In today's profit driven world, strong accounting skills are an important part of any business. Due to increasing complexity of the financial world, expertise is required in preparation of financial statements, making investment decisions, and handling financial issues of running a business. This has led to an increase in demand for qualified accountants across different organizations to help in the financial aspect of their business.
These days, many accounting degrees are offered online. These types of degree programs provide the convenience of avoiding travel time to classes and the related costs. They also provide flexible learning environments for professionals who want to keep their current job while completing the program. Various online schools offer associate and bachelor's degree programs in accounting. Topics that may be covered include accounting, business law, economics, marketing, payroll processing, and tax accounting.
Curriculum
An accounting associate's degree program usually takes about two years to complete. It usually constitutes about four semesters of course work. The following is a general list of courses that students may take:
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Business Fundamentals
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Work place psychology
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Computer Applications
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Applied Business Math
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Introduction to Accounting
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Fundamentals of Management
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Human Resource Management
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Marketing Principles
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Business Communications
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Business Economics
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Business Law and Ethics
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Managerial Accounting
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Finance
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Career Development Strategies
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Entrepreneurship
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Payroll Processing
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Tax preparation
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Accounting Practicum
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in accounting may be completed in four years, and may comprise of 120 credit hours of course work. The curriculum is usually divided into lower division and upper division requirements. Both these divisions are composed of required management courses, required accounting courses, and electives. Required accounting courses may include the following:
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Intermediate Accounting
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Corporate Taxation
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Advanced Financial and Tax Accounting
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Assurance and Audit services
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Advanced Business Law for Accounting
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Forensic Accounting
Students may select elective courses from different topics such as government contract management, health management, information management, international business, and marketing. Please note that the above mentioned courses are typical for many programs, but there could be slight variances for each program offered by different institutes.
Career Prospects
Online accounting schools help prepare candidates for different entry-level jobs in public accounting firms and other private and government organizations. Students may also pursue a master's degree in accounting to advance in their professional careers. The following occupations are some common accounting career paths, and their 2010 median annual salary as stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
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Accountants and Auditors: These professionals prepare and scrutinize financial records of a company. They ensure proper and timely payment of taxes and ensure smooth running of financial operations of organizations. $61,690
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Budget Analysts: These individuals prepare budget reports and supervise an entity's spending activities. $68,200
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Management Analysts: These professionals suggest way to improve an organization's efficiency by recommending ways of increasing revenues and minimizing costs to management of an organization. $78,160
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Financial Analysts: These professionals determine an organization's intrinsic value. They provide investment guidance to businesses and analyze the performance of financial instruments such as bonds, stocks and other types of investments. $74,350