Online Accounting Degree Programs

There are several different types of degrees in accounting. Many people will choose to obtain either an online diploma or associate degree in accounting as a way to gain entry into the business world. They will be able to work in a variety of accounting settings in jobs as diverse as payroll clerks, accounting assistants, and accounting clerks.

Often, students are self-supporting and need to begin work sooner than a four year degree can allow. An associate degree in accounting can be an excellent way for students to gain entry level jobs in accounting. Students with associate degrees can expect to find jobs in all types of offices completing tasks like balancing ledgers or processing payroll.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting jobs, especially those that require a CPA designation, will grow much faster than other job sectors, with a 22% increase in jobs between now and 2018. Graduates who hold a bachelor accounting degree were offered jobs with an annual median salary of $48,993 upon graduation, and workers with a graduate accounting degree were offered jobs starting with an annual median salary of $49,786. Salary prospects are excellent for accountants with bachelor's degrees or higher; the median annual wages for wage and salary accountants is $59,430, with the top earners attaining annual median salaries of $102,380.

Job mobility may be another great reason to choose accounting as a career. A good accountant will have their pick of job fields to work in; they may want to work in the financial sector, or they may even want to work in law enforcement. Many law enforcement agencies like the FBI need superior forensic accountants to help solve difficult financial crimes. Often accountants move between job types; internal accountants often move up to management positions. Another very good option for accountants who hold CPA is to open their own firms; this allows them to become their own bosses and set the rules for themselves.