a company's relationship with a client or group of clients. By working with clients, account managers develop long term relationships with them and gain an understanding of their desires and demands. They are then able to meet these demands efficiently thereby maximizing company profits.

Q:What can you do with an accounting degree?

A:There are a variety of career options for those who hold an accounting degree. Accounting is growing field that is essentially an important function of all businesses. The type of job one can look forward to with an accounting qualification will depend upon the level of degree and specialization. An associate degree in accounting can lead to entry-level positions such as an auditing clerk, accounting assistant, tax preparer etc. A bachelor degree in accounting can qualify one for administrative and managerial positions in financial accounting, operations etc. Most states require a bachelor degree for Certified public accountant careers. The income level will depend upon the job. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors made a median annual income of $63,550 in 2012. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Q:Can I take free Accounting Courses online?

A:Yes, there are many opportunities for people to now take free accounting courses online. The internet now presents many options through free tutorials and online schools. By taking accounting courses online you can increase your knowledge while studying at no cost, at home. Browse through our page for more detail about free accounting courses.

Q:I am interested in taking accounting courses online. Can you tell me about the skills accountants need?

A:Accountants need certain skills to perform well in their job. These skills include above average mathematical ability, ability to pay attention to details, effective communication skills, analytical skills, and organizational skills. These skills enable accountants to work, compile, and examine different financial statements and interact with a variety of clients.

Q:An accounting degree will help me seek what kinds of jobs?

A:Accounting and finance degree programs provide students with an in-depth understanding of modern accounting principles and their use in organizations. You can seek all kinds of relevant jobs with an accounting degree. For example, you can work as an accountant, financial advisor, or even a sales analyst. However, the type of job may qualify for will depend upon the level of degree you have earned.

Q:How do I find out if an accounting degree is right for me?

A:It is always advisable that you see if a particular study program would be right for you. To find out if an accounting degree is suitable for you, you can research a bit by reading about the requirements, course work, and descriptions. It is also good to find out if your aptitude and interest match with an accounting degree, and you can do that by taking a career test online.

Q:The curriculum of an online degree in accounting is the same as a campus based degree? Or are there any major differences?

A:The curriculum of online and campus based accounting programs are the same. You must make sure that the institute offering the program is accredited by an authority. Both odes of education offer the same basic and general courses, advanced subjects, and credit hour requirements. To learn more about the coursework, feel free to go through our list of schools offering online degrees.

Q:What makes an accounting online degree so convenient to study?

A:Online accounting degrees are definitely more convenient to study as compared to campus based programs. You can study with ease at any time of the day according to your free time. Online programs are suitable for working individuals who want to study and pursue their career at the same time, without having to compromise on either.

Q:I am searching for online accounting degree programs. Are there any schools offering such programs online?

A:There are many accounting schools that operate an online platform for education. Students can enroll in online accounting schools easily. The admission requirements will depend upon the school you have chosen. You can search online and learn more about the availability of online programs in the field of accounting. Make sure you check the accreditation status of the institute first.

Q:How tough are online accounting degrees?

A:Online degree programs in accounting are not tough or difficult to pursue as long as you are willing to put in the required effort. You must complete all the program requirements to successfully complete the program. On the other hand, online educational programs have been ranked as more convenient and flexible.

Q:In an accounting degree online, will I learn about accounting computer applications?

A:In today's technology based environment, professionals need to have a good grasp on basic computer applications that are related to their field. If you are an accounting student, you may be required to study a course on accounting computer applications. However, the coursework may vary from school to school so it is best that you contact the school and learn more about their program curriculum.

Q:If I have a limited budget and can't afford enrolling in an accounting college, should I go for an online accounting degree?

A:Online accounting degrees can be suitable for you if you are on a low budget. Online programs help cut down on extra costs related to travelling and textbooks. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection to study. You can easily manage your study timings without having to worry about attending classes.

Q:What are the different learning resources used in an accountant degree online?

A:Accountant degree online makes use of a number of latest learning resources that enhance the understanding and retention of accounting coursework. These learning resources include video lectures, case studies, online practice exercises and exams, discussion threads, online readings, and PowerPoint slides. By using these resources, students get the chance to learn effectively and at their own pace

Q:Can you advise me on how to make a choice among the different online degrees in accounting?

A:In order to make the best possible choice from the online degrees in accounting, you will need to keep in mind certain important factors. A crucial factor for you to consider in the accreditation of the program, as it can affect the quality of education and acceptability of your degree by employers. Other important factors include repute of the school, specialization courses offered, placement rate, qualifications of instructors, and tuition cost.

Q:I am planning to go for one of the online degrees in accounting. Can you tell me about the job outlook?

A:If you are planning to go for any of the online degrees in accounting, it is preferable that you find out about the job opportunities and career outlook for accountants. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job opportunities for accountants will grow at a rate of 16 percent from 2010 to 2021, which is as fast as the average growth of all occupations. Accountants with advanced degrees are likely to have an edge over others in the job market.

Q:Accounting online degrees made me wonder about the job description of accountants. Can you tell me about it?

A:Since accounting online degrees will eventually lead you to an accounting career, it is preferable for you to know the accountant job description beforehand. Accountants have the responsibility to prepare and inspect financial records. They make sure that the financial records are correct and that taxes are being paid in a timely manner. They also monitor financial operations and help organizations to perform well.

Q:Can you tell me about the different career paths I can choose with online degree accounting?

A:Online degree in accounting can lead you to a wide range of career paths and you can choose electives according to your area of interest. Some of these career paths include cost accounting, financial accounting, forensic accounting, management accounting, public accounting, and internal audit. It is advisable that you thoroughly read about them before selecting your electives.

Q:What will be my job prospects after having an accountant degree?

A:There is a positive job outlook for those having an accountant degree. According to BLS, the employment opportunities will grow at the rate of sixteen percent between the years 2010 and 2021, which is as fast as the average of all occupations. A higher level degree with the concentration in accounting would be more advantageous for a thriving career.

Q:What can I expect to study for a CPA degree?

A:To be a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) you can go for a bachelor's or a master's degree in accounting. The subjects may vary but typically, you may have to study accounting basics, taxes, auditing, financial accounting and corporate finance. After completing the degree you have to clear the certification exam.

Q:Can you give some information about the DBA Advanced Accounting NCU program?

A:A DBA program is a doctor degree in business accounting. It is offered by North Central University for interested. The program is an advanced level program and a credit hour requirement of at least 66 hours. This program is designed to cover advanced accounting and business management techniques. In this program you'll learn how accounting issues are related to business performance and how can you strategically control these issues.

Q:What is taught in the course on Investments in the Accounting degrees online?

A:The Accounting degrees online usually offer the course on Investments. This course is designed to make the students understand the in-depth coverage of alternatives of investment, market of securities, theory of portfolio and selection, valuation of common stock, sector and industry analysis, technical analysis and bond yields as well as pricing.

Q:Can you please brief me over what are the contents of the Business Analysis course of the top Accounting programs?

A:The top Accounting programs do have a dedicated course on Business Analysis. This course aims to make students be able to apply the concepts of algebra to the business problems. This application of algebra in business helps develop as well as improve the technical, critical and quantitative thinking skills that may be used to analyze a business. This course is usually worth 4 credits.

Q:Where can I find the best Accounting degrees?

A:The best Accounting degrees are available at our website which are offered by renowned universities such as Kaplan International.There is a wide range of programs that include bachelor's, master's and associate degree programs in accounting. You can obtain the degree through online or on-campus classes.

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